Wisconsin Firearm Laws :: American Gun Owners Alliance

In this section, "sport shooting range" has the meaning given in s. 895.527 (1).
The department shall establish and post on its Internet site a list of professional engineers, architects, and certified range technicians who are qualified to evaluate a sport shooting range to identify any deficiencies in public safety measures employed, as compared with general safe range design and operation practices, and to recommend solutions to any deficiencies found. If the department receives a request that a person or organization be added to the list under this section, the department shall evaluate the qualifications of the person or organization to perform the relevant functions.

No person may hunt or trap on land located in state fish hatcheries.
1m.
1. Except as provided in (b), state parks shall be open to hunting, fishing, and trapping by persons who hold the appropriate approvals required under this chapter.
2. The department may prohibit hunting, fishing, or trapping in a state park or a portion of a state park if any of the following applies:
  1. The department prohibits hunting, fishing, or trapping within 100 yards of a designated use area.
  2. The natural resources board determines that prohibiting hunting, fishing, or trapping is necessary to protect public safety or to protect a unique animal or plant community. A determination to prohibit hunting, fishing, or trapping in a state park or a portion of a state park under this subdivision requires 4 or more members of the natural resources board to concur in that determination.
No person may have in his or her possession or under his or her control a firearm on land located in state fish hatcheries unless the firearm is unloaded and enclosed within a carrying case. This subsection does not apply to any of the following:
1. A person who is employed in this state by a public agency as a law enforcement officer and to whom s. 941.23 (1) (g) 2. to 5. and (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies.
2. A qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer, as defined in s. 941.23 (1) (g), to whom s. 941.23 (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies.
3. A former officer, as defined in s. 941.23 (1) (c), to whom s. 941.23 (2) (c) 1. to 7. applies.
4. A licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (d), or an out-of-state licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (g), if the firearm is a handgun, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (bm).

History: 1989 a. 214; 1997 a. 237; 1997 a. 248 s. 599; Stats. 1997 s. 29.089; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 286; 2011 a. 35, 168.29.089 Cross-reference

Cross-reference: See also ss. NR 10.001 and 10.28, Wis. adm. code. 29.091

No person may hunt or trap within any wildlife refuge established under s. 23.09 (2) (b) or 29.621 (1), or, except as provided in sub. (2), have possession or control of any gun, firearm, bow or crossbow unless the gun or firearm is unloaded, the bow or crossbow is unstrung and the gun, firearm, bow or crossbow is enclosed within a carrying case. The taking of predatory game birds and animals shall be done as the department directs. All state wildlife refuge boundary lines shall be marked by posts placed at intervals of not over 500 feet and bearing signs with the words "Wisconsin Wildlife Refuge".
The prohibition in sub. (1), as it relates to the possession or control of a loaded or unencased gun or firearm within a refuge established under s. 23.09 (2) (b), does not apply to any of the following:
1. A person who is employed in this state by a public agency as a law enforcement officer and to whom s. 941.23 (1) (g) 2. to 5. and (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies.
2. A qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer, as defined in s. 941.23 (1) (g), to whom s. 941.23 (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies.
3. A former officer, as defined in s. 941.23 (1) (c), to whom s. 941.23 (2) (c) 1. to 7. applies.
4. A licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (d), or an out-of-state licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (g), if the gun or firearm is a handgun, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (bm).

History: 1991 a. 316; 1997 a. 248 s. 600; Stats. 1997 s. 29.091; 2011 a. 35.29.091 Cross-reference

Cross-reference: See also s. NR 10.001, Wis. adm. code.

In this section:
1. "Firearm" has the meaning given in s. 167.31 (1) (c).
2. "Political subdivision" means a city, village, town or county.
3. "Sport shooting range" means an area designed and operated for the practice of weapons used in hunting, skeet shooting and similar sport shooting.
Except as provided in subs. (3) and (4), no political subdivision may enact or enforce an ordinance or adopt a resolution that regulates the sale, purchase, purchase delay, transfer, ownership, use, keeping, possession, bearing, transportation, licensing, permitting, registration or taxation any knife or of any firearm or part of a firearm, including ammunition and reloader components, unless the ordinance or resolution is the same as or similar to, and no more stringent than, a state statute.
1. Nothing in this section prohibits a county from imposing a sales tax or use tax under subch. V of ch. 77 on any knife or any firearm or part of a firearm, including ammunition and reloader components, sold in the county.
2. 1. Nothing in this section prohibits a city, village or town that is authorized to exercise village powers under s. 60.22 (3) from enacting an ordinance or adopting a resolution that restricts the discharge of a firearm.
  2. Notwithstanding subd. 1., any ordinance or resolution that restricts the discharge of a firearm does not apply and may not be enforced if the actor's conduct is justified or, had it been subject to a criminal penalty, would have been subject to a defense described in s. 939.45.
  3. Notwithstanding subd. 1., any ordinance or resolution that restricts the honorary discharge of a firearm that involves the use of only blanks and that is part of any of the following does not apply and may not be enforced:
    1. An event, including a funeral, honoring a current or former member of the military, law enforcement officer, or professional fire fighter.
    2. Military honors provided at a cemetery on Memorial Day or Veterans Day.
    3. Military honors provided at a veterans memorial site.
  4. Nothing in this section prohibits a political subdivision from enacting or enforcing an ordinance or adopting a resolution that prohibits the possession of a knife in a building, or part of a building, that is owned, occupied, or controlled by the political subdivision.
3. 1. Nothing in this section prohibits a political subdivision from continuing to enforce an ordinance or resolution that is in effect on November 18, 1995, and that regulates the sale, purchase, transfer, ownership, use, keeping, possession, bearing, transportation, licensing, permitting, registration or taxation of any firearm or part of a firearm, including ammunition and reloader components, if the ordinance or resolution is the same as or similar to, and no more stringent than, a state statute.
    am. Nothing in this section prohibits a political subdivision from continuing to enforce until November 30, 1998, an ordinance or resolution that is in effect on November 18, 1995, and that requires a waiting period of not more than 7 days for the purchase of a handgun.
  2. If a political subdivision has in effect on November 17, 1995, an ordinance or resolution that regulates the sale, purchase, transfer, ownership, use, keeping, possession, bearing, transportation, licensing, permitting, registration or taxation of any firearm or part of a firearm, including ammunition and reloader components, and the ordinance or resolution is not the same as or similar to a state statute, the ordinance or resolution shall have no legal effect and the political subdivision may not enforce the ordinance or resolution on or after November 18, 1995.
  3. Nothing in this section prohibits a political subdivision from enacting and enforcing a zoning ordinance that regulates the new construction of a sport shooting range or when the expansion of an existing sport shooting range would impact public health and safety.
4. A county ordinance that is enacted or a county resolution that is adopted by a county under sub. (2) or a county ordinance or resolution that remains in effect under sub. (4) (a) or (am) applies only in those towns in the county that have not enacted an ordinance or adopted a resolution under sub. (2) or that continue to enforce an ordinance or resolution under sub. (4) (a) or (am), except that this subsection does not apply to a sales or use tax that is imposed under subch. V of ch. 77.
5. Unless other facts and circumstances that indicate a criminal or malicious intent on the part of the person apply, no person may be in violation of, or be charged with a violation of, an ordinance of a political subdivision relating to disorderly conduct or other inappropriate behavior for loading, a firearm, or for carrying, or going armed with a firearm or a knife, without regard to whether the firearm is loaded or the firearm or the knife is concealed or openly carried. Any ordinance in violation of this subsection does not apply and may not be enforced.
History: 1995 a. 72; 1999 a. 150 s. 260; Stats. 1999 s. 66.0409; 2011 a. 35; 2015 a. 149; 2019 a. 124.

This section does not prohibit municipalities from enacting and enforcing zoning ordinances that apply to sport shooting ranges. Town of Avon v. Oliver, 2002 WI App 97, 253 Wis. 2d 647, 644 N.W.2d 260, 01-1851.

Any person who shall discharge or cause the discharge of any missile from any firearm, slung shot, bow and arrow or other weapon, within 40 rods of any public park, square or enclosure owned or controlled by any municipality within this state and resorted to for recreation or pleasure, when such park, square or enclosure is wholly situated without the limits of such municipality, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding 60 days or by fine of not more than $25 nor less than one dollar.
Subsection (1) does not apply to the discharge of a firearm if the actor's conduct is justified or, had it been subject to a criminal penalty, would have been subject to a defense described in s. 939.45.

History: 2011 a. 35.

Definitions. In this section:
1. "Aircraft" has the meaning given under s. 114.002 (3).
2. "Encased" means enclosed in a case that is completely zipped, snapped, buckled, tied or otherwise fastened with no part of the firearm exposed.
  bg. "Family member of the landowner" means a person who is related to the landowner as a parent, child, spouse, or sibling.
  
  bn. "Farm tractor" has the meaning given in s. 340.01 (16).
3. "Firearm" means a weapon that acts by force of gunpowder.
  cm. "Handgun" has the meaning given in s. 175.60 (1) (bm).
4. "Highway" has the meaning given under s. 340.01 (22).
  dm. "Implement of husbandry" has the meaning given in s. 340.01 (24).
5. "Motorboat" has the meaning given under s. 30.50 (6).
  em. "Peace officer" has the meaning given in s. 939.22 (22).
  
  et. "Private security person" has the meaning given in s. 440.26 (1m) (h).
6. "Roadway" has the meaning given under s. 340.01 (54).
  fg. "Stationary" means not moving, regardless of whether the motor is running.
  
  fm. "Street" means a highway that is within the corporate limits of a city or village.
  
  fr. "Transmission facility" means any pipe, pipeline, duct, wire, cable, line, conduit, pole, tower, equipment, or other structure used to transmit or distribute electricity to or for the public or to transmit or distribute communications or data to or from the public.
7. "Unloaded" means any of the following:
  1. Having no shell or cartridge in the chamber of a firearm or in the magazine attached to a firearm.
  2. In the case of a cap lock muzzle-loading firearm, having the cap removed.
  3. In the case of a flint lock muzzle-loading firearm, having the flashpan cleaned of powder.
  4. In the case of an electronic ignition muzzle-loading firearm, having the battery removed and disconnected from the firearm.
8. "Vehicle" has the meaning given in s. 340.01 (74), but includes a snowmobile, as defined in s. 340.01 (58a), an all-terrain vehicle, as defined in s. 340.01 (2g), and an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined in s. 340.01 (15pm), except that for purposes of subs. (4) (c) and (cg) and (4m) "vehicle" has the meaning given for "motor vehicle" in s. 29.001 (57).
Prohibitions; motorboats and vehicles; highways and roadways.
1. Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may place, possess, or transport a firearm, bow, or crossbow in or on a motorboat with the motor running, unless one of the following applies:
  1. The firearm is unloaded or is a handgun.
  2. The bow does not have an arrow nocked.
  3. The crossbow is not cocked or is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case.
2. Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may place, possess, or transport a firearm, bow, or crossbow in or on a vehicle, unless one of the following applies:
  1. The firearm is unloaded or is a handgun.
  2. The bow does not have an arrow nocked.
  3. The crossbow is not cocked or is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case.
3. Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may load a firearm, other than a handgun, in a vehicle or discharge a firearm or shoot a bolt or an arrow from a bow or crossbow in or from a vehicle.
4. Except as provided in sub. (4) (a), (bg), (cg), (e), and (g), no person may discharge a firearm or shoot a bolt or an arrow from a bow or crossbow from or across a highway or within 50 feet of the center of a roadway.
5. A person who violates pars. (a) to (d) is subject to a forfeiture of not more than $100.
Prohibitions; aircraft.
1. Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may do any of the following:
  1. Place, possess, or transport a firearm, bow, or crossbow in or on a commercial aircraft, unless the firearm is unloaded and encased or unless the bow or crossbow is unstrung or is enclosed in a carrying case.
  2. Place, possess, or transport a firearm, bow, or crossbow in or on a noncommercial aircraft, unless the firearm is unloaded and encased or the firearm is a handgun or unless the bow or crossbow is unstrung or is enclosed in a carrying case.
2. Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may load or discharge a firearm or shoot a bolt or an arrow from a bow or crossbow in or from an aircraft.
3. A person who violates par. (a) or (b) shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 90 days or both.
3m. Prohibitions; transmission facilities.
1. Except as provided in sub. (4) (b) and (h), no person may intentionally discharge a firearm in the direction of a transmission facility.
2. A person who violates par. (a) and causes damage to a transmission facility is subject to a forfeiture of not more than $100.
3. In addition to any forfeiture imposed under par. (b), the court shall revoke any hunting license under ch. 29 that is issued to the person found in violation for a period of one year.
4. In addition to any forfeiture imposed under par. (b) and the revocation required under par. (c), the court shall enter a restitution order that requires the defendant to pay to the owner of the transmission facility the reasonable cost of the repair or replacement of the transmission facility.
Exceptions.
1. Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to any of the following who, in the line of duty, place, possess, transport, load or discharge a firearm in, on or from a vehicle, motorboat or aircraft or discharge a firearm from or across a highway or within 50 feet of the center of a roadway:
  2. A member of the U.S. armed forces.
  3. A member of the national guard.
  4. A private security person who meets all of the following requirements:
    1. He or she holds either a private detective license issued under s. 440.26 (2) (a) 2. or a private security permit issued under s. 440.26 (5).
    2. He or she holds a certificate of proficiency to carry a firearm issued by the department of safety and professional services.
    3. He or she is performing his or her assigned duties or responsibilities.
    4. He or she is wearing a uniform that clearly identifies him or her as a private security person.
    5. His or her firearm is in plain view, as defined by rule by the department of safety and professional services.
  ag. Subsection (2) (b) 1. does not apply to a firearm that is placed or possessed on a vehicle that is stationary.
  
  am.
  1. Subsections (2) (a), (c) and (d) and (3) (a) and (b) do not apply to a peace officer who, in the line of duty, loads or discharges a firearm in, on or from a vehicle, motorboat or aircraft or discharges a firearm from or across a highway or within 50 feet of the center of a roadway.
  2. Subsection (2) (b) does not apply to a peace officer who places, possesses or transports a firearm in or on a vehicle, motorboat or aircraft while in the line of duty.
  3. Subsection (2) (b) does not apply to a person employed as a peace officer who places, possesses or transports a firearm in or on a vehicle while traveling in the vehicle from his or her residence to his or her place of employment as a peace officer.
  at. Subsections (2) (c) and (d) and (3) (b) do not apply to the discharge of a firearm if the actor's conduct is justified or, had it been subject to a criminal penalty, would have been subject to a defense described in s. 939.45.
2. Subsections (2) (a), (b) and (c), (3) (a) and (b), and (3m) do not apply to the holder of a scientific research license under s. 169.25 or a scientific collector permit under s. 29.614 who is using a net gun or tranquilizer gun in an activity related to the purpose for which the license or permit was issued.
  bg.
  1. Subsection (2) (a), (b), (c), and (d) does not apply to a state employee or agent, or to a federal employee or agent, who is acting within the scope of his or her employment or agency, who is authorized by the department of natural resources to take animals in the wild for the purpose of controlling the spread of disease in animals and who is hunting in an area designated by the department of natural resources as a chronic wasting disease eradication zone, except that this subdivision does not authorize the discharge of a firearm or the shooting of a bolt or arrow from a bow or crossbow across a state trunk highway, county trunk highway, or paved town highway.
    1g. Subsection (2) (b) and (c) does not apply to a landowner, a family member of the landowner, or an employee of the landowner who is using a firearm, bow, or crossbow to shoot wild animals from a farm tractor or an implement of husbandry on the landowner's land that is located in an area designated by the department of natural resources as a chronic wasting disease eradication zone.
  2. This paragraph does not apply after June 30, 2010.
  bn. Subsection (2) (a) does not apply to a person using a bow or a crossbow for fishing from a motorboat.
  
  bt. Subsection (2) (b) does not apply to the placement, possession, or transportation of an unloaded firearm in or on a vehicle if all of the following apply:
  1. The vehicle is a self-propelled motor vehicle with 4 rubber-tired wheels.
  2. The vehicle is not certified by the manufacturer for on-road use.
  3. The vehicle is not an all-terrain vehicle, as defined in s. 340.01 (2g).
  4. The vehicle is being used to transport individuals involved in sport shooting activities at sport shooting ranges, as defined in s. 895.527 (1), and is not being used to transport individuals involved in hunting.
  5. The vehicle is being operated entirely on private property and is not being operated in the right-of-way of any highway.
3. Subsection (2) (b) and (c) does not apply to the holder of a Class A or Class B permit under s. 29.193 (2) who is hunting from a stationary vehicle.
  cg. A holder of a Class A or Class B permit under s. 29.193 (2) who is hunting from a stationary vehicle may load and discharge a firearm or shoot a bolt or an arrow within 50 feet of the center of a roadway if all of the following apply:
  1. The roadway is part of a county highway, a town highway or any other highway that is not part of a street or of a state trunk or federal highway.
  2. The vehicle is located off the roadway and is not in violation of any prohibition or restriction that applies to the parking, stopping or standing of the vehicle under ss. 346.51 to 346.55 or under a regulation enacted under s. 349.06 or 349.13.
  3. The holder of the permit is not hunting game to fill the tag of another person.
  4. The holder of the permit has obtained permission from any person who is the owner or lessee of private property across or on to which the holder of the permit intends to discharge a firearm or shoot a bolt or an arrow.
  5. The vehicle bears special registration plates issued under s. 341.14 (1), (1a), (1e), or (1m) or displays a sign that is at least 11 inches square on which is conspicuously written "disabled hunter".
  6. The holder of the permit discharges the firearm or shoots the bolt or arrow away from and not across or parallel to the roadway.
  cm. For purposes of pars. (c) and (cg), the exemption from sub. (2) (b) under these paragraphs only applies to the firearm, bow or crossbow being used for hunting by the holder of the Class A or Class B permit under s. 29.193 (2).
  
  co. For purposes of par. (cg), a person may stop a vehicle off the roadway on the left side of the highway.
  
  cr. For purposes of par. (cg) 4., "private property" does not include property leased for hunting by the public, land that is subject to a contract under subch. I of ch. 77, or land that is subject to an order designating it as managed forest land under subch. VI of ch. 77 and that is not designated as closed to the public under s. 77.83 (1).
4. Subsection (2) (b) does not prohibit a person from leaning an unloaded firearm against a vehicle.
5. Subsection (2) (d) does not apply to a person who is legally hunting small game with a muzzle-loading firearm or with a shotgun loaded with shotshell or chilled shot number BB or smaller, if the surface of the highway or roadway is anything other than concrete or blacktop.
6. Subsection (2) (d) does not prohibit a person from possessing a loaded firearm within 50 feet of the center of a roadway if the person does not violate sub. (2) (b) or (c).
7. A person who is fishing with a bow and arrow may shoot an arrow from a bow, and a person who is fishing with a crossbow may shoot a bolt from a crossbow, within 50 feet of the center of a roadway if the person does not shoot the arrow or bolt from the roadway or across a highway.
8. Subsection (3m) does not apply to any of the following who discharge a firearm in the direction of a transmission facility:
  1. A member of the armed forces in the line of duty.
  2. A member of the national guard in the line of duty.
  3. A peace officer in the line of duty.
  4. A private security person who meets all of the requirements under par. (a) 4.
9. Subsection (2) (b) and (c) does not apply to a person legally hunting from a stationary nonmotorized vehicle that is not attached to a motor vehicle.
4m. Rules.

The department of natural resources may further restrict hunting from stationary vehicles on county or town highways by promulgating rules designating certain county and town highways, or portions thereof, upon which a holder of a Class A or Class B permit issued under s. 29.193 (2) may not discharge a firearm or shoot a bolt or an arrow from a bow or crossbow under sub. (4) (cg). For each restriction of hunting from a county or town highway contained in a rule to be promulgated under this subsection, the department shall submit a specific justification for the restriction with the rule submitted to legislative council staff for review under s. 227.15 (1).
Weapons surcharge.
1. If a court imposes a fine or forfeiture for a violation of this section, the court shall also impose a weapons surcharge under ch. 814 equal to 75% of the amount of the fine or forfeiture.
2. If a fine or forfeiture is suspended in whole or in part, the weapons surcharge shall be reduced in proportion to the suspension.
3. If any deposit is made for an offense to which this subsection applies, the person making the deposit shall also deposit a sufficient amount to include the weapons surcharge under this subsection. If the deposit is forfeited, the amount of the weapons surcharge shall be transmitted to the secretary of administration under par. (d). If the deposit is returned, the amount of the weapons surcharge shall also be returned.
4. The clerk of the circuit court shall collect and transmit to the county treasurer the weapons surcharge as required under s. 59.40 (2) (m). The county treasurer shall then pay the secretary of administration as provided in s. 59.25 (3) (f) 2. The secretary of administration shall deposit all amounts received under this paragraph in the conservation fund to be appropriated under s. >20.370 (3) (mu).

