The state Senate approved rules Tuesday that allow concealed weapons on the Senate floor but prohibit them from being carried into the gallery during session.
Individuals with permits will also be allowed to carry concealed weapons into Senate offices unless senators post signs on their doors saying otherwise.
The Senate Committee on Senate Organization approved the rules along party lines, with three Republicans voting for and two Democrats voting against the rules.
The Department of Administration announced Oct. 28 that concealed weapons would be allowed inside state buildings including the Capitol after Gov. Scott Walker said executive offices within the Capitol would permit concealed weapons inside.
The state Assembly is also in the process of approving their own rules, which would allow concealed weapons in both the Assembly floor and gallery, if approved by the Assembly Committee on Assembly Organization.
DOA Secretary Mike Huebsch said concealed weapons would be prohibited in the Supreme Courthouse and the Capitol police station within the Capitol because of existing state law.
