Madison's Common Council unanimously voted Tuesday to prohibit concealed weapons inside city-owned buildings in response to the state's new law allowing gun owners to carry concealed firearms.
As of Nov. 1, the first day the law will be implemented, concealed weapons will be banned from Madison police and fire department buildings and all city office buildings, even if an individual has a permit.
""[The city] is trying to do everything [it] can to prohibit weapons without running a foul of the new state law,"" Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said.
The new law allows for Wisconsin residents to apply for a permit to carry a concealed handgun, knife or electronic weapon, such as a taser.
UW System spokesperson David Giroux said on Sept. 6 UW officials plan to also take advantage of the provision and mark all university buildings as off-limits to armed persons.
UW-Madison law student Jason Myatt spoke against the ban of concealed carry weapons in city buildings at the city Council meeting, claiming the ban violates constitutional rights.
""This is a constitutional right, both national and state-wide,"" Myatt said. ""We have a right to bear arms in our defense and if you can't bring [weapons] into city buildings, it's difficult for you to carry if you want to defend yourself.""
Myatt also said concealed carry is a ""non-issue.""
""There's been no proof whatsoever that it's caused any sort of increased accidents or increased crime,"" Myatt said. ""There's no negative cost whatsoever in states that have had [the law] implemented for dozens of years now.""
The city also revised its disorderly conduct ordinance in response the new law, which prohibits those licensed with a concealed weapon to be cited for disorderly conduct.
If a licensed person conceals a weapon in a city-owned building, he or she can be cited for disorderly conduct for violating a Madison ordinance under the council's decision.
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced in September signs will be posted forbidding all firearms in county-owned buildings.