History: 1985 a. 36; 1987 a. 27, 353; 1991 a. 77; 1993 a. 147; 1995 a. 122, 201; 1997 a. 248, 249; 1999 a. 32, 158; 2001 a. 8, 56, 90, 108; 2003 a. 33, 139, 326; 2005 a. 169, 253, 286, 345; 2007 a. 97; 2009 a. 246; 2011 a. 32, 35, 51, 180, 265.

Cross-reference: See also ss. NR 10.001, 10.05, and 10.07, Wis. adm. code.

A resident of this state or a corporation or other business entity maintaining a place of business in this state may purchase or otherwise obtain a rifle or shotgun in a state other than this state if the transfer complies with federal law and the laws of both states.

History: 1971 c. 39; 2014 a. 232.

(1) In this section:

(ag) "Criminal history record" includes information reported to the department under s. 938.396 (2g) (n) that indicates a person was adjudicated delinquent for an act that if committed by an adult in this state would be a felony.

(ar) "Firearms dealer" means any person engaged in the business of importing, manufacturing or dealing in firearms and having a license as an importer, manufacturer or dealer issued by the federal government.

(at) "Firearms restrictions record search" means a search of department of justice records to determine whether a person seeking to purchase a handgun is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 941.29. "Firearms restrictions record search" includes a criminal history record search, a search to determine whether a person is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1., 2007 stats., a search in the national instant criminal background check system to determine whether a person has been ordered not to possess a firearm under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1., 51.45 (13) (i) 1., 54.10 (3) (f) 1., or 55.12 (10) (a), a search to determine whether the person is subject to an injunction under s. 813.12 or 813.122, or a tribal injunction, as defined in s. 813.12 (1) (e), issued by a court established by any federally recognized Wisconsin Indian tribe or band, except the Menominee Indian tribe of Wisconsin, that includes notice to the respondent that he or she is subject to the requirements and penalties under s. 941.29 and that has been filed with the circuit court under s. 813.128 (3g), and a search to determine whether the person is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 813.123 (5m) or 813.125 (4m).

(b) "Handgun" means any weapon designed or redesigned, or made or remade, and intended to be fired while held in one hand and to use the energy of an explosive to expel a projectile through a smooth or rifled bore.

(c) "Working day" means each day except Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday under s. 995.20.

(2) When a firearms dealer sells a handgun, he or she may not transfer possession of that handgun to any other person until all of the following have occurred:

(a) The transferee has provided identification as required by rule under sub. (2g) (a).

(b) The transferee has completed the notification form described in sub. (2g) (b).

(c) The firearms dealer has conveyed the information from the completed notification form to the department of justice as required by rule under sub. (2g) (b) and requested a firearms restrictions record search.

(d) The firearms dealer has received an approval number regarding the firearms restrictions record search under sub. (2g) (c) from the department of justice.

(2e) When a transferee completes the notification form described in sub. (2g) (b), the transferee shall provide truthful information.

(2f) When a firearms dealer requests that the department of justice provide a firearms restrictions record search under sub. (2g), he or she shall provide truthful information about his or her status as a firearms dealer and shall provide an accurate firearms dealer identification number obtained under sub. (2h). A person may request that the department provide a firearms restrictions record search under sub. (2g) only if he or she is a firearms dealer.

(2g)

(a) The department of justice shall promulgate rules prescribing procedures for a transferee to provide and a firearms dealer to inspect identification containing a photograph of the transferee.

(b)

The department of justice shall promulgate rules prescribing a notification form for use under sub. (2) requiring the transferee to provide his or her name, date of birth, gender, race and social security number and other identification necessary to permit an accurate firearms restrictions record search under par. (c) 3. and the required notification under par. (c) 4. The department of justice shall make the forms available at locations throughout the state.
The department of justice shall ensure that each notification form under subd. 1. requires the transferee to indicate that he or she is not purchasing the firearm with the purpose or intent to transfer the firearm to a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law and that each notification form informs the transferee that making a false statement with regard to this purpose or intent is a Class H felony.

(c) The department of justice shall promulgate rules for firearms restrictions record searches regarding transferees under sub. (2), including procedures for all of the following:

A firearms dealer to convey the information from a completed notification form to the department using either a toll-free telephone number provided by the department or an alternative means the department provides.
The department to provide the firearms dealer with a confirmation number confirming the receipt of the information under subd. 1.
The department to conduct the firearms restrictions record search regarding the transferee. The rules shall include, but not be limited to, a requirement that the department use the transaction information for management of enforcement system and the national crime information center system.
The department to notify the dealer as soon after receiving the information under subd. 1. as practicable, of the results of the firearms restrictions record search as follows:
1. If the search indicates that the transferee is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 941.29, the department shall provide the firearms dealer with a unique nonapproval number. The department may not disclose to the firearms dealer the reason the transferee is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 941.29.
2. If the search indicates that the transferee is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 941.29, the department shall provide the firearms dealer with a unique approval number.
3. If the search indicates that it is unclear whether the person is prohibited under state or federal law from possessing a firearm and the department needs more time to make the determination, the department shall make every reasonable effort to determine whether the person is prohibited under state or federal law from possessing a firearm and notify the firearms dealer of the results as soon as practicable but no later than 5 working days after the search was requested.
4. 1. The department of justice shall promulgate rules to convey information in a timely manner to the national instant criminal background check system regarding individuals ordered not to possess a firearm under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1., 51.45 (13) (i) 1., 54.10 (3) (f) 1., or 55.12 (10) (a).
  2. The department of justice shall promulgate rules to convey information in a timely manner to the national instant criminal background check system regarding the cancellation under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1m. c., 51.45 (13) (i) 2. c., 54.10 (3) (f) 2. c., or 55.12 (10) (b) 3. of an order not to possess a firearm.

(2h) Upon the request of any firearms dealer, the department of justice shall provide that firearms dealer with a unique firearms dealer identification number for use under this section.

(2i) The department shall charge a firearms dealer a $10 fee for each firearms restrictions record search that the firearms dealer requests under sub. (2) (c). The firearms dealer may collect the fee from the transferee. The department may refuse to conduct firearms restrictions record searches for any firearms dealer who fails to pay any fee under this subsection within 30 days after billing by the department.

(2j) A firearms dealer shall maintain the original record of all completed notification forms and a record of all confirmation numbers and corresponding approval or nonapproval numbers that he or she receives regarding firearms restrictions record searches under sub. (2g). If, under sub. (2g) (c) 1., the firearms dealer conveys the information from the notification form using the toll-free telephone number, the firearms dealer shall mail the duplicate copy of each completed notification form to the department of justice. If, under sub. (2g) (c) 1., the firearms dealer conveys the information from the notification form using the alternative means, the firearms dealer shall transmit, using a means the department approves, each completed notification form to the department of justice.

(2k)
(ag) In this subsection:

"Law enforcement agency of a physically adjacent state" has the meaning given in s. 175.46 (1) (b).
"Wisconsin law enforcement agency" means a governmental unit of one or more persons employed by this state or a political subdivision of this state for the purpose of preventing and detecting crime and enforcing state laws or local ordinances, employees of which unit are authorized to make arrests for crimes while acting within the scope of their authority.

(ar) Except as provided in pars. (b) to (j) and as necessary to administer this section, the department of justice shall do all of the following:

Deny access to any record kept under this section.
Check each notification form received under sub. (2j) against the information recorded by the department regarding the corresponding request for a firearms restrictions record search under sub. (2g). If the department previously provided a unique approval number regarding the request and nothing in the completed notification form indicates that the transferee is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 941.29, the department shall destroy all records regarding that firearms restrictions record search within 30 days after receiving the notification form.

(b) Notwithstanding par. (ar), the department of justice may maintain all of the following:

Records necessary to comply with federal law.
1. Except as provided in subd. 2. b., a log of dates of requests for firearms restrictions record searches under sub. (2g) together with confirmation numbers, unique approval and nonapproval numbers and firearms dealer identification numbers corresponding to those dates.
2. Within 3 years after the department issues a unique approval number, the department shall destroy all corresponding information contained in the log under subd. 2. a.
Records necessary to administer this section.

(c) Notwithstanding par. (ar), the department of justice shall provide access to any record under this section under all of the following circumstances:

The department of justice receives a record request that is submitted in writing by a Wisconsin law enforcement agency.
The request submitted under subd. 1. appears on the Wisconsin law enforcement agency's letterhead and contains all of the following:
1. A statement that the Wisconsin law enforcement agency is conducting an investigation of a crime in which a handgun was used or was attempted to be used or was unlawfully possessed.
2. A statement by a division commander or higher authority within the Wisconsin law enforcement agency that he or she has a reasonable suspicion that the person who is the subject of the information request has obtained or is attempting to obtain a handgun.
3. The signature of a division commander or higher authority within the Wisconsin law enforcement agency.

The person who is the subject of the information request under par. (c) 2. b. is no longer material to the investigation conducted under par. (c) 2. a.
The Wisconsin law enforcement agency has completed its investigation under par. (c) 2. a.
One year after the date that the Wisconsin law enforcement agency made the request under par. (c).

The person who is the subject of the information request under par. (c) 2. b. is no longer material to the investigation conducted under par. (c) 2. a.
The Wisconsin law enforcement agency has completed its investigation under par. (c) 2. a.
One year after the date the Wisconsin law enforcement agency made the request under par. (c).

The law enforcement agency of the physically adjacent state agrees to comply with all the requirements under this subsection.
The physically adjacent state allows Wisconsin law enforcement agencies similar or greater access to similar information from that physically adjacent state.

(2L) The department of justice shall promulgate rules providing for the review of nonapprovals under sub. (2g) (c) 4. a. Any person who is denied the right to purchase a handgun because the firearms dealer received a nonapproval number under sub. (2g) (c) 4. a. may request a firearms restrictions record search review under those rules. If the person disagrees with the results of that review, the person may file an appeal under rules promulgated by the department.

(2t) This section does not apply to any of the following:

Transfers of any handgun classified as an antique by regulations of the U.S. department of the treasury.
Transfers of any handgun between firearms dealers or between wholesalers and dealers.
Transfers of any handgun to law enforcement or armed services agencies.

(3)

Any person who intentionally violates sub. (2), (2f), or (2j) shall be fined not less than $500 nor more than $10,000 and may be imprisoned for not more than 9 months.
1. Except as provided in subd. 2., a person who intentionally violates sub. (2e) shall be fined not less than $500 nor more than $10,000 and may be imprisoned for not more than 9 months.
2. A person who violates sub. (2e) by intentionally providing false information regarding whether he or she is purchasing the firearm with the purpose or intent to transfer the firearm to another who the person knows or reasonably should know is prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law is guilty of a Class H felony. The penalty shall include a fine that is not less than $500.

(4) The department of justice or the district attorney may institute, manage, control, and direct, in the proper county, a prosecution for a violation of sub. (2e) that is punishable under sub. (3) (b) 2. When prosecuting such a violation, the department of justice shall have and exercise all powers conferred upon district attorneys.

History: 1975 c. 167; 1991 a. 11; 1993 a. 16, 195, 196; 1995 a. 71, 77, 159, 306; 2005 a. 155, 344; 2009 a. 28, 258; 2013 a. 20, 109; 2013 a. 168 s. 21; 2013 a. 223; 2015 a. 22, 352; 2017 a. 145.

Upon the retail commercial sale or retail commercial transfer of any firearm, the seller or transferor shall provide to the buyer or transferee the following written warning in block letters not less than one-fourth inch in height: "IF YOU LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN THE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD YOU MAY BE FINED OR IMPRISONED OR BOTH IF THE CHILD IMPROPERLY DISCHARGES, POSSESSES OR EXHIBITS THE FIREARM."
Any person who violates sub. (1) may be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than 30 days or both.

History: 1991 a. 139.

Definitions. In this section:
1. "Department" means the department of justice.
2. "Destructive device" has the meaning given in 18 USC 921 (a) (4).
3. "Firearm silencer" has the meaning given in s. 941.298 (1).
4. "Former federal law enforcement officer" means a person who separated from service as a law enforcement officer at a federal law enforcement agency and who resides in Wisconsin.
5. "Former law enforcement officer" means a person who separated from service as a law enforcement officer at a state or local law enforcement agency in Wisconsin.
  em. "Former out-of-state law enforcement officer" means a person who separated from service as a law enforcement officer at a state or local law enforcement agency in a state other than Wisconsin and who resides in Wisconsin.
6. "Law enforcement agency" means an agency that consists of one or more persons employed by the federal government, including any agency described under 18 USC 926C (e) (2); a state, or a political subdivision of a state; the U.S. armed forces; or the national guard, that has as its purposes the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of laws or ordinances, and that is authorized to make arrests for crimes.
7. "Law enforcement officer" means a person who is employed by a law enforcement agency for the purpose of engaging in, or supervising others engaging in, the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of, or the incarceration of any person for, any violation of law and who has statutory powers of arrest.
8. "Machine gun" has the meaning given in s. 941.25 (1).
9. "Successor agency" means a law enforcement agency that assumes the responsibilities and duties of another law enforcement agency.
Certification of former law enforcement officers.
1. Upon the request of a former law enforcement officer and at the expense of the former law enforcement [agency] officer, a law enforcement agency that employed the former law enforcement officer, or its successor agency, shall, except as provided in par. (b), issue the former law enforcement officer a certification card as described in sub. (4) stating all of the following:
  NOTE: The word in brackets was inserted as the result of a transcription error in the drafting process. Corrective legislation is pending.
  1. The type of firearm the former law enforcement officer is certified to carry, but no former law enforcement officer may be certified to carry a machine gun, a firearm silencer, or a destructive device.
  2. The former law enforcement officer has been found by the state, or by a certified firearms instructor if such an instructor is qualified to conduct a firearms qualification test for active law enforcement officers in the state, to meet the standards for qualification in firearms training for active law enforcement officers to carry a firearm of the type under subd. 1., that are established by the state or, if the state does not establish standards, by the law enforcement agency from which the former law enforcement officer separated or its successor agency.
  3. The date on which the finding under subd. 2. was made and an expiration date that is 12 months later than that date.
  4. That, due to the finding under subd. 2., the former law enforcement officer is qualified to carry a concealed firearm of the type under subd. 1.
2. The law enforcement agency may not issue the former law enforcement officer a certification card under par. (a) unless the law enforcement agency first verifies all of the following:
  1. The former law enforcement officer separated from service as a law enforcement officer with the law enforcement agency that employed him or her in good standing.
  2. The former law enforcement officer served as a law enforcement officer for an aggregate of at least 10 years or the former law enforcement officer separated from law enforcement service due to a service-connected disability, as determined by the law enforcement agency from which he or she separated from service, after completing any applicable probationary period.
  3. Both of the following:
    1. A qualified medical professional employed by the law enforcement agency from which the former law enforcement officer separated from service has not found the former law enforcement officer to be unqualified to be a law enforcement officer for reasons related to the former officer's mental health.
    2. The former law enforcement officer has not entered into an agreement with the law enforcement agency from which he or she separated from service in which the former officer acknowledges that he or she is not qualified to be a law enforcement officer for reasons related to his or her mental health and in which he or she declines the photographic identification for that reason.
  4. The former law enforcement officer is not prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm as indicated by a search of the transaction information for management of enforcement system and the national criminal background check system.
  5. The former law enforcement officer has, during the previous 12 months at his or her own expense, been found by the state, or by a certified firearms instructor if such an instructor is qualified to conduct a firearms qualification test for active law enforcement officers in the state, to meet the standards for qualification in firearms training for active law enforcement officers to carry a firearm of the type under par. (a) 1., that are established by the state or, if the state does not establish standards, by the law enforcement agency from which the former law enforcement officer separated or its successor agency.
Certification of former federal and out-of-state law enforcement officers.
1. Upon the request of a former federal law enforcement officer or a former out-of-state law enforcement officer and at the expense of that law enforcement officer, the department may, except as provided in par. (b), issue the former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer a certification card as described in sub. (4) stating all of the following:
  1. The type of firearm the former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer is certified to carry, but no former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer may be certified to carry a machine gun, a firearm silencer, or a destructive device.
  2. The former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer has been found by the state, or by a certified firearms instructor if such an instructor is qualified to conduct a firearms qualification test for active law enforcement officers in the state, to meet the standards for qualification in firearms training for active law enforcement officers to carry a firearm of the type under subd. 1., that are established by the state or, if the state does not establish standards, by any law enforcement agency in the state.
    NOTE: A missing word is shown in brackets. Corrective legislation is pending.
  3. The date on which the finding under subd. 2. was made and an expiration date that is 12 months later than that date.
  4. That, due to the finding under subd. 2., the former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer is qualified to carry a concealed firearm of the type under subd. 1.
2. The department may not issue a former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer a certification card under par. (a) unless the department first verifies all of the following:
  1. The former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer separated from service as a law enforcement officer with the law enforcement agency in good standing.
  2. The former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer served as a law enforcement officer for an aggregate of at least 10 years or the former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer separated from law enforcement service due to a service-connected disability, as determined by the law enforcement agency from which the former officer separated, after completing any applicable probationary period.
  3. 1. A qualified medical professional employed by the law enforcement agency from which the former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer separated has not found the former officer to be unqualified to be a law enforcement officer for reasons related to the former officer's mental health.
    2. The former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer has not entered into an agreement with the law enforcement agency from which he or she separated from service in which the former officer acknowledges that he or she is not qualified to be a law enforcement officer for reasons related to his or her mental health.
  4. The former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer is not prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm as indicated by a search of the transaction information for management of enforcement system and the national criminal background check system.
  5. The former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer has, during the previous 12 months at his or her own expense, been found by the state, or by a certified firearms instructor if such an instructor is qualified to conduct a firearms qualification test for active law enforcement officers in the state, to meet the standards for qualification in firearms training for active law enforcement officers to carry a firearm of the type under par. (a) 1., that are established by the state or, if the state does not establish standards, by any law enforcement agency in the state.
3. If, under par. (a), the department issues a former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer a certification card, the department shall add the former officer's information to the list the department maintains under s. 175.60 (12) (a).
4. Cross-reference: See also ch. Jus 18, Wis. adm. code.
Certification cards.
1. 1. Subject to pars. (b), (c), and (d) and sub. (3) (a), the department shall design a certification card to be issued by the department under sub. (3) (a).
  2. Subject to pars. (b), (c), and (d) and sub. (2) (a), each law enforcement agency, upon a request, shall design a certification card to be issued by the law enforcement agency under sub. (2) (a).
2. A certification card shall contain on one side all of the following:
  1. The full name, date of birth, and residence address of the person who holds the certification card.
  2. A photograph of the certification card holder and a physical description that includes sex, height, and eye color.
  3. The name of this state.
3. A certification card shall include a statement that the certification card does not confer any law enforcement authority on the certification card holder and does not make the certification card holder an employee or agent of the certifying agency or department.
4. A certification card may not contain the certification card holder's social security number.
Renewal of certification cards. A person who holds a current certification card issued under sub. (2) or (3) may renew the certification card by requesting the law enforcement agency or its successor agency, if the card was issued under sub. (2), or the department, if the card was issued under sub. (3), to renew the certification card at the expense of the person holding the card, if, before the date the certification card expires, the law enforcement agency verifies sub. (2) (b) 4. and 5. if the certification card holder is a former law enforcement officer, or the department verifies sub. (3) (b) 4. and 5. if the certification card holder is a former federal law enforcement officer or former out-of-state law enforcement officer, and the certification card holder provides any information necessary for the verification. The renewal shall state the date on which verification was made and an expiration date that is 12 months later than that date.
5m. Fees. The department may charge a fee to verify eligibility for a certification card under this section, for the issuance of a certification card under sub. (3), or for the renewal of a certification card under sub. (5), but the fee may not exceed the costs the department incurs in verifying eligibility or for issuing or renewing a certification card. Payments made to the department under this subsection shall be credited to the appropriation account under s. 20.455 (2) (gr).
Immunity.
1. When acting in good faith under this section, the department and its employees and a law enforcement agency and its employees are immune from civil and criminal liability arising from any act or omission under this section.
2. When acting in good faith under this section, an entity providing firearms training to comply with the requirements under sub. (2) (a) 2., (3) (a) 2., or (5) and its employees are immune from civil and criminal liability arising from any act or omission that is related to that training.
Going armed with a firearm. This section does not limit a former officer's right to go armed with a firearm that is not concealed.

History: 2011 a. 35; 2013 a. 20; 2014 a. 166; 2015 a. 68. 2015 Wisconsin Act 197 § 7

Definitions. In this section:

ac. "Background check" means the searches the department conducts under sub. (9g) to determine a person's eligibility for a license to carry a concealed weapon.

ag. "Carry" means to go armed with.
2. "Department" means the department of justice.
  bm. "Handgun" means any weapon designed or redesigned, or made or remade, and intended to be fired while held in one hand and to use the energy of an explosive to expel a projectile through a smooth or rifled bore. "Handgun" does not include a machine gun, as defined in s. 941.25 (1), a short-barreled rifle, as defined in s. 941.28 (1) (b), or a short-barreled shotgun, as defined in s. 941.28 (1) (c).
  
  bv. "Law enforcement agency" does not include the department.
3. "Law enforcement officer" has the meaning given in s. 165.85 (2) (c).
4. "Licensee" means an individual holding a valid license to carry a concealed weapon issued under this section.
  dm. "Military resident" means an individual who is in active service in the U.S. armed forces and is stationed in this state for a term that is scheduled to be at least one year in duration.
5. "Motor vehicle" has the meaning given in s. 340.01 (35).
6. "Out-of-state license" means a valid permit, license, approval, or other authorization issued by another state if all of the following apply:
  1. The permit, license, approval, or other authorization is for the carrying of a concealed weapon.
  2. The state is listed in the rule promulgated by the department under s. 165.25 (16) and, if that state does not require a background search for the permit, license, approval, or authorization, the permit, license, approval, or authorization designates that the holder chose to submit to a background search.
  NOTE: - The cross-reference to s. 165.25 (12m) was changed from s. 165.25 (12) by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. to reflect the renumbering under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. of s. 165.25 (12), as created by 2011 Wis. Act 35. 175.60(1)(g)
7. "Out-of-state licensee" means an individual who is 21 years of age or over, who is not a Wisconsin resident, and who has been issued an out-of-state license.
8. "Photographic identification card" means one of the following:
  1. An operator's license issued under ch. 343 or an identification card issued under s. 343.50.
  2. A license or card issued by a state other than Wisconsin that is substantially equivalent to a license or card under subd. 1.
9. "State identification card number" means one of the following:
  1. The unique identifying driver number assigned to a Wisconsin resident by the department of transportation under s. 343.17 (3) (a) 4. or, if the Wisconsin resident has no driver number, the number assigned to the Wisconsin resident on an identification card issued under s. 343.50.
  2. The unique identifying driver number assigned to a military resident by the military resident's state or, if the military resident has no driver number, the number assigned to the military resident on an identification card issued by the military resident's state.
10. "Weapon" means a handgun, an electric weapon, as defined in s. 941.295 (1c) (a), or a billy club.
Issuance and scope of license.
1. The department shall issue a license to carry a concealed weapon to any individual who is not disqualified under sub. (3) and who completes the application process specified in sub. (7). A license to carry a concealed weapon issued under this section shall meet the requirements specified in sub. (2m).
2. The department may not impose conditions, limitations, or requirements that are not expressly provided for in this section on the issuance, scope, effect, or content of a license.
3. Unless expressly provided in this section, this section does not limit an individual's right to carry a firearm that is not concealed.
4. For purposes of 18 USC 922 (q) (2) (B) (ii), an out-of-state licensee is licensed by this state.
2g. Carrying a concealed weapon; possession and display of license document or authorization.
1. A licensee or an out-of-state licensee may carry a concealed weapon anywhere in this state except as provided under subs. (15m) and (16) and ss. 943.13 (1m) (c) and 948.605 (2) (b) 1r.
2. 1. Unless the licensee is carrying a concealed weapon in a manner described under s. 941.23 (2) (e), a licensee shall have with him or her, during all times he or she is carrying a concealed weapon, his or her license document, photographic identification card, and, if the licensee is a military resident, his or her military license.
  2. Unless the out-of-state licensee is carrying a concealed weapon in a manner described under s. 941.23 (2) (e), an out-of-state licensee shall have with him or her his or her out-of-state license and photographic identification card at all times during which he or she is carrying a concealed weapon.
3. Unless the licensee or out-of-state licensee is carrying a concealed weapon in a manner described under s. 941.23 (2) (e), upon request by a law enforcement officer who is acting in an official capacity and with lawful authority, a licensee who is carrying a concealed weapon shall display to the officer his or her license document, photographic identification card, and, if the licensee is a military resident, his or her military license, and an out-of-state licensee who is carrying a concealed weapon shall display to the officer his or her out-of-state license and photographic identification card.
2m. License document; content of license.
1. Subject to pars. (b), (bm), (c), and (d), the department shall design a single license document for licenses issued and renewed under this section. The department shall complete the design of the license document no later than September 1, 2011.
2. A license document for a license issued under this section shall contain all of the following on one side:
  1. The full name, date of birth, and residence address of the licensee.
  2. A physical description of the licensee, including sex, height, and eye color.
  3. The date on which the license was issued.
  4. The date on which the license expires.
  5. The name of this state.
  6. A unique identification number for each licensee.
  bm. The reverse side of a license document issued under this section shall contain the requirement under sub. (11) (b) that the licensee shall inform the department of any address change no later than 30 days after his or her address changes and the penalty for a violation of the requirement.
3. The license document may not contain the licensee's social security number.
4. 1. The contents of the license document shall be included in the document in substantially the same way that the contents of an operator's license document issued under s. 343.17 are included in that document.
  2. The license document issued under this section shall be tamper proof in substantially the same way that the operator's license is tamper proof under s. 343.17 (2).
5. The department of justice may contract with the department of transportation to produce and issue license documents under this section. Neither the department of transportation nor any employee of the department of transportation may store, maintain, or access the information provided by the department of justice for the production or issuance of license documents other than to the extent necessary to produce or issue the license documents.
Restrictions on issuing a license.
The department shall issue a license under this section to an individual who submits an application under sub. (7) unless any of the following applies:
1. The individual is less than 21 years of age.
2. The individual is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm that has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
3. The individual is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 941.29.
4. The court has prohibited the individual from possessing a dangerous weapon under s. 969.02 (3) (c) or 969.03 (1) (c).
5. The individual is on release under s. 969.01 and the individual may not possess a dangerous weapon as a condition of the release.
6. The individual is not a one of the following:
  1. A Wisconsin resident.
  2. A military resident.
7. The individual has not provided proof of training as described under sub. (4) (a).
Training requirements.
1. The proof of training requirement under sub. (7) (e) may be met by any of the following:
  1. A copy of a document, or an affidavit from an instructor or organization that conducted the course or program, that indicates the individual completed any of the following:
    1. The hunter education program established under s. 29.591 or a substantially similar program that is established by another state, country, or province and that is recognized by the department of natural resources.
    2. A firearms safety or training course that is conducted by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors.
    3. A firearms safety or training course that is available to the public and is offered by a law enforcement agency or, if the course is taught by an instructor who is certified by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors or by the department, by a technical college, a college or a university, a private or public institution or organization, or a firearms training school.
    4. A firearms safety or training course that is offered to law enforcement officers or to owners and employees of licensed private detective and security agencies.
    5. A firearms safety or training course that is conducted by a firearms instructor who is certified by a national or state organization that certifies firearms instructors or who is certified by the department.
  2. Documentation that the individual completed military, law enforcement, or security training that gave the individual experience with firearms that is substantially equivalent to a course or program under subd. 1.
  3. A current or expired license, or a photocopy of a current or expired license, that the individual holds or has held that indicates that the individual is licensed or has been licensed to carry a firearm in this state or in another state or in a county or municipality of this state or of another state unless the license has been revoked for cause.
  4. Documentation of completion of small arms training while serving in the U.S. armed forces, reserves, or national guard as demonstrated by an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions or a certificate of completion of basic training with a service record of successful completion of small arms training and certification.
2. 1. The department shall certify instructors for the purposes of par. (a) 1. c. and e. and shall maintain a list of instructors that it certifies. To be certified by the department as an instructor, a person must meet all of the following criteria:
    1. Be qualified under sub. (3) to carry a concealed weapon.
    2. Be able to demonstrate the ability and knowledge required for providing firearms safety and training.
  2. The department may not require firing live ammunition to meet the training requirements under par. (a).
Application and renewal forms.
1. The department shall design an application form for use by individuals who apply for a license under this section and a renewal form for use by individuals applying for renewal of a license under sub. (15). The department shall complete the design of the application form no later than September 1, 2011, and shall complete the design of the renewal form no later than July 1, 2014. The forms shall require the applicant to provide only his or her name, address, date of birth, state identification card number, race, sex, height, and eye color and shall include all of the following:
  1. A statement that the applicant is ineligible for a license if sub. (3) (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), or (g) applies to the applicant.
  2. A statement explaining self-defense and defense of others under s. 939.48, with a place for the applicant to sign his or her name to indicate that he or she has read and understands the statement.
  3. A statement, with a place for the applicant to sign his or her name, to indicate that the applicant has read and understands the requirements of this section.
  4. A statement that an applicant may be prosecuted if he or she intentionally gives a false answer to any question on the application or intentionally submits a falsified document with the application.
  5. A statement of the penalties for intentionally giving a false answer to any question on the application or intentionally submitting a falsified document with the application.
  6. A statement of the places under sub. (16) where a licensee is prohibited from carrying a weapon, as well as an explanation of the provisions under sub. (15m) and ss. 943.13 (1m) (c) and 948.605 (2) (b) 1r. that could limit the places where the licensee may carry a weapon, with a place for the applicant to sign his or her name to indicate that he or she has read and understands the statement.
2. The department shall make the forms described in this subsection available on the Internet and, upon request, by mail.
Submission of application.
An individual may apply for a license under this section with the department by submitting, by mail or other means made available by the department, to the department all of the following:
1. A completed application in the form prescribed under sub. (5) (a).
2. A statement that states that the information that he or she is providing in the application submitted under par. (a) and any document submitted with the application is true and complete to the best of his or her knowledge.
3. A license fee in an amount, as determined by the department by rule, that is equal to the cost of issuing the license but does not exceed $37. The department shall determine the costs of issuing a license by using a 5-year planning period.
4. A fee for a background check that is equal to the fee charged under s. 175.35 (2i).
5. Proof of training as described under sub. (4) (a).
Processing of application.
1. Upon receiving an application submitted under sub. (7), the department shall conduct a background check.
2. Within 21 days after receiving a complete application under sub. (7), the department shall do one of the following:
  1. Issue the license and promptly send the licensee his or her license document by 1st class mail.
  2. Deny the application, but only if sub. (3) (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), or (g) applies to the applicant. If the department denies the application, the department shall inform the applicant in writing, stating the reason and factual basis for the denial.
9g. Background checks.
1. The department shall conduct a background check regarding an applicant for a license using the following procedure:
  1. The department shall create a confirmation number associated with the applicant.
  2. The department shall conduct a criminal history record search and shall search its records and conduct a search in the national instant criminal background check system to determine whether the applicant is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law; whether the applicant is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 941.29; whether the applicant is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1., 2007 stats.; whether the applicant has been ordered not to possess a firearm under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1., 51.45 (13) (i) 1., 54.10 (3) (f) 1., or 55.12 (10) (a); whether the applicant is subject to an injunction under s. 813.12 or 813.122, or a tribal injunction, as defined in s. 813.12 (1) (e), issued by a court established by any federally recognized Wisconsin Indian tribe or band, except the Menominee Indian tribe of Wisconsin, that includes notice to the respondent that he or she is subject to the requirements and penalties under s. 941.29 and that has been filed with the circuit court under s. 813.128 (3g); and whether the applicant is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 813.123 (5m) or 813.125 (4m); and to determine if the court has prohibited the applicant from possessing a dangerous weapon under s. 969.02 (3) (c) or 969.03 (1) (c) and if the applicant is prohibited from possessing a dangerous weapon as a condition of release under s. 969.01.
  3. As soon as practicable, the department shall do the following:
    1. If the background check indicates sub. (3) (b), (c), (d), or (e) applies to the applicant, create a unique nonapproval number for the applicant.
    2. If the completed background check does not indicate that sub. (3) (b), (c), (d), or (e) applies to the applicant, create a unique approval number for the applicant.
2. The department shall maintain a record of all completed application forms and a record of all approval or nonapproval numbers regarding background checks under this subsection.
9r. Emergency license.
1. An individual who requires an immediate license may petition the court in the county in which he or she resides for such a license. Unless the court knows that the individual is ineligible for a license under sub. (3), a court may issue an emergency license to an individual if the court determines that immediate licensure is warranted to protect the individual from death or great bodily harm, as defined in s. 939.22 (14).
2. An emergency license issued under this subsection is valid for 30 days unless it is revoked under par. (bm) or it is void under par. (c).
  bm. If the court determines that a holder of an emergency license issued under par. (a) is ineligible under sub. (3) for a license, the court shall revoke the emergency license.
3. If the holder of an emergency license issued under par. (a) applies for a license under sub. (7) and is determined to be ineligible under sub. (3) for a license, the emergency license is void.
Updated information.
1. 1. In this paragraph:
    1. "Clerk" means the clerk of the circuit court or, if it has enacted a law or an ordinance in conformity with s. 346.63, the clerk of the court for a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state, a city, a village, or a town.
    2. "Court automated information systems" means the systems under s. 758.19 (4).
  2. The court automated information systems, or the clerk or register in probate, if the information is not contained in or cannot be transmitted by the court automated information systems, shall promptly notify the department of the name of any individual with respect to whom any of the following occurs and the specific reason for the notification:
    1. The individual is found by a court to have committed a felony or any other crime that would disqualify the individual from having a license under this section.
    2. The individual is found incompetent under s. 971.14.
    3. The individual is found not guilty of any crime by reason of mental disease or mental defect under s. 971.17.
    4. The individual is involuntarily committed for treatment under s. 51.20 or 51.45.
    5. The individual is found incompetent under ch. 54.
    6. The individual becomes subject to an injunction described in s. 941.29 (1m) (f) or is ordered not to possess a firearm under s. 813.123 (5m) or 813.125 (4m).
    7. A court has prohibited the individual from possessing a dangerous weapon under s. 969.02 (3) (c) or 969.03 (1) (c).
    8. A court has ordered the individual not to possess a firearm under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1., 51.45 (13) (i) 1., 54.10 (3) (f) 1., or 55.12 (10) (a).
    9. The individual is on release under s. 969.01 and the individual may not possess a dangerous weapon as a condition of the release.
  3. Upon receiving a notice under subd. 2., the department shall immediately determine if the individual who is the subject of the notice is a licensee, using the list maintained under sub. (12) (a).
2. 1. No later than 30 days after changing his or her address, a licensee shall inform the department of the new address. The department shall include the individual's new address in the list under sub. (12) (a).
  2. Except as provided in subd. 3., for a first violation of subd. 1., the department must issue the licensee a warning.
  3. If an individual is in violation of subd. 1. and his or her license has been suspended or revoked under sub. (14), the individual is subject to the penalty under sub. (17) (ac).
  4. A licensee may not be charged with a violation of subd. 1. if the department learns of the violation when the licensee informs the department of the address change.
Maintenance, use, and publication of records by the department.
1. The department shall maintain a computerized record listing the names and the information specified in sub. (2m) (b) of all individuals who have been issued a license under this section and all individuals issued a certification card under s. 175.49 (3). Subject to par. (b) 1. b., neither the department nor any employee of the department may store, maintain, format, sort, or access the information in any way other than by the names, dates of birth, or sex of licensees or individuals or by the identification numbers assigned to licensees under sub. (2m) (b) 6.
2. 1. A law enforcement officer may not request or be provided information under par. (a) concerning a specific individual except for one of the following purposes:
    1. To confirm that a license or certification card produced by an individual at the request of a law enforcement officer is valid.
    2. If an individual is carrying a concealed weapon and claims to hold a valid license issued under this section or a valid certification card issued under s. 175.49 (3) but does not have his or her license document or certification card, to confirm that the individual holds a valid license or certification card.
    3. To investigate whether an individual submitted an intentionally false statement under sub. (7) (b) or (15) (b) 2.
    4. To investigate whether an individual complied with sub. (14) (b) 3.
  2. A person who is a law enforcement officer in a state other than Wisconsin may request and be provided information under subd. 1. a. and b.
3. Notwithstanding s. 19.35, the department of justice, the department of transportation, or any employee of either department may not make information obtained under this section available to the public except in the context of a prosecution for an offense in which the person's status as a licensee or holder of a certification card is relevant or through a report created under sub. (19).
12g. Providing licensee information to law enforcement agencies.
1. The department shall provide information concerning a specific individual on the list maintained under sub. (12) (a) to a law enforcement agency, but only if the law enforcement agency is requesting the information for any of the following purposes:
  1. To confirm that a license or certification card produced by an individual at the request of a law enforcement officer is valid.
  2. If an individual is carrying a concealed weapon and claims to hold a valid license issued under this section or a valid certification card issued under s. 175.49 (3) but does not have his or her license document or certification card, to confirm that an individual holds a valid license or certification card.
  3. If the law enforcement agency is a Wisconsin law enforcement agency, to investigate whether an individual submitted an intentionally false statement under sub. (7) (b) or (15) (b) 2.
2. 1. Notwithstanding s. 19.35, neither a law enforcement agency nor any of its employees may make information regarding an individual that was obtained from the department under this subsection available to the public except in the context of a prosecution for an offense in which the person's status as a licensee or holder of a certification card is relevant.
  2. Neither a law enforcement agency nor any of its employees may store or maintain information regarding an individual that was obtained from the department under this subsection based on the individual's status as a licensee or holder of a certificate card.
  3. Neither a law enforcement agency nor any of its employees may sort or access information regarding vehicle stops, investigations, civil or criminal offenses, or other activities involving the agency based on the status as licensees or holders of certification cards of any individuals involved.
Lost or destroyed license.
If a license document is lost, a licensee no longer has possession of his or her license, or a license document is destroyed, unreadable, or unusable, a licensee may submit to the department a statement requesting a replacement license document, the license document or any portions of the license document if available, and a $12 replacement fee. The department shall issue a replacement license document to the licensee within 14 days of receiving the statement and fee. If the licensee does not submit the original license document to the department, the department shall terminate the unique approval number of the original request and issue a new unique approval number for the replacement request.
License revocation, suspension, and surrender
1. The department shall revoke a license issued under this section if the department determines that sub. (3) (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), or (g) applies to the licensee.
  am. The department shall suspend a license issued under this section if a court has prohibited the licensee from possessing a dangerous weapon under s. 969.02 (3) (c) or 969.03 (1) (c). If the individual whose license was suspended is no longer subject to the prohibition under s. 969.02 (3) (c) or 969.03 (1) (c), whichever is applicable, sub. (3) (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), or (g) does not apply to the individual, and the suspended license would not have expired under sub. (15) (a) had it not been suspended, the department shall restore the license within 5 business days of notification that the licensee is no longer subject to the prohibition.
2. 1. If the department suspends or revokes a license issued under this section, the department shall send by mail the individual whose license has been suspended or revoked notice of the suspension or revocation within one day after the suspension or revocation.
  2. If the department suspends or revokes a license under this section, the suspension or revocation takes effect when the individual whose license has been suspended or revoked receives the notice under subd. 1.
  3. Within 7 days after receiving the notice, the individual whose license has been suspended or revoked shall do one of the following:
    1. Deliver the license document personally or by certified mail to the department.
    2. Mail a signed statement to the department stating that he or she no longer has possession of his or her license document and stating the reasons why he or she no longer has possession.
3. A military resident who holds a license shall surrender the license at the time he or she ceases to be stationed in this state.
14g. Departmental review.

The department shall promulgate rules providing for the review of any action by the department denying an application for, or suspending or revoking, a license under this section.

14m. Appeals to the circuit court.
1. An individual aggrieved by any action by the department denying an application for, or suspending or revoking, a license under this section, may appeal directly to the circuit court of the county in which the individual resides without regard to whether the individual has sought review under the process established in sub. (14g).
2. To begin an appeal under this subsection, the aggrieved individual shall file a petition for review with the clerk of the applicable circuit court within 30 days of receiving notice of denial of an application for a license or of suspension or revocation of a license. The petition shall state the substance of the department's action from which the individual is appealing and the grounds upon which the individual believes the department's action to be improper. The petition may include a copy of any records or documents that are relevant to the grounds upon which the individual believes the department's action to be improper.
3. A copy of the petition shall be served upon the department either personally or by registered or certified mail within 5 days after the individual files his or her petition under par. (b).
4. The department shall file an answer within 15 days after being served with the petition under par. (c). The answer shall include a brief statement of the actions taken by the department. The department shall include with the answer when filed a copy of any documents or records on which the department based its action.
5. The court shall review the petition, the answer, and any records or documents submitted with the petition or the answer. The review under this paragraph shall be conducted by the court without a jury but the court may schedule a hearing and take testimony.
6. The court shall reverse the department's action if the court finds any of the following:
  1. That the department failed to follow any procedure, or take any action, prescribed under this section.
  2. That the department erroneously interpreted a provision of law and a correct interpretation compels a different action.
  3. That the department's action depends on a finding of fact that is not supported by substantial evidence in the record.
  4. 1. If the appeal is regarding a denial, that the denial was based on factors other than the factors under sub. (3).
    2. If the appeal is regarding a suspension or revocation, that the suspension or revocation was based on criteria other than those under sub. (14) (a) or (am).
7. 1. The court's decision shall provide whatever relief is appropriate regardless of the original form of the petition.
  2. If the court reverses the department's action, the court may order the department to pay the aggrieved individual all court costs and reasonable attorney fees.
License expiration and renewal.
1. Except as provided in par. (e) and sub. (9r) (b), a license issued under this section is valid for a period of 5 years from the date on which the license is issued unless the license is suspended or revoked under sub. (14).
2. The department shall design a notice of expiration form. At least 90 days before the expiration date of a license issued under this section, the department shall mail to the licensee a notice of expiration form and a form for renewing the license. The department shall renew the license if, no later than 90 days after the expiration date of the license, the licensee does all of the following:
  1. Submits a renewal application on the form provided by the department.
  2. Submits a statement reporting that the information provided under subd. 1. is true and complete to the best of his or her knowledge and that he or she is not disqualified under sub. (3).
  4. Pays all of the following:
    1. A renewal fee in an amount, as determined by the department by rule, that is equal to the cost of renewing the license but does not exceed $12. The department shall determine the costs of renewing a license by using a 5-year planning period.
    2. A fee for a background check that is equal to the fee charged under s. 175.35 (2i).
3. The department shall conduct a background check of a licensee as provided under sub. (9g) before renewing the licensee's license under par. (b).
4. The department shall issue a renewal license by 1st class mail within 21 days of receiving a renewal application, statement, and fees under par. (b).
5. The license of a member of the U.S. armed forces, a reserve unit of the armed forces, or the national guard who is deployed overseas while on active duty may not expire until at least 90 days after the end of the licensee's overseas deployment unless the license is suspended or revoked under sub. (14).
15m. Employer restrictions.
1. Except as provided in par. (b), an employer may prohibit a licensee or an out-of-state licensee that it employs from carrying a concealed weapon or a particular type of concealed weapon in the course of the licensee's or out-of-state licensee's employment or during any part of the licensee's or out-of-state licensee's course of employment.
2. An employer may not prohibit a licensee or an out-of-state licensee, as a condition of employment, from carrying a concealed weapon, a particular type of concealed weapon, or ammunition or from storing a weapon, a particular type of weapon, or ammunition in the licensee's or out-of-state licensee's own motor vehicle, regardless of whether the motor vehicle is used in the course of employment or whether the motor vehicle is driven or parked on property used by the employer.
Prohibited activity.
1. Except as provided in par. (b), neither a licensee nor an out-of-state licensee may knowingly carry a concealed weapon, a weapon that is not concealed, or a firearm that is not a weapon in any of the following places:
  1. Any portion of a building that is a police station, sheriff's office, state patrol station, or the office of a division of criminal investigation special agent of the department.
  2. Any portion of a building that is a prison, jail, house of correction, or secured correctional facility.
  3. The facility established under s. 46.055.
  4. The center established under s. 46.056.
  5. Any secured unit or secured portion of a mental health institute under s. 51.05, including a facility designated as the Maximum Security Facility at Mendota Mental Health Institute.
  6. Any portion of a building that is a county, state, or federal courthouse.
  7. Any portion of a building that is a municipal courtroom if court is in session.
  8. A place beyond a security checkpoint in an airport.
2. The prohibitions under par. (a) do not apply to any of the following:
  1. A weapon in a vehicle driven or parked in a parking facility located in a building that is used as, or any portion of which is used as, a location under par. (a).
  2. A weapon in a courthouse or courtroom if a judge who is a licensee is carrying the weapon or if another licensee or out-of-state licensee, whom a judge has permitted in writing to carry a weapon, is carrying the weapon.
  3. A weapon in a courthouse or courtroom if a district attorney, or an assistant district attorney, who is a licensee is carrying the weapon.
Penalties.
1. Any person who violates sub. (2g) (b) or (c) may be required to forfeit not more than $25, except that the person shall be exempted from the forfeiture if the person presents to the law enforcement agency that employs the requesting law enforcement officer, within 48 hours, his or her license document or out-of-state license, photographic identification, and, if pertinent, military license.
  ac. Except as provided in sub. (11) (b) 2., any person who violates sub. (11) (b) 1. may be required to forfeit $50.
  
  ag. Any person who violates sub. (2m) (e), (12), or (12g) may be fined not more than $500 or sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both.
  
  ar. Any law enforcement officer who uses excessive force based solely on an individual's status as a licensee may be fined not more than $500 or sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both. The application of the criminal penalty under this paragraph does not preclude the application of any other civil or criminal remedy.
2. Any person who violates sub. (16) may be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than 30 days or both.
3. An instructor of a training course under sub. (4) (a) who intentionally submits false documentation indicating that an individual has met the training requirements under sub. (4) (a) may be prosecuted for a violation of s. 946.32.
4. Any person required under sub. (14) (b) 3. to relinquish or deliver a license document to the department who intentionally violates the requirements of that subdivision shall be fined not more than $500 and may be imprisoned for not more than 30 days or both.
Reciprocity agreements.
The department may enter into reciprocity agreements with other states as to matters relating to licenses or other authorization to carry concealed weapons.
Statistical report.
By March 1 of each year, the department shall submit a statistical report to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2) and to the governor that indicates the number of licenses applied for, issued, denied, suspended, and revoked under this section during the previous calendar year. For the licenses denied, the report shall indicate the reasons for the denials and the part of the application process in which the reasons for denial were discovered. For the licenses suspended or revoked, the report shall indicate the reasons for the suspensions and revocations. The department may not include in the report any information that may be used to identify an applicant or a licensee, including, but not limited to, a name, address, birth date, or social security number.
Immunity.
1. The department of justice, the department of transportation, and the employees of each department; clerks, as defined in sub. (11) (a) 1. a., and their staff; and court automated information systems, as defined under sub. (11) (a) 1. b., and their employees are immune from liability arising from any act or omission under this section, if done so in good faith.
2. A person that does not prohibit an individual from carrying a concealed weapon on property that the person owns or occupies is immune from any liability arising from its decision.
3. An employer that does not prohibit one or more employees from carrying a concealed weapon under sub. (15m) is immune from any liability arising from its decision.
4. A person providing a firearms training course in good faith is immune from liability arising from any act or omission related to the course if the course is one described in sub. (4) (a).

History: 2011 a. 35; 2013 a. 166 s. 76; 2013 a. 167, 223; 2015 a. 67, 109, 352. 2015 Wisconsin Act 197 § 8

Wisconsin's Concealed Carry Law. Hinkston. Wis. Law. July 2012.

Ongoing duties.

The governor shall do all of the following:
1. Review orders establishing or altering emergency management areas.
2. Review state emergency management plans and modifications to the plans.
3. Determine responsibilities of state departments and independent agencies with respect to emergency management and by order direct those departments and agencies in utilizing personnel, facilities, supplies, and equipment before and during a state of emergency.
Ongoing powers.
The governor may do all of the following:
1. On behalf of the state, enter into mutual aid agreements concerning emergency management with other states.
2. Accept from any source gifts and grants including services for emergency management purposes and may authorize the state and local units of government to receive such gifts and grants. When grants require participation by a local unit of government, the state may transfer title to equipment acquired through an agreement between participating local units of government.
3. If the governor determines that a condition of civil disorder or a threat to the safety of persons on state property or damage or destruction to state property exists, he or she may, without declaring an emergency, call out the state traffic patrol or the conservation warden service or members of that patrol or service for use in connection with the threat to life or property.
Duties during an emergency.
During a state of emergency declared under s. 323.10, the governor shall issue orders, delegate such authority as is necessary to the administrator, and direct the division to coordinate emergency management activities.
Powers during an emergency.
The governor may do all of the following during a state of emergency declared under s. 323.10:
1. Declare priority of emergency management contracts over other contracts, allocate materials and facilities in his or her discretion, and take, use, and destroy, in the name of the state, private property for emergency management purposes. The governor shall keep records of that action. Those records shall be evidence of a claim against the state. The claim against the state shall be referred to the claims board under s. 16.007.
2. Issue such orders as he or she deems necessary for the security of persons and property.
3. Contract on behalf of the state with any person to provide, on a cost basis, equipment and services to be used to respond to a disaster or the imminent threat of a disaster.
4. Suspend the provisions of any administrative rule if the strict compliance with that rule would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary actions to respond to the disaster.

History: 2009 a. 42 ss. 68 to71, 73 to 78, 122, 286 to 289; Stats. 2009 s. 323.12.

A person who is granted emergency powers under this subchapter may not use those powers to restrict the lawful possession, transfer, sale, transport, storage, display, or use of firearms or ammunition during an emergency.

History: 2007 a. 87; 2009 a. 42 s. 237; Stats. 2009 s. 323.24.

Definitions. In this section:
1. "Clear and immediate public safety hazard" means an unsafe condition that originates from, or is at, a sport shooting range and that could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious injury to an individual.
2. "Local unit of government" means the governing body of a county, city, town, village, or the elected tribal governing body of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state.
3. "Sport shooting range" has the meaning given in s. 895.527 (1).
Temporary closure.
1. Except as provided in par. (b), no law enforcement officer or court may require the owner or operator of a sport shooting range to cease or suspend any portion of its operation, the use of a particular firearm type at the sport shooting range, or the conduct of a particular activity at the sport shooting range because of an alleged or actual unsafe condition at, or originating from, the sport shooting range.
2. 1. A court may, upon petition by a law enforcement officer, temporarily order the owner or operator of a sport shooting range to cease or suspend a portion of its operation, the use of a particular firearm type at the sport shooting range, or the conduct of a particular activity at the sport shooting range if it finds that there is probable cause to believe that the portion of the operation, the use of a particular firearm type at the sport shooting range, or the conduct of a particular activity at the sport shooting range constitutes a clear and immediate public safety hazard.
  2. A court may, upon petition by a local unit of government or an individual, temporarily order the owner or operator of a sport shooting range to cease or suspend a portion of its operation, the use of a particular firearm type at the sport shooting range, or the conduct of a particular activity at the sport shooting range if the court finds, upon a preponderance of the evidence presented, that the portion of the sport shooting range's operation, the use of a particular firearm type at the sport shooting range, or the conduct of a particular activity at the sport shooting range constitutes a clear and immediate public safety hazard.
  3. There is a rebuttable presumption that no portion of a sport shooting range's operation, use of a particular firearm type at the sport shooting range, or conduct of a particular activity at the sport shooting range constitutes a clear and immediate public safety hazard.
3. Continuing operations.
  1. An owner or operator of a sport shooting range who has been ordered by a court under sub. (2) to temporarily cease or suspend a portion of its operation, the use of a particular firearm type at the sport shooting range, or the conduct of a particular activity at the sport shooting range may arrange for an evaluation of the sport shooting range by an entity designated by the department of natural resources under s. 23.43 as qualified to evaluate the sport shooting range. The evaluation shall identify any deficiencies in public safety measures employed at the range as compared to general safe range design and operation practices and provide recommendations to rectify any deficiencies that exist. The entity's report on the findings of the evaluation shall be submitted to the court upon completion of the evaluation.
  2. After receiving a report under par. (a) that states that no deficiencies in public safety measures employed at the range as compared to general safe range design and operation practices exist, the court shall rescind the order issued under sub. (2) and dismiss the proceedings.
  3. After receiving a report under par. (a) that identifies any deficiency in public safety measures employed at the range as compared to general safe range design and operation practices that poses a clear and immediate public safety hazard, the court shall allow the range owner or operator to provide proof that such deficiencies have been remedied. If the range owner or operator provides proof that the deficiencies have been remedied, the court shall rescind the order issued under sub. (2) and dismiss the proceedings.
  4. After receiving a report under par. (a) that identifies any deficiency in public safety measures employed at the range as compared to general safe range design and operation practices that poses a clear and immediate public safety hazard and that cannot be remedied in the range's location, the court may order permanent cessation of a portion of the sport shooting range operation, use of a particular firearm type at the sport shooting range, or the conduct of a particular activity at the sport shooting range to which the deficiency applies.
  5. If a court dismisses a petition on the grounds that the petitioner failed to demonstrate that a portion of a sport shooting range's operation constitutes a clear and immediate public safety hazard, or if the court rescinds an order issued under sub. (2) on the grounds that a report filed under par. (a) finds no deficiencies in public safety measures employed at the range as compared to general safe range design and operation practices that constitute a clear and immediate public safety hazard, the court may order the petitioner to pay the defending party's costs of litigation, including reasonable attorneys fees and consultant fees.

In this section:
1. "Actor" means a person who uses force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another person.
2. "Dwelling" has the meaning given in s. 895.07 (1) (h).
3. "Place of business" means a business that the actor owns or operates.
Except as provided in sub. (4), an actor is immune from civil liability arising out of his or her use of force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm if the actor reasonably believed that the force was necessary to prevent imminent death or bodily harm to himself or herself or to another person and either of the following applies:
1. The person against whom the force was used was in the process of unlawfully and forcibly entering the actor's dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business, the actor was on his or her property or present in the dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business, and the actor knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry was occurring.
2. The person against whom the force was used was in the actor's dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business after unlawfully and forcibly entering it, the actor was present in the dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business, and the actor knew or had reason to believe that the person had unlawfully and forcibly entered the dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business.
If sub. (2) (a) or (b) applies, the finder of fact may not consider whether the actor had an opportunity to flee or retreat before he or she used force and the actor is presumed to have reasonably believed that the force was necessary to prevent imminent death or bodily harm to himself or herself or to another person.
The presumption described in sub. (3) does not apply if any of the following are true:
1. The actor was engaged in a criminal activity or was using his or her dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business to further a criminal activity at the time he or she used the force described in sub. (2).
2. The person against whom the force was used was a public safety worker, as defined in s. 941.375 (1) (b), who entered or attempted to enter the actor's dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business in the performance of his or her official duties. This paragraph applies only if at least one of the following applies:
  1. The public safety worker identified himself or herself to the actor before the force described in sub. (2) was used by the actor.
  2. The actor knew or reasonably should have known that the person entering or attempting to enter his or her dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business was a public safety worker.
In any civil action, if a court finds that a person is immune from civil liability under sub. (2), the court shall award the person reasonable attorney fees, costs, compensation for loss of income, and other costs of the litigation reasonably incurred by the person.
Nothing in this section may be construed to limit or impair any defense to civil or criminal liability otherwise available.

History: 2011 a. 94.

(1) A threat by a person other than the actor's coconspirator which causes the actor reasonably to believe that his or her act is the only means of preventing imminent death or great bodily harm to the actor or another and which causes him or her so to act is a defense to a prosecution for any crime based on that act, except that if the prosecution is for first-degree intentional homicide, the degree of the crime is reduced to 2nd-degree intentional homicide.

(1m) A victim of a violation of s. 940.302 (2) or 948.051 has an affirmative defense for any offense committed as a direct result of the violation of s. 940.302 (2) or 948.051 without regard to whether anyone was prosecuted or convicted for the violation of s. 940.302 (2) or 948.051.

(2) It is no defense to a prosecution of a married person that the alleged crime was committed by command of the spouse nor is there any presumption of coercion when a crime is committed by a married person in the presence of the spouse.

(3) A petitioner under s. 813.12 or 813.122, or an individual whose parent, stepparent, or legal guardian filed a petition under s. 813.122 on behalf of the individual as a child victim, as defined in s. 813.122 (1) (c), has an affirmative defense for an offense under s. 175.35 (2e) that is punishable under s. 175.35 (3) (b) 2., or for an offense under s. 941.2905, if the person prohibited from possessing a firearm was the respondent in the action under s. 813.12 or 813.122.

History: 1975 c. 94; 1987 a. 399; 2007 a. 116; 2017 a. 145.

Judicial Council Note, 1988: Sub. (1) is amended by conforming references to the statute titles created by this bill. Since coercion mitigates first-degree intentional homicide to 2nd degree, it is obviously not a defense to prosecution for the latter crime. [Bill 191-S]

The state must disprove an asserted coercion defense beyond a reasonable doubt. Moes v. State, 91 Wis. 2d 756, 284 N.W.2d 66 (1979).

The coercion defense is limited to the most severe form of inducement. It requires finding that the actor believed he or she was threatened with immediate death or great bodily harm with no possible escape other than the commission of a criminal act. A defendant seeking a coercion defense instruction must meet the initial burden of producing evidence to support giving an instruction. That the defendant reasonably believed that a companion would attempt to harm him or her if he if he or she did not comply with the companion's orders only suggests that the safest course was to comply with companion's orders, not that it was the only course. State v. Keeran, 2004 WI App 4, 268 Wis. 2d 761, 674 N.W.2d 570, 01-1892.

Pressure of natural physical forces which causes the actor reasonably to believe that his or her act is the only means of preventing imminent public disaster, or imminent death or great bodily harm to the actor or another and which causes him or her so to act, is a defense to a prosecution for any crime based on that act, except that if the prosecution is for first-degree intentional homicide, the degree of the crime is reduced to 2nd-degree intentional homicide.

History: 1987 a. 399.

Judicial Council Note, 1988: This section is amended by conforming references to the statute titles created by this bill. Since necessity mitigates first-degree intentional homicide to 2nd degree, it is obviously not a defense to prosecution for the latter crime. [Bill 191-S]

The defense of necessity was unavailable to a demonstrator who sought to stop a shipment of nuclear fuel on the grounds of safety. State v. Olsen, 99 Wis. 2d 572, 299 N.W.2d 632 (Ct. App. 1980).

Heroin addiction is not a "natural physical force" as used in this section. An addict, caught injecting heroin in jail, who was not provided methadone as had been promised, was not entitled to assert necessity against a charge of possession of heroin because his addiction ultimately resulted from his conscious decision to start using illegal drugs. State v. Anthuber, 201 Wis. 2d 512, 549 N.W.2d 477 (Ct. App. 1996), 95-1365.

A person is privileged to threaten or intentionally use force against another for the purpose of preventing or terminating what the person reasonably believes to be an unlawful interference with his or her person by such other person. The actor may intentionally use only such force or threat thereof as the actor reasonably believes is necessary to prevent or terminate the interference. The actor may not intentionally use force which is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm unless the actor reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself.
1m.
1. In this subsection:
  1. "Dwelling" has the meaning given in s. 895.07 (1) (h).
  2. "Place of business" means a business that the actor owns or operates.
  ar. If an actor intentionally used force that was intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm, the court may not consider whether the actor had an opportunity to flee or retreat before he or she used force and shall presume that the actor reasonably believed that the force was necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself if the actor makes such a claim under sub. (1) and either of the following applies:
  1. The person against whom the force was used was in the process of unlawfully and forcibly entering the actor's dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business, the actor was present in the dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business, and the actor knew or reasonably believed that an unlawful and forcible entry was occurring.
  2. The person against whom the force was used was in the actor's dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business after unlawfully and forcibly entering it, the actor was present in the dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business, and the actor knew or reasonably believed that the person had unlawfully and forcibly entered the dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business.
2. The presumption described in par. (ar) does not apply if any of the following applies:
  1. The actor was engaged in a criminal activity or was using his or her dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business to further a criminal activity at the time.
  2. The person against whom the force was used was a public safety worker, as defined in s. 941.375 (1) (b), who entered or attempted to enter the actor's dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business in the performance of his or her official duties. This subdivision applies only if at least one of the following applies:
    1. The public safety worker identified himself or herself to the actor before the force described in par. (ar) was used by the actor.
    2. The actor knew or reasonably should have known that the person entering or attempting to enter his or her dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business was a public safety worker.
Provocation affects the privilege of self-defense as follows:
1. A person who engages in unlawful conduct of a type likely to provoke others to attack him or her and thereby does provoke an attack is not entitled to claim the privilege of self-defense against such attack, except when the attack which ensues is of a type causing the person engaging in the unlawful conduct to reasonably believe that he or she is in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm. In such a case, the person engaging in the unlawful conduct is privileged to act in self-defense, but the person is not privileged to resort to the use of force intended or likely to cause death to the person's assailant unless the person reasonably believes he or she has exhausted every other reasonable means to escape from or otherwise avoid death or great bodily harm at the hands of his or her assailant.
2. The privilege lost by provocation may be regained if the actor in good faith withdraws from the fight and gives adequate notice thereof to his or her assailant.
3. A person who provokes an attack, whether by lawful or unlawful conduct, with intent to use such an attack as an excuse to cause death or great bodily harm to his or her assailant is not entitled to claim the privilege of self-defense.
The privilege of self-defense extends not only to the intentional infliction of harm upon a real or apparent wrongdoer, but also to the unintended infliction of harm upon a 3rd person, except that if the unintended infliction of harm amounts to the crime of first-degree or 2nd-degree reckless homicide, homicide by negligent handling of dangerous weapon, explosives or fire, first-degree or 2nd-degree reckless injury or injury by negligent handling of dangerous weapon, explosives or fire, the actor is liable for whichever one of those crimes is committed.
A person is privileged to defend a 3rd person from real or apparent unlawful interference by another under the same conditions and by the same means as those under and by which the person is privileged to defend himself or herself from real or apparent unlawful interference, provided that the person reasonably believes that the facts are such that the 3rd person would be privileged to act in self-defense and that the person's intervention is necessary for the protection of the 3rd person.
A person is privileged to use force against another if the person reasonably believes that to use such force is necessary to prevent such person from committing suicide, but this privilege does not extend to the intentional use of force intended or likely to cause death.
In this section "unlawful" means either tortious or expressly prohibited by criminal law or both.

History: 1987 a. 399; 1993 a. 486; 2005 a. 253; 2011 a. 94.

Judicial Council Note, 1988: Sub. (3) is amended by conforming references to the statute titles as affected by this bill. [Bill 191-S]

When a defendant testified that he did not intend to shoot or use force, he could not claim self-defense. Cleghorn v. State, 55 Wis. 2d 466, 198 N.W.2d 577 (1972).

Sub. (2) (b) is inapplicable to a defendant if the nature of the initial provocation is a gun-in-hand confrontation of an intended victim by a self-identified robber. Under these circumstances the intended victim is justified in the use of force in the exercise of the right of self-defense. Ruff v. State, 65 Wis. 2d 713, 223 N.W.2d 446 (1974).

Whether a defendant's belief was reasonable under subs. (1) and (4) depends, in part, upon the parties' personal characteristics and histories and whether events were continuous. State v. Jones, 147 Wis. 2d 806, 434 N.W.2d 380 (1989).

Evidence of prior specific instances of violence that were known to the accused may be presented to support a defense of self-defense. The evidence is not limited to the accused's own testimony, but the evidence may not be extended to the point that it is being offered to prove that the victim acted in conformity with his or her violent tendencies. State v. Daniels, 160 Wis. 2d 85, 465 N.W.2d 633 (1991).

Imperfect self-defense contains an initial threshold element requiring a reasonable belief that the defendant was terminating an unlawful interference with his or her person. State v. Camacho, 176 Wis. 2d 860, 501 N.W.2d 380 (1993).

The reasonableness of a person's belief under sub. (1) is judged from the position of a person of ordinary intelligence and prudence in the same situation as the defendant, not a person identical to the defendant placed in the same situation as the defendant. A defendant's psycho-social history showing past violence toward the defendant is generally not relevant to this objective standard, although it may be relevant, as in spousal abuse cases, where the actors are the homicide victim and defendant. State v. Hampton, 207 Wis. 2d 369, 558 N.W.2d 884 (Ct. App. 1996).

The right to resist unlawful arrest is not part of the statutory right to self-defense. It is a common law privilege that is abrogated. State v. Hobson, 218 Wis. 2d 350, 577 N.W.2d 825 (1998), 96-0914.

While there is no statutory duty to retreat, whether the opportunity to retreat was available goes to whether the defendant reasonably believed the force used was necessary to prevent an interference with his or her person. A jury instruction to that effect was proper. State v. Wenger, 225 Wis. 2d 495, 593 N.W.2d 467 (Ct. App. 1999), 98-1739.

When a defendant fails to establish a factual basis to raise self-defense, prior specific acts of violence by the victim have no probative value. The presentation of subjective testimony by an accused, going to a belief that taking steps in self-defense was necessary, is not sufficient for the admission of self-defense evidence. State v. Head, 2000 WI App 275, 240 Wis. 2d 162, 622 N.W.2d 9, 99-3071.

Although intentionally pointing a firearm at another constitutes a violation of s. 941.20, under sub. (1) a person is privileged to point a gun at another person in self-defense if the person reasonably believes that the threat of force is necessary to prevent or terminate what he or she reasonably believes to be an unlawful interference. State v. Watkins, 2002 WI 101, 255 Wis. 2d 265, 647 N.W.2d 244, 00-0064.

A defendant asserting perfect self-defense against a charge of 1st-degree murder must meet an objective threshold showing that he or she reasonably believed that he or she was preventing or terminating an unlawful interference with his or her person and that the force used was necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm. A defendant asserting the defense of unnecessary defensive force s. 940.01 (2) (b) to a charge of 1st-degree murder is not required to satisfy the objective threshold showing. State v. Head, 2002 WI 99, 255 Wis. 2d 194, 648 N.W.2d 413, 99-3071.

A person may employ deadly force against another, if the person reasonably believes that force is necessary to protect a 3rd-person or one's self from imminent death or great bodily harm, without incurring civil liability for injury to the other. Clark v. Ziedonis, 513 F. 2d 79 (1975).

Self-defense -- prior acts of the victim. 1974 WLR 266.

State v. Camacho: The Judicial Creation of an Objective Element to Wisconsin's Law of Imperfect Self-defense Homicide. Leiser. 1995 WLR 742.

A person is privileged to threaten or intentionally use force against another for the purpose of preventing or terminating what the person reasonably believes to be an unlawful interference with the person's property. Only such degree of force or threat thereof may intentionally be used as the actor reasonably believes is necessary to prevent or terminate the interference. It is not reasonable to intentionally use force intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm for the sole purpose of defense of one's property.
A person is privileged to defend a 3rd person's property from real or apparent unlawful interference by another under the same conditions and by the same means as those under and by which the person is privileged to defend his or her own property from real or apparent unlawful interference, provided that the person reasonably believes that the facts are such as would give the 3rd person the privilege to defend his or her own property, that his or her intervention is necessary for the protection of the 3rd person's property, and that the 3rd person whose property the person is protecting is a member of his or her immediate family or household or a person whose property the person has a legal duty to protect, or is a merchant and the actor is the merchant's employee or agent. An official or adult employee or agent of a library is privileged to defend the property of the library in the manner specified in this subsection.
In this section "unlawful" means either tortious or expressly prohibited by criminal law or both.

History: 1979 c. 245; 1981 c. 270; 1993 a. 486.

Flight on the part of one suspected of a felony does not, of itself, warrant the use of deadly force by an arresting officer, and it is only in certain aggravated circumstances that a police officer may shoot a fleeing suspect. Clark v. Ziedonis, 368 F. Supp. 544 (1973).

Whoever does any of the following is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor:
1. Endangers another's safety by the negligent operation or handling of a dangerous weapon; or
2. Operates or goes armed with a firearm while he or she is under the influence of an intoxicant; or
  bm. Operates or goes armed with a firearm while he or she has a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in his or her blood. A defendant has a defense to any action under this paragraph that is based on the defendant allegedly having a detectable amount of methamphetamine, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in his or her blood, if he or she proves by a preponderance of the evidence that at the time of the incident or occurrence he or she had a valid prescription for methamphetamine or one of its metabolic precursors, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.
3. Except as provided in sub. (1m), intentionally points a firearm at or toward another.
4. While on the lands of another discharges a firearm within 100 yards of any building devoted to human occupancy situated on and attached to the lands of another without the express permission of the owner or occupant of the building. "Building" as used in this paragraph does not include any tent, bus, truck, vehicle or similar portable unit.
1m.
1. In this subsection:
  1. "Ambulance" has the meaning given in s. 256.01 (1).
  2. "Emergency medical technician" has the meaning given in s. 256.01 (5).
  3. "First responder" has the meaning given in s. 256.01 (9).
2. Whoever intentionally points a firearm at or towards a law enforcement officer, a fire fighter, an emergency medical technician, a first responder, an ambulance driver, or a commission warden who is acting in an official capacity and who the person knows or has reason to know is a law enforcement officer, a fire fighter, an emergency medical technician, a first responder, an ambulance driver, or a commission warden is guilty of a Class H felony.
Whoever does any of the following is guilty of a Class G felony:
1. Intentionally discharges a firearm into a vehicle or building under circumstances in which he or she should realize there might be a human being present therein; or
2. Sets a spring gun.
1. Whoever intentionally discharges a firearm from a vehicle while on a highway, as defined in s. 340.01 (22), or on a vehicle parking lot that is open to the public under any of the following circumstances is guilty of a Class F felony:
  1. The person discharges the firearm at or toward another.
  2. The person discharges the firearm at or toward any building or other vehicle.
2. 1. Paragraph (a) does not apply to any of the following who, in the line of duty, discharges a firearm from a vehicle:
    1. A peace officer, except for a commission warden who is not a state-certified commission warden.
    2. A member of the U.S. armed forces.
    3. A member of the national guard.
  2. Paragraph (a) does not apply to the holder of a permit under s. 29.193 (2) who is hunting from a standing motor vehicle, as defined in s. 29.001 (57), in accordance with s. 29.193 (2) (cr) 2.
3. The state does not have to negate any exception under par. (b). Any party that claims that an exception under par. (b) is applicable has the burden of proving the exception by a preponderance of the evidence.
4. The driver of the vehicle may be charged and convicted for a violation of par. (a) according to the criteria under s. 939.05.
5. A person under par. (a) has a defense of privilege of self-defense or defense of others in accordance with s. 939.48.

History: 1977 c. 173; 1987 a. 399; 1989 a. 131; 1993 a. 94, 486; 1997 a. 248, 249; 1999 a. 32; 2001 a. 109; 2003 a. 97, 190; 2007 a. 11, 27, 130.

Judicial Council Note, 1988: The mental element of the offense under sub. (1) (a) is changed from reckless conduct to criminal negligence. See s. 939.25. If the defendant acts recklessly, the conduct is prohibited by s. 941.30. [Bill 191-S]

Pointing a firearm is not a lesser included offense of armed robbery and a defendant can be convicted of both. State v. Smith, 55 Wis. 2d 304, 198 N.W.2d 630 (1972).

A jury instruction that shooting "into" a building under sub. (2) (a) occurs when a bullet penetrates the building however slightly, conformed with common usage of the word and was not improper. State v. Grady, 175 Wis. 2d 553, 499 N.W.2d 285 (Ct. App. 1993).

Police officers do not have an absolute right to point their weapons, but privilege may be asserted as an affirmative defense. State v. Trentadue, 180 Wis. 2d 670, 510 N.W.2d 727 (Ct. App. 1993).

Although intentionally pointing a firearm at another constitutes a violation of this section, under s. 939.48 (1) a person is privileged to point a gun at another person in self-defense if the person reasonably believes that the threat of force is necessary to prevent or terminate what he or she reasonably believes to be an unlawful interference. State v. Watkins, 2002 WI 101, 255 Wis. 2d 265, 647 N.W.2d 244, 00-0064.

Whoever intentionally disarms a peace officer who is acting in his or her official capacity by taking a dangerous weapon or a device or container described under s. 941.26 (1g) (b) or (4) (a) from the officer without his or her consent is guilty of a Class H felony. This section applies to any dangerous weapon or any device or container described under s. 941.26 (1) (b) or (4) (a) that the officer is carrying or that is in an area within the officer's immediate presence.

History: 1983 a. 262; 1993 a. 98; 1995 a. 339; 2001 a. 109. 2015 Wisconsin Act 197 § 15

In this section:
1. ag. "Carry" has the meaning given in s. 175.60 (1) (ag).
  
  ar. "Destructive device" has the meaning given in 18 USC 921 (a) (4).
2. "Firearm silencer" has the meaning given in s. 941.298 (1).
3. "Former officer" means a person who served as a law enforcement officer with a law enforcement agency before separating from law enforcement service.
4. "Law enforcement agency" has the meaning given in s. 175.49 (1) (f).
5. "Law enforcement officer" has the meaning given in s. 175.49 (1) (g).
6. "Machine gun" has the meaning given in s. 941.25 (1).
7. "Qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer" means a law enforcement officer to whom all of the following apply:
  1. The person is employed by a state or local government agency in another state.
  2. The agency has authorized the person to carry a firearm.
  3. The person is not the subject of any disciplinary action by the agency that could result in the suspension or loss of the person's law enforcement authority.
  4. The person meets all standards established by the agency to qualify the person on a regular basis to use a firearm.
  5. The person is not prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm.
Any person, other than one of the following, who carries a concealed and dangerous weapon is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor:
1. A peace officer, but notwithstanding s. 939.22, for purposes of this paragraph, peace officer does not include a commission warden who is not a state-certified commission warden.
2. A qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer. This paragraph applies only if all of the following apply:
  1. The weapon is a firearm but is not a machine gun or a destructive device.
  2. The officer is not carrying a firearm silencer.
  3. The officer is not under the influence of an intoxicant.
3. A former officer. This paragraph applies only if all of the following apply:
  1. The former officer has been issued a photographic identification document described in sub. (3) (b) 1. or both of the following:
    1. A photographic identification document described in sub. (3) (b) 2. (intro.).
    2. An identification card described in sub. (3) (b) 2. a., if the former officer resides in this state, or a certification described in sub. (3) (b) 2. b., if the former officer resides in another state.
  2. The weapon is a firearm that is of the type described in a photographic identification document described in subd. 1. (intro.) or a card or certification described in subd. 1. b.
  3. Within the preceding 12 months, the former officer met the standards of the state in which he or she resides for training and qualification for active law enforcement officers to carry firearms.
  4. The weapon is not a machine gun or a destructive device.
  5. The former officer is not carrying a firearm silencer.
  6. The former officer is not under the influence of an intoxicant.
  7. The former officer is not prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm.
4. A licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (d), or an out-of-state licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (g), if the dangerous weapon is a weapon, as defined under s. 175.60 (1) (j). An individual formerly licensed under s. 175.60 whose license has been suspended or revoked under s. 175.60 (14) may not assert his or her refusal to accept a notice of revocation or suspension mailed under s. 175.60 (14) (b) 1. as a defense to prosecution under this subsection, regardless of whether the person has complied with s. 175.60 (11) (b) 1.
5. An individual who carries a concealed and dangerous weapon, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (j), in his or her own dwelling or place of business or on land that he or she owns, leases, or legally occupies.
1. A qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer shall, while carrying a concealed firearm, also have with him or her an identification card that contains his or her photograph and that was issued by the law enforcement agency by which he or she is employed.
2. A former officer shall, while carrying a concealed firearm, also have with him or her one of the following:
  1. A photographic identification document issued by the law enforcement agency from which the former officer separated that indicates that, within the 12 months preceding the date on which the former officer is carrying the concealed firearm, he or she was tested or otherwise found by that law enforcement agency to meet the standards for qualification in firearms training that that law enforcement agency sets for active law enforcement officers to carry a firearm of the same type as the firearm that the former officer is carrying.
  2. A photographic identification document issued by the law enforcement agency from which the former officer separated and one of the following:
    1. A certification card issued under s. 175.49 (2) or (3), if the former officer resides in this state.
    2. A certification issued by the state in which the former officer resides, if the former officer resides in another state, that indicates that, within the 12 months preceding the date on which the former officer is carrying the concealed firearm, he or she has been found by the state in which he or she resides, or by a certified firearms instructor if such an instructor is qualified to conduct a firearms qualification test for active law enforcement officers in that state, to meet the standards for qualification in firearms training for active law enforcement officers to carry a firearm of the type he or she is carrying, that are established by his or her state of residence or, if that state does not establish standards, by any law enforcement agency in his or her state of residence.
3. A person who violates this subsection may be required to forfeit not more than $25, except that the person shall be exempted from the forfeiture if the person presents, within 48 hours, his or her license document or out-of-state license and photographic identification to the law enforcement agency that employs the requesting law enforcement officer.
4. This subsection does not apply to a licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (d), or an out-of-state licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (g).

History: 1977 c. 173; 1979 c. 115, 221; 2007 a. 27; 2011 a. 35; 2015 a. 68. 2015 Wisconsin Act 197 § 16

The burden is on the defendant to prove that he or she is a peace officer and within the exception. State v. Williamson, 58 Wis. 2d 514, 206 N.W.2d 613 (1973).

A defendant was properly convicted under this section for driving a vehicle with a gun locked in a glove compartment. State v. Fry, 131 Wis. 2d 153, 388 N.W.2d 565 (1986).

To "go armed" does not require going anywhere. The elements for a violation of s. 941.23 are: 1) a dangerous weapon is on the defendant's person or within reach; 2) the defendant is aware of the weapon's presence; and 3) the weapon is hidden. State v. Keith, 175 Wis. 2d 75, 498 N.W.2d 865 (Ct. App. 1993).

A handgun on the seat of a car that was indiscernible from ordinary observation by a person outside, and within the immediate vicinity, of the vehicle was hidden from view for purposes of determining whether the gun was a concealed weapon under this section. State v. Walls, 190 Wis. 2d 65, 526 N.W.2d 765 (Ct. App. 1994).

There is no statutory or common law privilege for the crime of carrying a concealed weapon under s. 941.23. State Dundon, 226 Wis. 2d 654, 94 N.W.2d 780 (1999), 97-1423.

Under the facts of the case, the privilege of of self-defense was inapplicable to a charge of carrying a concealed weapon. State v. Nollie, 2002 WI 4, 249 Wis. 2d 538, 638 N.W.2d 280, 00-0744.

The concealed weapons statute is a restriction on the manner in which firearms are possessed and used. It is constitutional under Art. I, s. 25. Only if the public benefit in the exercise of the police power is substantially outweighed by an individual's need to conceal a weapon in the exercise of the right to bear arms will an otherwise valid restriction on that right be unconstitutional, as applied. The right to keep and bear arms for security, as a general matter, must permit a person to possess, carry, and sometimes conceal arms to maintain the security of a private residence or privately operated business, and to safely move and store weapons within those premises. State v. Hamdan, 2003 WI 113, 264 Wis. 2d 433, 665 N.W.2d 785, 01-0056. See also State v. Cole, 2003 WI 112, 264 Wis. 2d 520, 665 N.W.2d 328, 01-0350.

A challenge on constitutional grounds of a prosecution for carrying a concealed weapon requires affirmative answers to the following before the defendant may raise the constitutional defense: 1) under the circumstances, did the defendant's interest in concealing the weapon to facilitate exercise of his or her right to keep and bear arms substantially outweigh the state's interest in enforcing the concealed weapons statute? and 2) did the defendant conceal his or her weapon because concealment was the only reasonable means under the circumstances to exercise his or her right to bear arms? State v. Hamdan, 2003 WI 113, 264 Wis. 2d 433, 665 N.W.2d 785, 01-0056.

This section is constitutional as applied in this case. The defendant's interest in exercising his right to keep and bear arms for purposes of security by carrying a concealed weapon in his vehicle does not substantially outweigh the state's interest in prohibiting him from carrying a concealed weapon in his vehicle. State v. Fisher, 2006 WI 44, 290 Wis. 2d 121, 714 N.W.2d 495, 04-2989.

Judges are not peace officers authorized to carry concealed weapons. 69 Atty. Gen. 66.

Any person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 941.29 who goes armed with a concealed knife that is a dangerous weapon is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Any person who goes armed with a firearm in any building owned or leased by the state or any political subdivision of the state is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
This section does not apply to any of the following:
1. Peace officers or armed forces or military personnel who go armed in the line of duty or to any person duly authorized by the chief of police of any city, village or town, the chief of the capitol police, or the sheriff of any county to possess a firearm in any building under sub. (1). Notwithstanding s. 939.22 (22), for purposes of this paragraph, peace officer does not include a commission warden who is not a state-certified commission warden.
2. A qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer, as defined in s. 941.23 (1) (g), to whom s. 941.23 (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies.
3. A former officer, as defined in s. 941.23 (1) (c), to whom s. 941.23 (2) (c) 1. to 7. applies.
4. A licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (d), or an out-of-state licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (g).

History: 1979 c. 221; 1991 a. 172; 1993 a. 246; 2001 a. 109; 2007 a. 27; 2011 a. 35.

In this section:
1. "Alcohol beverages" has the meaning given in s. 125.02 (1).
2. "Correctional officer" means any person employed by the state or any political subdivision as a guard or officer whose principal duties are the supervision and discipline of inmates.
3. "Encased" has the meaning given in s. 167.31 (1) (b).
  cm. "Firearms dealer" means any person engaged in the business of importing, manufacturing or dealing in firearms and having a license as an importer, manufacturer or dealer issued by the federal government.
4. "Handgun" has the meaning given in s. 175.35 (1) (b).
  dm. "Hotel" has the meaning given in s. 254.61 (3).
  
  dr. Notwithstanding s. 939.22 (22), "peace officer" does not include a commission warden who is not a state-certified commission warden.
5. "Premises" has the meaning given in s. 125.02 (14m), but excludes any area primarily used as a residence.
  em. "Private security person" has the meaning given in s. 440.26 (1m) (h).
6. "Target range" means any area where persons are allowed to use a handgun to fire shots at targets.
  fm. "Tavern" means an establishment, other than a private club or fraternal organization, in which alcohol beverages are sold for consumption on the premises.
7. "Unloaded" means any of the following:
  1. Having no shell or cartridge in the chamber of a handgun or in the magazine attached to a handgun.
  2. In the case of a caplock muzzle-loading handgun, having the cap removed.
  3. In the case of a flintlock muzzle-loading handgun, having the flashpan cleaned of powder.
Whoever intentionally goes armed with a handgun on any premises for which a Class "B" or "Class B" license or permit has been issued under ch. 125 is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
Subsection (2) does not apply to any of the following:
1. A peace officer.
2. A correctional officer while going armed in the line of duty.
3. A member of the U.S. armed forces or national guard while going armed in the line of duty.
  cm. A private security person meeting all of the following criteria:
  1. The private security person is covered by a license or permit issued under s. 440.26.
  2. The private security person is going armed in the line of duty.
  3. The private security person is acting with the consent of the person specified in par. (d).
  cr. A qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer, as defined in s. 941.23 (1) (g), to whom s. 941.23 (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies.
  
  ct. A former officer, as defined in s. 941.23 (1) (c), to whom s. 941.23 (2) (c) 1. to 7. applies.
  
  cx. A licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (d), or an out-of-state licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (g), if the licensee or out-of-state licensee is not consuming alcohol on the premises.
4. The licensee, owner, or manager of the premises, or any employee or agent authorized to possess a handgun by the licensee, owner, or manager of the premises.
5. The possession of a handgun that is unloaded and encased in a vehicle in any parking lot area.
6. The possession or use of a handgun at a public or private gun or sportsmen's range or club.
7. The possession or use of a handgun on the premises if authorized for a specific event of limited duration by the owner or manager of the premises who is issued the Class "B" or "Class B" license or permit under ch. 125 for the premises.
8. The possession of any handgun that is used for decoration if the handgun is encased, inoperable or secured in a locked condition.
9. The possession of a handgun in any portion of a hotel other than the portion of the hotel that is a tavern.
10. The possession of a handgun in any portion of a combination tavern and store devoted to other business if the store is owned or operated by a firearms dealer, the other business includes the sale of handguns and the handgun is possessed in a place other than a tavern.

History: 1993 a. 95, 491; 1995 a. 461; 2007 a. 27; 2011 a. 35; 2016 a. 22.

Sub. (3) does not allow going armed with a concealed handgun in violation of s. 941.23. State v. Mata, 199 Wis. 2d 315, 544 N.W.2d 578 (Ct. App. 1996), 95-1336.

Whoever manufactures, sells or offers to sell, transports, purchases, possesses or goes armed with any knife having a blade which opens by pressing a button, spring or other device in the handle or by gravity or by a thrust or movement is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
Within 30 days after April 16, 1959, such knives shall be surrendered to any peace officer.

History: 1977 c. 173., repealed via ACT 149 enacted February 6, 2016

Every manufacturer shall keep a register of all machine guns manufactured or handled by him or her. This register shall show the model and serial number, date of manufacture, sale, loan, gift, delivery or receipt, of every machine gun, the name, address, and occupation of the person to whom the machine gun was sold, loaned, given or delivered, or from whom it was received; and the purpose for which it was acquired by the person to whom the machine gun was sold, loaned, given or delivered, or from whom received. Upon demand every manufacturer shall permit any marshal, sheriff or police officer to inspect his or her entire stock of machine guns, parts, and supplies therefor, and shall produce the register required under this subsection for inspection. Whoever violates any provision of this subsection is subject to a Class B forfeiture.

History: 1977 c. 173. 2015 Wisconsin Act 197 § 17

1. No person may sell, possess, use or transport any machine gun or other full automatic firearm.
2. Except as provided in sub. (4), no person may sell, possess, use or transport any tear gas bomb, hand grenade, projectile or shell or any other container of any kind or character into which tear gas or any similar substance is used or placed for use to cause bodily discomfort, panic, or damage to property.
3. In this section, "machine gun" has the meaning given in s. 941.25 (1).
1m. No person may take a firearm that is not designed to shoot more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger and modify the firearm so that it does shoot more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
1. Any person violating sub. (1g) (a) is guilty of a Class H felony.
2. Any person violating sub. (1m) is guilty of a Class F felony.
3. Except as provided in par. (d), any person who violates sub. (1g) (b) regarding the possession, noncommercial transportation or use of the bomb, grenade, projectile, shell or container under sub. (1g) (b) is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
4. Any person who violates sub. (1) (b) regarding the possession, noncommercial transportation or use of the bomb, grenade, projectile, shell or container under sub. (1g) (b) in self-defense or defense of another, as allowed under s. 939.48, is subject to a Class D forfeiture.
5. Any person who violates sub. (1g) (b) regarding the sale or commercial transportation of the bomb, grenade, projectile, shell or container under sub. (1g) (b) is guilty of a Class H felony.
6. Any person who violates sub. (1g) (b) regarding the use of the bomb, grenade, projectile, shell or container under sub. (1g) (b) to cause bodily harm or bodily discomfort to a person who the actor knows, or has reason to know, is a peace officer who is acting in an official capacity is guilty of a Class H felony.
7. Any person who violates sub. (1g) (b) regarding the use of the bomb, grenade, projectile, shell or container under sub. (1g) (b) during his or her commission of another crime to cause bodily harm or bodily discomfort to another or who threatens to use the bomb, grenade, projectile, shell or container during his or her commission of another crime to incapacitate another person is guilty of a Class H felony.
This section does not apply to the sale, possession, modification, use or transportation of any weapons or containers under sub. (1g) or (1m) to or by any armed forces or national guard personnel in the line of duty, any civil enforcement officer of the state or of any city or county. This section does not apply to the sale, possession, modification, use or transportation of weapons under sub. (1g) (a) or (1m) to or by any person duly authorized by the chief of police of any city or the sheriff of any county. This section does not apply to the restoration of any weapon under sub. (1g) (a) or (1m) by a person having a license to collect firearms as curios or relics issued by the U.S. department of the treasury. The restriction on transportation contained in this section does not apply to common carriers.
1. Subsections (1) to (3) do not apply to any device or container that contains a combination of oleoresin of capsicum and inert ingredients but does not contain any other gas or substance that will cause bodily discomfort.
2. Whoever intentionally uses a device or container described under par. (a) to cause bodily harm or bodily discomfort to another is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
3. Paragraph (b) does not apply to any of the following:
  1. Any person acting in self-defense or defense of another, as allowed under s. 939.48.
  2. Any peace officer acting in his or her official capacity. Notwithstanding s. 939.22 (22), for purposes of this subdivision, peace officer does not include a commission warden who is not a state-certified commission warden.
  3. Any armed forces or national guard personnel acting in the line of duty.
4. Whoever intentionally uses a device or container described under par. (a) to cause bodily harm or bodily discomfort to a person who the actor knows, or has reason to know, is a peace officer who is acting in an official capacity is guilty of a Class H felony.
5. Whoever uses a device or container described under par. (a) during his or her commission of another crime to cause bodily harm or bodily discomfort to another or who threatens to use the device or container during his or her commission of another crime to incapacitate another person is guilty of a Class H felony.
6. repealed: 2013 Wisconsin Act 77
7. 1. Any person who sells or distributes a device or container described under par. (a) to a person who has not attained 18 years of age is subject to a Class C forfeiture.
    1m. Subdivision 1. does not apply to an actor who is a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a person who has not attained 18 years of age if the actor gives the person the device or container.
  2. A person who proves all of the following by a preponderance of the evidence has a defense to prosecution under subd. 1.:
    1. That the purchaser or distributee falsely represented that he or she had attained the age of 18 and presented an identification card.
    2. That the appearance of the purchaser or distributee was such that an ordinary and prudent person would believe that the purchaser or distributee had attained the age of 18.
    3. That the sale was made in good faith, in reasonable reliance on the identification card and appearance of the purchaser or distributee and in the belief that the purchaser or distributee had attained the age of 18.
8. repealed: 2013 Wisconsin Act 77
9. repealed: 2013 Wisconsin Act 77
10. Whoever intentionally sells a device or container described under par. (a) without providing the purchaser with a proper label on the device or container and written safety instructions for using the device or container is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
11. 1. Except as provided in subd. 2., any person who has not attained the age of 18 years and who possesses a device or container described under par. (a) is subject to a Class E forfeiture.
  2. Subdivision 1. does not apply if the person's parent, guardian, or legal custodian purchased the device or container for him or her or gave the device or container to him or her.
12. Any person who has been convicted of a felony in this state or has been convicted of a crime elsewhere that would be a felony if committed in this state who possesses a device or container described under par. (a) is subject to a Class A misdemeanor. This paragraph does not apply if the person has received a pardon for the felony or crime.
13. The department of justice may not promulgate or enforce any rule that regulates a device or container described under par. (a).

History: 1977 c. 173; 1987 a. 234; 1991 a. 137; 1993 a. 91; 1995 a. 25; 2001 a. 109; 2007 a. 27; 2013 a. 77. 2015 Wisconsin Act 197 § 19

Cross-reference: See also ch. Jus 14, Wis. adm. code.

Definition.

In ss. 941.25 and 941.26, "machine gun" means any of the following:
1. Any weapon that shoots, is designed to shoot or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
2. The frame or receiver of any weapon described under par. (a) or any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a weapon into a weapon described under par. (a).
3. Any combination of parts from which a weapon described under par. (a) can be assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of a person.
Exceptions.
This section does not prohibit or interfere with the manufacture for, and sale of, machine guns to the military forces or the peace officers of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, or the transportation required for that purpose; the possession of a machine gun for scientific purpose, or the possession of a machine gun not usable as a weapon and possessed as a curiosity, ornament or keepsake; or the possession of a machine gun other than one adapted to use pistol cartridges for a purpose manifestly not aggressive or offensive.

History: 1977 c. 173; 1991 a. 137; 1999 a. 85. 2015 Wisconsin Act 197 § 31

In this section:
1. "Rifle" means a firearm designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder or hip and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of a propellant in a metallic cartridge to fire through a rifled barrel a single projectile for each pull of the trigger.
2. "Short-barreled rifle" means a rifle having one or more barrels having a length of less than 16 inches measured from closed breech or bolt face to muzzle or a rifle having an overall length of less than 26 inches.
3. "Short-barreled shotgun" means a shotgun having one or more barrels having a length of less than 18 inches measured from closed breech or bolt face to muzzle or a shotgun having an overall length of less than 26 inches.
4. "Shotgun" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder or hip and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of a propellant in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of ball shot or a single projectile for each single pull of the trigger.
No person may sell or offer to sell, transport, purchase, possess or go armed with a short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle.
Any person violating this section is guilty of a Class H felony.
This section does not apply to the sale, purchase, possession, use or transportation of a short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle to or by any armed forces or national guard personnel in line of duty, any peace officer of the United States or of any political subdivision of the United States or any person who has complied with the licensing and registration requirements under 26 USC 5801 to 5872. This section does not apply to the manufacture of short-barreled shotguns or short-barreled rifles for any person or group authorized to possess these weapons. The restriction on transportation contained in this section does not apply to common carriers. This section shall not apply to any firearm that may be lawfully possessed under federal law, or any firearm that could have been lawfully registered at the time of the enactment of the national firearms act of 1968.
Any firearm seized under this section is subject to s. 968.20 (3) and is presumed to be contraband.

History: 1979 c. 115; 2001 a. 109.

The intent in sub. (1) (d) is that of the fabricator; that the gun is incapable of being fired or not intended to be fired by the possessor is immaterial. State v. Johnson, 171 Wis. 2d 175, 491 N.W.2d 110 (Ct. App. 1992).

"Firearm" means a weapon that acts by force of gunpowder to fire a projectile, regardless of whether it is inoperable due to disassembly. State v. Rardon, 185 Wis. 2d 701, 518 N.W.2d 330 (Ct. App. 1994).

(1g) In this section:

"Violent felony" means any felony under s. 943.23 (1m), 1999 stats., or s. 943.23 (1r), 1999 stats., this section, or s. 940.01, 940.02, 940.03, 940.05, 940.06, 940.08, 940.09, 940.10, 940.19, 940.195, 940.20, 940.201, 940.203, 940.21, 940.225, 940.23, 940.235, 940.285 (2), 940.29, 940.295 (3), 940.30, 940.302, 940.305, 940.31, 940.43 (1) to (3), 940.45 (1) to (3), 941.20, 941.26, 941.28, 941.2905, 941.292, 941.30, 941.327 (2) (b) 3. or 4., 943.02, 943.04, 943.06, 943.10 (2), 943.23 (1g), 943.32, 943.87, 946.43, 948.02 (1) or (2), 948.025, 948.03, 948.04, 948.05, 948.051, 948.06, 948.07, 948.08, 948.085, or 948.30.
"Violent misdemeanor" means a violation of s. 813.12, 813.122, 813.125, 940.19 (1), 940.195, 940.42, 940.44, 941.20 (1), 941.26, 941.38 (3), 941.39, 947.013, 948.55, 951.02, 951.08, 951.09, or 951.095 or a violation to which a penalty specified in s. 939.63 (1) is applied.

(1m) A person who possesses a firearm is guilty of a Class G felony if any of the following applies:

The person has been convicted of a felony in this state.
The person has been convicted of a crime elsewhere that would be a felony if committed in this state.
(bm) The person has been adjudicated delinquent for an act committed on or after April 21, 1994, that if committed by an adult in this state would be a felony.
The person has been found not guilty of a felony in this state by reason of mental disease or defect.
The person has been found not guilty of or not responsible for a crime elsewhere that would be a felony in this state by reason of insanity or mental disease, defect or illness.
The person has been committed for treatment under s. 51.20 (13) (a) and is subject to an order not to possess a firearm under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1., 2007 stats.
(em) The person is subject to an order not to possess a firearm under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1., 51.45 (13) (i) 1., 54.10 (3) (f) 1., or 55.12 (10) (a).
The person is subject to an injunction issued under s. 813.12 or 813.122 or under a tribal injunction, as defined in s. 813.12 (1) (e), issued by a court established by any federally recognized Wisconsin Indian tribe or band, except the Menominee Indian tribe of Wisconsin, that includes notice to the respondent that he or she is subject to the requirements and penalties under this section and that has been filed under s. 813.128 (3g).
The person is subject to an order not to possess a firearm under s. 813.123 (5m) or 813.125 (4m).

(3) Any firearm involved in an offense under this section is subject to s. 968.20 (3).

(4m)

If a person commits a violation of sub. (1m), the court shall impose a bifurcated sentence under s. 973.01 and the confinement portion of the bifurcated sentence imposed on the person shall be not less than 3 years if all of the following are true:
1. The person is subject to this section because he or she was convicted of, adjudicated delinquent for, or found not guilty of by reason of mental disease or defect, committing, soliciting, conspiring, or attempting to commit a violent felony.
2. Any of the following applies:
  1. The person committed the current offense within 5 years after completing his or her sentence, including any parole or extended supervision, or after completing a period of probation imposed for a prior felony or violent misdemeanor.
  2. The person committed the current offense while on probation, parole, extended supervision, or conditional release for the commission of a prior felony or violent misdemeanor.
  3. The person committed the current offense within 5 years after being discharged from commitment under ch. 971 for the commission of a prior felony or violent misdemeanor.
This subsection does not apply to sentences imposed after July 1, 2020.

(5) This section does not apply to any person specified in sub. (1m) who:

Has received a pardon with respect to the crime or felony specified in sub. (1m) or (4m) and has been expressly authorized to possess a firearm under 18 USC app. 1203; or
Has obtained relief from disabilities under 18 USC 925 (c).

(6) The prohibition against firearm possession under this section does not apply to any correctional officer employed before May 1, 1982, who is required to possess a firearm as a condition of employment. This exemption applies if the officer is eligible to possess a firearm under any federal law and applies while the officer is acting in an official capacity.

(7) This section does not apply to any person who has been found not guilty or not responsible by reason of insanity or mental disease, defect or illness if a court subsequently determines both of the following:

The person is no longer insane or no longer has a mental disease, defect or illness.
The person is not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety.

(8) This section does not apply to any person specified in sub. (1m) (bm) if a court subsequently determines that the person is not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety. In any action or proceeding regarding this determination, the person has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she is not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety.

(9)

This section does not apply to a person specified in sub. (1m) (e) if the prohibition under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1., 2007 stats., has been canceled under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 2. or (16) (gm), 2007 stats., or under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1m. c.
This section does not apply to a person specified in sub. (1m) (em) if the order under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1. is canceled under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1m. c., if the order under s. 51.45 (13) (i) 1. is canceled under s. 51.45 (13) (i) 2. c., if the order under s. 54.10 (3) (f) 1. is canceled under s. 54.10 (3) (f) 2. c., or if the order under s. 55.12 (10) (a) is canceled under s. 55.12 (10) (b) 3.

(10) The prohibition against firearm possession under this section does not apply to a person specified in sub. (1m) (f) if the person satisfies any of the following:

The person is a peace officer and the person possesses a firearm while in the line of duty or, if required to do so as a condition of employment, while off duty. Notwithstanding s. 939.22 (22), for purposes of this paragraph, peace officer does not include a commission warden who is not a state-certified commission warden.

History: 1981 c. 141, 317; 1983 a. 269; 1985 a. 259; 1993 a. 195, 196, 491; 1995 a. 71, 77, 306, 417; 2001 a. 109; 2007 a. 27; 2009 a. 258; 2011 a. 257, 258; 2013 a. 223; 2015 a. 109, 352; 2017 a. 145, 310, 365.

NOTE: See Chapter 141, laws of 1981, section 2, entitled "Initial applicability."

If a defendant is willing to stipulate to being a convicted felon, evidence of the nature of the felony is irrelevant if offered only to support the felony conviction element. State v. McAllister, 153 Wis. 2d 523, 451 N.W.2d 764 (Ct. App. 1989).

Failure to give the warning under s. 973.033, 1989 stats., does not prevent a conviction under this section. State v. Phillips, 172 Wis. 2d 391, 493 N.W.2d 238 (Ct. App. 1992).

Retroactive application of this provision did not violate the prohibition against ex post facto laws because the law is intended not to punish persons for a prior crime but to protect public safety. State v. Thiel, 188 Wis. 2d 695, 524 N.W.2d 641 (1994).

A convicted felon's possession of a firearm is privileged in limited enumerated circumstances. State v. Coleman, 206 Wis. 2d 199, 556 N.W.2d 701 (1996), 95-0917.

In this section, to possess means that the defendant knowingly has control of a firearm. There is no minimum length of time the firearm must be possessed for a violation to occur. Intention in handling a firearm is irrelevant unless the handling is privileged under s. 939.45. State v. Black, 2001 WI 31, 242 Wis. 2d 126, 624 N.W.2d 363, 99-0230.

To determine whether a person has been "convicted of a crime elsewhere that would be a felony if committed in this state" under sub. (1) (b) [now sub. (1m) (b)], the courts must consider the underlying conduct of the out-of-state conviction, not merely the statute that was violated. State v. Campbell, 2002 WI App 20, 250 Wis. 2d 238, 642 N.W.2d 230, 01-0758.

Article I, s. 25, of the Wisconsin constitution did not effectively repeal this section, nor is this section unconstitutionally vague, overbroad, or in violation of the equal protection clauses of the United States and Wisconsin constitutions. State v. Thomas, 2004 WI App 115, 274 Wis. 2d 513, 683 N.W.2d 497, 03-1369.

While 18 U.S.C. s. 1162(b) prohibits the state from depriving any Indian of any right, privilege, or immunity afforded under federal treaty, defendant's claim that he was exercising tribal hunting rights did not prevent the application of this section. Application of this section did not make defendant's exercise of treaty hunting rights illegal. Rather, the defendant's own actions in committing a felony limited him from fully enjoying those rights. State v. Jacobs, 2007 WI App 155, 302 Wis. 2d 675, 735 N.W.2d 535, 06-2076.

The ban on felons possessing firearms is constitutional, and that ban extends to all felons, including nonviolent ones. The governmental objective of public safety is an important one, and the legislature's decision to deprive a nonviolent felon of the right to possess a firearm is substantially related to this goal. State v. Pocian, 2012 WI App 58, 341 Wis. 2d 380, 814 N.W.2d 894, 11-1035. See also State v. Culver, 2018 WI App 55, 384 Wis. 2d 222, 918 N.W.2d 103, 16-2160.

Attempted possession of a firearm by a felon is a crime recognized under Wisconsin law. State v. Henning, 2013 WI App 15, 346 Wis. 2d 246, 828 N.W.2d 235, 10-2449.

Denial of the defendant's motion to dismiss a charge of possession of a firearm as someone who has been adjudicated delinquent that was based on the same underlying chain of events as an earlier dismissed charge of possession of a firearm as a felon did not violate the defendant's right to be free from double jeopardy. State v. Berry, 2016 WI App 40, 369 Wis. 2d 211, 879 N.W.2d 802, 15-1195.

Sub. (5) (a) has been invalidated by congressional action. Pardons granted after November 15, 1986 will give recipients the right to receive, possess, or transport in commerce firearms unless the pardon expressly provides otherwise. 78 Atty. Gen. 22.

Whoever intentionally furnishes, purchases, or possesses a firearm for a person, knowing that the person is prohibited from possessing a firearm under s. 941.29 (1m), is guilty of a Class G felony.
The prohibition in sub. (1) against possessing a firearm for a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm does not apply to the possession of a firearm by any of the following:
1. A person to whom the firearm is surrendered under s. 813.1285.
2. A person who has been designated under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 3. to store the firearm during the duration of the order under s. 51.20 (13) (cv) 1. not to possess a firearm.
3. A person who has been designated under s. 51.45 (13) (i) 3. to store the firearm during the duration of the order under s. 51.45 (13) (i) 1. not to possess a firearm.
4. A person who has been designated under s. 54.10 (3) (f) 3. to store the firearm during the duration of the order under s. 54.10 (3) (f) 1.
5. A person who has been designated under s. 55.12 (10) (c) to store the firearm during the duration of the order under s. 55.12 (10) (a).
6. A person not covered under pars. (a) to (e) who has been designated to store the firearm during the duration of any temporary prohibition on the possession of a firearm.

Definitions.

In this section:
1. "Body armor" means any garment that is designed, redesigned, or adapted to prevent bullets from penetrating through the garment.
2. "Violent felony" means any felony, or the solicitation, conspiracy, or attempt to commit any felony, under s. 943.23 (1m) or (1r), 1999 stats., or s. 940.01, 940.02, 940.03, 940.05, 940.06, 940.08, 940.09, 940.10, 940.19, 940.195, 940.20, 940.201, 940.203, 940.21, 940.225, 940.23, 940.285 (2), 940.29, 940.295 (3), 940.30, 940.305, 940.31, 940.43 (1) to (3), 940.45 (1) to (3), 941.20, 941.26, 941.28, 941.29, 941.30, 941.327, 943.01 (2) (c), 943.011, 943.013, 943.02, 943.04, 943.06, 943.10 (2), 943.23 (1g), 943.32, 943.81, 943.82, 943.83, 943.85, 943.86, 943.87, 943.88, 943.89, 943.90, 946.43, 947.015, 948.02 (1) or (2), 948.025, 948.03, 948.04, 948.05, 948.06, 948.07, 948.08, 948.085, or 948.30; or, if the victim is a financial institution, as defined in s. 943.80 (2), a felony, or the solicitation, conspiracy, or attempt to commit a felony under s. 943.84 (1) or (2).
Prohibition.
Except as provided in subs. (4), (5), (5m), and (6), no person may possess body armor if any of the following applies to the person:
1. The person has been convicted of a violent felony in this state and has not been pardoned for it.
2. The person has been convicted of a crime elsewhere that would be a violent felony if committed in this state and has not been pardoned for it.
3. The person has been adjudicated delinquent for an act that if committed by an adult in this state would be a violent felony.
4. The person has been found not guilty of a violent felony in this state by reason of mental disease or defect.
5. The person has been found not guilty of or not responsible for a crime elsewhere by reason of insanity or mental disease, defect, or illness if the crime would be a violent felony in this state.
Penalty.
1. Whoever violates sub. (2) is guilty of a Class E felony.
2. Whoever violates sub. (2) after being convicted of violating sub. (2) is guilty of a Class D felony.
Request by certain persons for complete or partial exemption from prohibition.
1. A person who is otherwise prohibited from possessing body armor under sub. (2) may request a complete or partial exemption from the prohibition if all of the following apply:
  1. The person has a reasonable need to possess body armor to ensure his or her personal safety, to earn a livelihood, or as a condition of employment.
  2. The person is likely to use the body armor in a safe and lawful manner.
2. A person seeking a complete or partial exemption under this subsection from the prohibition under sub. (2) shall request the exemption by filing a written motion in the circuit court for the county in which the person will possess the body armor. A person who files a motion under this paragraph shall send a copy of the motion to the district attorney for the county in which the motion is filed. The district attorney shall make a reasonable attempt to contact the county sheriff and, if applicable, the chief of police of a city, village, or town in the county in which the person will possess the body armor for the purpose of informing the sheriff and the chief of police that the person has made a request for an exemption and to solicit from the sheriff and chief of police any information that may be relevant to the criteria specified in par. a) 1. and 2.
3. A court deciding whether to grant a request for an exemption made under par. (b) may deny the request for an exemption, grant a complete exemption from the prohibition, or grant a partial exemption by allowing possession of body armor only under certain specified circumstances or in certain locations or both. In deciding whether a person satisfies the criteria specified in par. (a) 1. and 2. and, if so, whether to grant an exemption, the court shall consider the person's character, including the person's criminal record, the totality of the person's circumstances, and any relevant evidence of the person's character and circumstances, including any relevant evidence submitted by the district attorney who received the copy of the motion under par. (b).
4. If a court grants a request for an exemption under par. (c), the court shall issue a written order of exemption to the person who requested the exemption. The exemption is valid only in the county in which the court is located. If the exemption is a partial exemption, the order shall specify the circumstances under which the person may possess body armor, the locations in which the person may possess body armor, or, if applicable, both. The person granted the exemption shall carry a copy of the order of exemption at all times during which he or she is in possession of body armor. The clerk of the circuit court shall send a copy of the order of exemption to the county sheriff and, if applicable, to the chief of police of a city, village, or town in the county in which the person will possess the body armor.
Exemption based on request of law enforcement agency for certain witnesses and informers.
A person who is otherwise prohibited from possessing body armor under sub. (2) may wear body armor if the person is furnishing or has furnished information to a law enforcement agency relating to a possible violation of law or is assisting or has assisted a law enforcement agency in an investigation of a possible violation of law and is wearing the body armor at the request or direction of the law enforcement agency.

5m. Exemption based on request by certain witnesses and informers.
1. A person who is otherwise prohibited from possessing body armor under sub. (2) may possess body armor if all of the following apply:
  2. The law enforcement agency to which the person is furnishing or has furnished information or to which the person is providing or has provided assistance determines that there is reason to believe that the person may be in danger of suffering death or great bodily harm because he or she is furnishing or has furnished information or because he or she is assisting or has assisted or is assisting in an investigation.
  3. The law enforcement agency to which the person is furnishing or has furnished information or to which the person is providing or has provided assistance approves of the person's request to possess body armor under par. (b).
2. A person seeking an exemption under this subsection from the prohibition under sub. (2) shall request the exemption from the law enforcement agency to which the person is furnishing or has furnished information or to which the person is providing or has provided assistance. The law enforcement agency may deny the request for an exemption, grant a complete exemption from the prohibition, or grant a partial exemption by allowing possession of body armor only under certain specified circumstances or in certain locations or both. If the law enforcement agency grants a request for an exemption under this subsection, it shall keep a written record of the exemption. If the exemption is a partial exemption, the record shall specify the circumstances under which the person may possess body armor, the locations in which the person may possess body armor, or, if applicable, both. A written record relating to an exemption granted by a law enforcement agency under this subsection is not subject to inspection or copying under s. 19.35 (1), except that a written record shall, upon request, be disclosed to another law enforcement agency or a district attorney, if the other law enforcement agency or the district attorney is investigating or prosecuting an alleged violation of sub. (2) or to the person to whom the exemption was granted.
Exemption from prohibition for certain prisoners.

A person who is prohibited from possessing body armor under sub. (2) may wear body armor if he or she is in the actual custody of a law enforcement officer, as defined in s. 165.85 (2) (c), or a correctional officer, as defined in s. 102.475 (8) (a), and is wearing the body armor at the request or direction of the law enforcement officer or correctional officer.

History: 2001 a. 95; 2003 a. 321; 2005 a. 212, 277; 2007 a. 97.

1c. In this section:
1. "Electric weapon" means any device which is designed, redesigned, used or intended to be used, offensively or defensively, to immobilize or incapacitate persons by the use of electric current.
2. "Licensee" has the meaning given in s. 175.60 (1) (d).
3. "Out-of-state licensee" has the meaning given in s. 175.60 (1) (g).
1m. Whoever sells, transports, manufactures, possesses or goes armed with any electric weapon is guilty of a Class H felony.
Subsection (1m) does not apply to any of the following:
1. Any peace officer. Notwithstanding s. 939.22 (22), for purposes of this paragraph, peace officer does not include a commission warden who is not a state-certified commission warden.
2. Any armed forces or national guard personnel while on official duty.
3. Any corrections personnel in a county or in the department of corrections while on official duty.
4. Any manufacturer or seller of electric weapons, unless the manufacturer or seller engages in the conduct described in sub. (1m) with the intent to provide an electric weapon to someone other than one of the following:
  1. A person specified in pars. (a) to (c), a person specified in sub. (2g) (c), a licensee, or an out−of−state licensee.
  2. A person for use in his or her dwelling or place of business or on land that he or she owns, leases, or legally occupies.
5. Any common carrier transporting electric weapons.
2g. The prohibition in sub. (1m) on possessing or going armed with an electric weapon does not apply to any of the following:
1. A licensee or an out-of-state licensee.
2. An individual who goes armed with an electric weapon in his or her own dwelling or place of business or on land that he or she owns, leases, or legally occupies.
3. An individual who has a license or permit issued under s. 440.26, who is on official duty, and who may carry a firearm under rules promulgated under s. 440.26 (3m)
2r. The prohibition in sub. (1m) on transporting an electric weapon does not apply to any of the following:
1. A licensee or an out-of-state licensee.
2. An individual who is not a licensee or an out-of-state licensee who transports an electric weapon if the electric weapon is enclosed within a carrying case.
During the first 30 days after May 7, 1982, the electric weapons may be surrendered to any peace officer. Peace officers shall forward electric weapons to the crime laboratories if the retention of those weapons is not necessary for criminal prosecution purposes.

History: 1981 c. 348; 1985 a. 29 s. 3200 (35); 1989 a. 31, 56; 2001 a. 109; 2007 a. 27, 128; 2011 a. 35; 2019 a. 87.

In this section:
1. "Armor-piercing bullet" means a bullet meeting any of the following criteria: any projectile or projectile core that may be fired from any handgun and that is constructed entirely, excluding the presence of traces of other substances, from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper or depleted uranium.
2. "Handgun" has the meaning given in s. 175.35 (1) (b).
Whoever uses or possesses a handgun during the commission of a crime under chs. 939 to 948 or 961 is guilty of a Class H felony under any of the following circumstances.
1. The handgun is loaded with an armor-piercing bullet or a projectile or projectile core that may be fired from the handgun with a muzzle velocity of 1,500 feet per second or greater.
2. The person possesses an armor-piercing bullet capable of being fired from the handgun.

History: 1993 a. 98; 1995 a. 448; 2001 a. 109.

In this section, "facsimile firearm" means any replica, toy, starter pistol or other object that bears a reasonable resemblance to or that reasonably can be perceived to be an actual firearm. "Facsimile firearm" does not include any actual firearm.
No person may carry or display a facsimile firearm in a manner that could reasonably be expected to alarm, intimidate, threaten or terrify another person. Whoever violates this section is subject to a Class C forfeiture.
Subsection (2) does not apply to any of the following:
1. Any peace officer acting in the discharge of his or her official duties. Notwithstanding s. 939.22 (22), this paragraph does not apply to a commission warden.
2. Any person engaged in military activities, sponsored by the state or federal government, acting in the discharge of his or her official duties.
3. Any person who is on his or her own real property, in his or her own home or at his or her own fixed place of business.
4. Any person who is on real property and acting with the consent of the owner of that property.

History: 1993 a. 191; 1993 a. 491 s. 262; Stats. 1993 s. 941.2965; 2007 a. 27.

In this section, "look-alike firearm" means any imitation of any original firearm that was manufactured, designed and produced after December 31, 1897, including and limited to toy guns, water guns, replica nonguns, and air-soft guns firing nonmetallic projectiles. "Look-alike firearm" does not include any imitation, nonfiring, collector replica of an antique firearm developed prior to 1898, or any traditional beebee, paint-ball or pellet-firing air gun that expels a projectile through the force of air pressure.
Beginning November 1, 1992, no person may sell or distribute any look-alike firearm. Whoever violates this subsection is subject to a Class A forfeiture.
This section does not apply to the sale or distribution of a look-alike firearm that complies with the marking or waiver requirements under 15 USC 5001 (b).

History: 1991 a. 155.

In this section, "firearm silencer" means any device for silencing, muffling or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating such a device, and any part intended only for use in that assembly or fabrication.
Whoever sells, delivers or possesses a firearm silencer is guilty of a Class H felony.
Subsection (2) does not apply to sales or deliveries of firearm silencers to or possession of firearm silencers by any of the following:
1. Any peace officer who is acting in compliance with the written policies of the officer's department or agency. This paragraph does not apply to any officer whose department or agency does not have such a policy. Notwithstanding s. 939.22 (22), this paragraph does not apply to a commission warden.
2. Any armed forces or national guard personnel, while in the line of duty.
3. Any person who has complied with the licensing and registration requirements under 26 USC 5801 to 5872.

History: 1991 a. 39; 2001 a. 109; 2007 a. 27.

In this section:
1. "Correctional officer" has the meaning given in s. 941.237 (1) (b).
2. "Laser pointer" means a hand-held device that uses light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation to emit a beam of light that is visible to the human eye.
3. "Law enforcement officer" means a Wisconsin law enforcement officer, as defined in s. 175.46 (1) (g), or a federal law enforcement officer, as defined in s. 175.40 (7) (a) 1.
No person may do any of the following:
1. Intentionally direct a beam of light from a laser pointer at any part of the body of a correctional officer, law enforcement officer, or commission warden without the officer's consent, if the person knows or has reason to know that the victim is a correctional officer, law enforcement officer, or commission warden who is acting in an official capacity.
2. Intentionally and for no legitimate purpose direct a beam of light from a laser pointer at any part of the body of any human being.
3. Intentionally direct a beam of light from a laser pointer in a manner that could reasonably be expected to alarm, intimidate, threaten or terrify another person.
4. Intentionally direct a beam of light from a laser pointer in a manner that, under the circumstances, tends to disrupt any public or private event or create or provoke a disturbance.
1. Whoever violates sub. (2) (a) is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
2. Whoever violates sub. (2) (b), (c) or (d) is subject to a Class B forfeiture.
3. A person may be charged with a violation of sub. (2) (a) or (b) or both for an act involving the same victim. If the person is charged with violating both sub. (2) (a) and (b) with respect to the same victim, the charges shall be joined. If the person is found guilty of both sub. (2) (a) and (b) for an act involving the same victim, the charge under sub. (2) (b) shall be dismissed and the person may be sentenced only under sub. (2) (a).

History: 1999 a. 157; 2007 a. 27.

1e. In this section:
aL. "Carry" has the meaning given in s. 175.60 (1) (ag).

ar. "Dwelling unit" means a structure or that part of a structure which is used or intended to be used as a home, residence or sleeping place by one person or by 2 or more persons maintaining a common household, to the exclusion of all others.

az. "Implied consent" means conduct or words or both that imply that an owner or occupant of land has given consent to another person to enter the land.
2. "Inholding" means a parcel of land that is private property and that is surrounded completely by land owned by the United States, by this state or by a local governmental unit or any combination of the United States, this state and a local governmental unit.
  bm. "Licensee" means a licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (d), or an out-of-state licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (g).
3. "Local governmental unit" means a political subdivision of this state, a special purpose district in this state, an instrumentality or corporation of the political subdivision or special purpose district or a combination or subunit of any of the foregoing.
  cm. "Nonresidential building" includes a nursing home as defined in s. 50.01 (3), a community-based residential facility as defined in s. 50.01 (1g), a residential care apartment complex as defined in s. 50.01 (6d), an adult family home as defined in s. 50.01 (1), and a hospice as defined in s. 50.90 (1).
  
  NOTE: The cross-reference to s. 50.01 (6d) was changed from s. 50.01 (1d) by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. to reflect the renumbering under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2. of s. 50.01 (1d).
  
  cr. "Open land" means land that meets all of the following criteria:
  1. The land is not occupied by a structure or improvement being used or occupied as a dwelling unit.
  2. The land is not part of the curtilage, or is not lying in the immediate vicinity, of a structure or improvement being used or occupied as a dwelling unit.
  3. The land is not occupied by a public building.
  4. The land is not occupied by a place of employment.
  NOTE: Par. (cr) is shown as renumbered from par. (f) by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.
  
  cv. "Out-of-state licensee" has the meaning given in s. 175.60 (1) (g).
  
  NOTE: Par. (cv) is shown as renumbered from par. (g) by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.
4. "Place of employment" has the meaning given in s. 101.01 (11).
5. "Private property" means real property that is not owned by the United States, this state or a local governmental unit.
8. "Special event" means an event that is open to the public, is for a duration of not more than 3 weeks, and either has designated entrances to and from the event that are locked when the event is closed or requires an admission.
1m. Whoever does any of the following is subject to a Class B forfeiture:
1. Enters any enclosed, cultivated or undeveloped land of another, other than open land specified in par. (e) or (f), without the express or implied consent of the owner or occupant.
  am. Enters any land of another that is occupied by a structure used for agricultural purposes without the express or implied consent of the owner or occupant.
2. Enters or remains on any land of another after having been notified by the owner or occupant not to enter or remain on the premises. This paragraph does not apply to a licensee or out-of-state licensee if the owner's or occupant's intent is to prevent the licensee or out-of-state licensee from carrying a firearm on the owner's or occupant's land.
3. 1. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains at a residence that the actor does not own or occupy after the owner of the residence, if he or she has not leased it to another person, or the occupant of the residence has notified the actor not to enter or remain at the residence while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. In this subdivision, "residence," with respect to a single-family residence, includes the residence building and the parcel of land upon which the residence building is located, and "residence," with respect to a residence that is not a single-family residence, does not include any common area of the building in which the residence is located or any common areas of the rest of the parcel of land upon which the residence building is located.
    1m. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains in a common area in a building, or on the grounds of a building, that is a residence that is not a single-family residence if the actor does not own the residence or does not occupy any part of the residence, if the owner of the residence has notified the actor not to enter or remain in the common area or on the grounds while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. This subdivision does not apply to a part of the grounds of the building if that part is used for parking and the firearm is in a vehicle driven or parked in that part.
  2. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains in any part of a nonresidential building, grounds of a nonresidential building, or land that the actor does not own or occupy after the owner of the building, grounds, or land, if that part of the building, grounds, or land has not been leased to another person, or the occupant of that part of the building, grounds, or land has notified the actor not to enter or remain in that part of the building, grounds, or land while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. This subdivision does not apply to a part of a building, grounds, or land occupied by the state or by a local governmental unit, to a privately or publicly owned building on the grounds of a university or college, or to the grounds of or land owned or occupied by a university or college, or, if the firearm is in a vehicle driven or parked in the parking facility, to any part of a building, grounds, or land used as a parking facility.
  3. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains at a special event if the organizers of the special event have notified the actor not to enter or remain at the special event while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. This subdivision does not apply, if the firearm is in a vehicle driven or parked in the parking facility, to any part of the special event grounds or building used as a parking facility.
  4. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains in any part of a building that is owned, occupied, or controlled by the state or any local governmental unit, excluding any building or portion of a building under s. 175.60 (16) (a), if the state or local governmental unit has notified the actor not to enter or remain in the building while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. This subdivision does not apply to a person who leases residential or business premises in the building or, if the firearm is in a vehicle driven or parked in the parking facility, to any part of the building used as a parking facility.
  5. While carrying a firearm, enters or remains in any privately or publicly owned building on the grounds of a university or college, if the university or college has notified the actor not to enter or remain in the building while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. This subdivision does not apply to a person who leases residential or business premises in the building or, if the firearm is in a vehicle driven or parked in the parking facility, to any part of the building used as a parking facility.
5. Enters or remains on open land that is an inholding of another after having been notified by the owner or occupant not to enter or remain on the land.
6. Enters undeveloped private land from an abutting parcel of land that is owned by the United States, this state or a local governmental unit, or remains on such land, after having been notified by the owner or occupant not to enter or remain on the land.
1s. In determining whether a person has implied consent to enter the land of another a trier of fact shall consider all of the circumstances existing at the time the person entered the land, including all of the following:
1. Whether the owner or occupant acquiesced to previous entries by the person or by other persons under similar circumstances.
2. The customary use, if any, of the land by other persons.
3. Whether the owner or occupant represented to the public that the land may be entered for particular purposes.
4. The general arrangement or design of any improvements or structures on the land.
am. A person has received notice from the owner or occupant within the meaning of sub. (1m) (b), (e) or (f) if he or she has been notified personally, either orally or in writing, or if the land is posted. Land is considered to be posted under this paragraph under either of the following procedures:
1. If a sign at least 11 inches square is placed in at least 2 conspicuous places for every 40 acres to be protected. The sign must provide an appropriate notice and the name of the person giving the notice followed by the word "owner" if the person giving the notice is the holder of legal title to the land and by the word "occupant" if the person giving the notice is not the holder of legal title but is a lawful occupant of the land. Proof that appropriate signs as provided in this subdivision were erected or in existence upon the premises to be protected prior to the event complained of shall be prima facie proof that the premises to be protected were posted as provided in this subdivision.
2. If markings at least one foot long, including in a contrasting color the phrase "private land" and the name of the owner, are made in at least 2 conspicuous places for every 40 acres to be protected.
bm.
1. In this paragraph, "sign" means a sign that states a restriction imposed under subd. 2. that is at least 5 inches by 7 inches.
2. 1. For the purposes of sub. (1m) (c) 1m., an owner of a residence that is not a single-family residence has notified an individual not to enter or remain in a part of that building, or on the grounds of that building, while carrying a firearm or with a particular type of firearm if the owner has posted a sign that is located in a prominent place near all of the entrances to the part of the building to which the restriction applies or near all probable access points to the grounds to which the restriction applies and any individual entering the building or the grounds can be reasonably expected to see the sign.
    am. For the purposes of sub. (1m) (c) 2., 4., and 5., an owner or occupant of a part of a nonresidential building, the state or a local governmental unit, or a university or a college has notified an individual not to enter or remain in a part of the building while carrying a firearm or with a particular type of firearm if the owner, occupant, state, local governmental unit, university, or college has posted a sign that is located in a prominent place near all of the entrances to the part of the building to which the restriction applies and any individual entering the building can be reasonably expected to see the sign.
  2. For the purposes of sub. (1m) (c) 2., an owner or occupant of the grounds of a nonresidential building or of land has notified an individual not to enter or remain on the grounds or land while carrying a firearm or with a particular type of firearm if the owner or occupant has posted a sign that is located in a prominent place near all probable access points to the grounds or land to which the restriction applies and any individual entering the grounds or land can be reasonably expected to see the sign.
  3. For the purposes of sub. (1m) (c) 3., the organizers of the special event have notified an individual not to enter or remain at the special event while carrying a firearm or with a particular type of firearm if the organizers have posted a sign that is located in a prominent place near all of the entrances to the special event and any individual attending the special event can be reasonably expected to see the sign.
Whoever erects on the land of another signs which are the same as or similar to those described in sub. (2) (am) without obtaining the express consent of the lawful occupant of or holder of legal title to such land is subject to a Class C forfeiture.
3m. An owner or occupant may give express consent to enter or remain on the land for a specified purpose or subject to specified conditions and it is a violation of sub. (1m) (a) or (am) for a person who received that consent to enter or remain on the land for another purpose or contrary to the specified conditions.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit a representative of a labor union from conferring with any employee provided such conference is conducted in the living quarters of the employee and with the consent of the employee occupants.
4m.
1. am. This section does not apply to any of the following:
  1. A person entering the land, other than the residence or other buildings or the curtilage of the residence or other buildings, of another for the purpose of removing a wild animal as authorized under s. 29.885 (2), (3) or (4).
  2. A hunter entering land that is required to be open for hunting under s. 29.885 (4m) or 29.889 (7m).
  3. A person entering or remaining on any exposed shore area of a stream as authorized under s. 30.134.
  4. An assessor and an assessor's staff entering the land, other than a building, agricultural land or pasture, or a livestock confinement area, of another if all of the following apply:
    1. The assessor or the assessor's staff enters the land in order to make an assessment on behalf of the state or a political subdivision.
    2. The assessor or assessor's staff enters the land on a weekday during daylight hours, or at another time as agreed upon with the land owner.
    3. The assessor or assessor's staff spends no more than one hour on the land.
    4. The assessor or assessor's staff does not open doors, enter through open doors, or look into windows of structures on the land.
    5. The assessor or the assessor's staff leaves in a prominent place on the principal building on the land, or on the land if there is not a principal building, a notice informing the owner or occupant that the assessor or the assessor's staff entered the land and giving information on how to contact the assessor.
    6. The assessor or the assessor's staff has not personally received a notice from the owner or occupant, either orally or in writing, not to enter or remain on the premises.
  5. bm. Subsection (1m) (c) 2. and 4. does not apply to a law enforcement officer employed in this state by a public agency to whom s. 941.23 (1) (g) 2. to 5. and (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies, to a qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer, as defined in s. 941.23 (1) (g), to whom s. 941.23 (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies, or to a former officer, as defined in s. 941.23 (1) (c), to whom s. 941.23 (2) (c) 1. to 7. applies if the law enforcement officer, the qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer, or the former officer is in or on the grounds of a school, as defined in s. 948.61 (1) (b).
Any authorized occupant of employer-provided housing shall have the right to decide who may enter, confer and visit with the occupant in the housing area the occupant occupies.

History: 1971 c. 317; 1977 c. 173, 295; 1979 c. 32; 1983 a. 418; 1987 a. 27; 1989 a. 31; 1993 a. 342, 486; 1995 a. 45, 451; 1997 a. 248; 1999 a. 9; 2003 a. 33; 2009 a. 68; 2011 a. 35; s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.; s. 35.17 correction in (1m) (c) 2; 2013 a. 162; 2015 a. 23..

The arrest of abortion protesters trespassing at a clinic did not violate their free speech rights. State v. Horn, 139 Wis. 2d 473, 407 N.W.2d 854 (1987).

Administrative code provisions requiring hunters to make reasonable efforts to retrieve game birds killed or injured do not exempt a person from criminal prosecution under sub. (1) (b) [now sub. (1m) (b)] for trespassing upon posted lands to retrieve birds shot from outside the posted area. 64 Atty. Gen. 204.

In this section, "child" means a person who has not attained the age of 14 years.
Whoever recklessly stores or leaves a loaded firearm within the reach or easy access of a child is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor if all of the following occur:
1. A child obtains the firearm without the lawful permission of his or her parent or guardian or the person having charge of the child.
2. The child under par. a) discharges the firearm and the discharge causes bodily harm or death to himself, herself or another.
Whoever recklessly stores or leaves a loaded firearm within the reach or easy access of a child is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor if all of the following occur:
1. A child obtains the firearm without the lawful permission of his or her parent or guardian or the person having charge of the child.
2. The child under par. (a) possesses or exhibits the firearm in a public place or in violation of s. 941.20.
Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply under any of the following circumstances:
1. The firearm is stored or left in a securely locked box or container or in a location that a reasonable person would believe to be secure.
2. The firearm is securely locked with a trigger lock.
3. The firearm is left on the person's body or in such proximity to the person's body that he or she could retrieve it as easily and quickly as if carried on his or her body.
4. The person is a peace officer or a member of the armed forces or national guard and the child obtains the firearm during or incidental to the performance of the person's duties. Notwithstanding s. 939.22 (22), for purposes of this paragraph, peace officer does not include a commission warden who is not a state-certified commission warden.
5. The child obtains the firearm as a result of an illegal entry by any person.
6. The child gains access to a loaded firearm and uses it in the lawful exercise of a privilege under s. 939.48.
7. The person who stores or leaves a loaded firearm reasonably believes that a child is not likely to be present where the firearm is stored or left.
8. The firearm is rendered inoperable by the removal of an essential component of the firing mechanism such as the bolt in a breech-loading firearm.
Subsection (2) does not apply if the bodily harm or death resulted from an accident that occurs while the child is using the firearm in accordance with s. 29.304 or 948.60 (3).

History: >1991 a. 139; 1997 a. 248; 2007 a. 27.

In this section, "dangerous weapon" means any firearm, loaded or unloaded; any electric weapon, as defined in s. 941.295 (1c) (a); metallic knuckles or knuckles of any substance which could be put to the same use with the same or similar effect as metallic knuckles; a nunchaku or any similar weapon consisting of 2 sticks of wood, plastic or metal connected at one end by a length of rope, chain, wire or leather; a cestus or similar material weighted with metal or other substance and worn on the hand; a shuriken or any similar pointed star-like object intended to injure a person when thrown; or a manrikigusari or similar length of chain having weighted ends.
1. Any person under 18 years of age who possesses or goes armed with a dangerous weapon is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
2. Except as provided in par. (c), any person who intentionally sells, loans or gives a dangerous weapon to a person under 18 years of age is guilty of a Class I felony.
3. Whoever violates par. (b) is guilty of a Class H felony if the person under 18 years of age under par. (b) discharges the firearm and the discharge causes death to himself, herself or another.
4. A person under 17 years of age who has violated this subsection is subject to the provisions of ch. 938 unless jurisdiction is waived under s. 938.18 or the person is subject to the jurisdiction of a court of criminal jurisdiction under s. 938.183.
1. This section does not apply to a person under 18 years of age who possesses or is armed with a dangerous weapon when the dangerous weapon is being used in target practice under the supervision of an adult or in a course of instruction in the traditional and proper use of the dangerous weapon under the supervision of an adult. This section does not apply to an adult who transfers a dangerous weapon to a person under 18 years of age for use only in target practice under the adult's supervision or in a course of instruction in the traditional and proper use of the dangerous weapon under the adult's supervision.
2. This section does not apply to a person under 18 years of age who is a member of the armed forces or national guard and who possesses or is armed with a dangerous weapon in the line of duty. This section does not apply to an adult who is a member of the armed forces or national guard and who transfers a dangerous weapon to a person under 18 years of age in the line of duty.
3. This section applies only to a person under 18 years of age who possesses or is armed with a rifle or a shotgun if the person is in violation of s. 941.28 or is not in compliance with ss. 29.304 and 29.593. This section applies only to an adult who transfers a firearm to a person under 18 years of age if the person under 18 years of age is not in compliance with ss. 29.304 and 29.593 or to an adult who is in violation of s. 941.28.

History: 1987 a. 332; 1991 a. 18, 139; 1993 a. 98; 1995 a. 27, 77; 1997 a. 248; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 163; 2011 a. 35.

Sub. (2) (b) does not set a standard for civil liability, and a violation of sub. (2) (b) does not constitute negligence per se. Logarto v. Gustafson, 998 F. Supp. 998 (1998).

Definitions.

In this section:
1. "Encased" has the meaning given in s. 167.31 (1) (b).
  ac. "Firearm" does not include any beebee or pellet-firing gun that expels a projectile through the force of air pressure or any starter pistol.
  
  ag. "Former officer" has the meaning given in s. 941.23 (1) (c).
  
  am. "Motor vehicle" has the meaning given in s. 340.01 (35).
  
  ar. "Qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer" has the meaning given in s. 941.23 (1) (g).
2. "School" has the meaning given in s. 948.61 (1) (b).
3. "School zone" means any of the following:
  1. In or on the grounds of a school.
  2. Within 1,000 feet from the grounds of a school.
Possession of firearm in school zone.
1. Any individual who knowingly possesses a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is in or on the grounds of a school is guilty of a Class I felony. Any individual who knowingly possesses a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a school is subject to a Class B forfeiture.
2. Paragraph (a) does not apply to the possession of a firearm by any of the following:
  1m. A person who possesses the firearm in accordance with 18 USC 922 (q) (2) (B) (i), (iv), (v), (vi), or (vii).
  
  1r. Except if the person is in or on the grounds of a school, a licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (d), or an out-of-state licensee, as defined in s. 175.60 (1) (g).
  
  2d. A person who is employed in this state by a public agency as a law enforcement officer and to whom s. 941.23 (1) (g) 2. to 5. and (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies.
  
  2f. A qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer to whom s. 941.23 (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies.
  
  2h. A former officer to whom s. 941.23 (2) (c) 1. to 7. applies.
  
  2m. A state-certified commission warden acting in his or her official capacity.
  
  3. A person possessing a gun that is not loaded and is any of the following:
  1. Encased.
  2. In a locked firearms rack that is on a motor vehicle;
  3m. A person who is legally hunting in a school forest if the school board has decided that hunting may be allowed in the school forest under s. 120.13 (38).
Discharge of firearm in a school zone.
1. Any individual who knowingly, or with reckless disregard for the safety of another, discharges or attempts to discharge a firearm at a place the individual knows is a school zone is guilty of a Class G felony.
2. Paragraph (a) does not apply to the discharge of, or the attempt to discharge, a firearm:
  1. On private property not part of school grounds.
  2. As part of a program approved by a school in the school zone, by an individual who is participating in the program.
  3. By an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a school in a school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual.
  4. By a law enforcement officer or state-certified commission warden acting in his or her official capacity.
  5. By a person who is employed in this state by a public agency as a law enforcement officer and to whom s. 941.23 (1) (g) 2. to 5. and (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies.
  6. By a qualified out-of-state law enforcement officer to whom s. 941.23 (2) (b) 1. to 3. applies.
  7. By a former officer to whom s. 941.23 (2) (c) 1. to 7. applies.

History: 1991 a. 17; 1993 a. 336; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 290; 2007 a. 27; 2011 a. 35; 2013 a. 166; 2015 a. 23.

In this section:
1. "Dangerous weapon" has the meaning specified in s. 939.22 (10), except "dangerous weapon" does not include any firearm and does include any beebee or pellet-firing gun that expels a projectile through the force of air pressure or any starter pistol.
2. "School" means a public school, parochial or private school, or tribal school, as defined in s. 115.001 (15m), which provides an educational program for one or more grades between grades 1 and 12 and which is commonly known as an elementary school, middle school, junior high school, senior high school, or high school.
3. "School premises" means any school building, grounds, recreation area or athletic field or any other property owned, used or operated for school administration.
Any person who knowingly possesses or goes armed with a dangerous weapon on school premises is guilty of:
1. A Class A misdemeanor.
2. A Class I felony, if the violation is the person's 2nd or subsequent violation of this section within a 5-year period, as measured from the dates the violations occurred.
This section does not apply to any person who:
1. Uses a weapon solely for school-sanctioned purposes.
2. Engages in military activities, sponsored by the federal or state government, when acting in the discharge of his or her official duties.
3. Is a law enforcement officer or state-certified commission warden acting in the discharge of his or her official duties.
4. Participates in a convocation authorized by school authorities in which weapons of collectors or instructors are handled or displayed.
5. Drives a motor vehicle in which a dangerous weapon is located onto school premises for school-sanctioned purposes or for the purpose of delivering or picking up passengers or property. The weapon may not be removed from the vehicle or be used in any manner.
6. Possesses or uses a bow and arrow or knife while legally hunting in a school forest if the school board has decided that hunting may be allowed in the school forest under s. 120.13 (38).
A person under 17 years of age who has violated this section is subject to the provisions of ch. 938, unless jurisdiction is waived under s. 938.18 or the person is subject to the jurisdiction of a court of criminal jurisdiction under s. 938.183.

History: 1987 a. 332; 1991 a. 17; 1993 a. 336; 1995 a. 27, 77; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 290; 2007 a. 27; 2009 a. 302.

Pellet guns and BB guns are dangerous weapons under this section. Interest of Michelle A.D. 181 Wis. 2d 917, 512 N.W.2d 248 (Ct. App. 1994).

Wisconsin Firearm Laws

Wisconsin Constitution Article I, Section 25

CHAPTER 23 - Conservation

§23.43 - (2017) Entities qualified to evaluate the safety of sport shooting ranges

Public Domain and the Trust Funds

CHAPTER 29 - Wild Animals And Plants

Subchapter II - General Fish And Game Regulation

§29.089 - Hunting, fishing, and trapping on land in state parks and state fish hatcheries

§29.091 - Hunting or trapping in wildlife refuge

Functions and Government of Municipalities

CHAPTER 66 - General Municipality Law

Subchapter IV - Regulation

§66.0409 - (2020) Local regulation of weapons

Police Regulations

CHAPTER 167 - Safeguards Of Persons And Property

§167.30 - Use of firearms, etc., near park, etc

§167.31 - Safe use and transportation of firearms and bows

CHAPTER 175 - Miscellaneous Police Provisions

§175.30 - (2014) Purchase of firearms in other states permitted

§175.35 - (2017) Purchase of handguns

§175.37 - Warning whenever transferring a firearm

§175.49 - (2016) Former law enforcement officers seeking to carry concealed weapons

§175.60 - (2016) License to carry a concealed weapon

Military

CHAPTER 323 - Emergency Management

§323.12 - Governor; duties and powers

§323.24 - Prohibition against restricting firearms or ammunition during emergency

Provisions Common to Actions and Proceedings in All Courts

CHAPTER 895 - Damages, Liability, And Miscellaneous Provisions Regarding Actions In Courts

Subchapter II - Exemptions From, And Limitations On, Liability

§895.08 - (2017) Sport shooting ranges; actions related to safety.

§895.62 - Use of force in response to unlawful and forcible entry into a dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business; civil liability immunity

Criminal Code

CHAPTER 939 - CRIMES -- General Provisions

Subchapter III - Defenses To Criminal Liability

§939.46 - Coercion

§939.47 - Necessity

§939.48 - Self-defense and defense of others

§939.49 - Defense of property and protection against retail theft

CHAPTER 941 - Crimes Against Public Health And Safety

Subchapter III - Weapons

§941.20 - Endangering safety by use of dangerous weapon

§941.21 - (2016) Disarming a peace officer

§941.23 - (2016) Carrying concealed weapon

§941.231 - Carrying a concealed knife.

§941.235 - Carrying firearm in public building

§941.237 - (2015) Carrying handgun where alcohol beverages may be sold and consumed

§941.24 - Possession of switchblade knife (repealed)

§941.25 - (2016) Manufacturer to register machine guns

§941.26 - (2016) Machine guns and other weapons; use in certain cases; penalty

§941.27 - (2016) Machine guns

§941.28 - Possession of short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle

§941.29 - (2017) Possession of a firearm

§941.2905 - (2017) Straw purchasing of firearms.

§941.291 - Possession of body armor

§941.295 - (2020) Possession of electric weapon

§941.296 - Use or possession of a handgun and an armor-piercing bullet during crime

§941.2965 - Restrictions on use of facsimile firearms

§941.297 - Sale or distribution of imitation firearms

§941.298 - Firearm silencers

§941.299 - Restrictions on the use of laser pointers

CHAPTER 943 - Crimes Against Property

Subchapter II - Trespass

§943.13 - (2015) Trespass to land

CHAPTER 948 - Crimes Against Children

§948.55 - Leaving or storing a loaded firearm within the reach or easy access of a child

§948.60 - Possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18

§948.605 - (2015) Gun-free school zones

§948.61 - Dangerous weapons other than firearms on school premises