A proposed change to the concealed carry law that would require a four-hour training period before a Wisconsin resident could obtain a concealed carry permit is causing contention between Republican and Democratic leaders.

Rep. Evan Wynn, R-Whitewater, said he believes the four-hour training period, proposed by the Department of Justice, is the wrong way to determine weapon proficiency.

“In the military you train to standard, not to time,” Wynn said. “Training focuses on performing tasks to standard. You train for mastery.”

Wynn, who served 22 years in the military, said he is ultimately in support of no training requirement or permits at all to carry concealed weapons.

However, he said if DOJ wants training, it should figure out the minimum standard for training, not just a time measurement, and apply that.

From Sept. 1: Wis., UW get ready for concealed carry this fall

DOJ spokesperson Dana Brueck said the law does not specifically call for any test of proficiency with firearms.

“Based on our research, the consensus view of those who provide training seems to be that four hours is the minimum amount of time needed to conduct the most basic level of firearm safety training,” Brueck said.

Those who can provide this firearm training, according to DOJ, include instructors in hunter education programs, training programs in law enforcement agencies, state training programs and instructors who are certified by the department, among others.

Wynn said he is in favor of constitutional carry and would support concealed weapons in public offices and on university campuses. He said requiring training and permits for concealed weapons is a limit to people’s constitutional right.

Wynn referenced an incident that took place earlier this year at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in which a woman who was a firearm permit holder was not allowed to have her weapon on campus and was raped later that day. Wynn said concealed carry on campus is a means of defense. 

Some members of the parties are at odds not over the content of the law and its new proposed rules, but over its timing.

Graeme Zielinski, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, said this bill should not be such a big concern at the present time. He said there are far more pressing issues for Wisconsinites today than firearm laws, particularly in the job market.

Though a gun owner himself, Zielinski said this is a not a time to be focused on issues like firearm laws.

“The Legislature has totally dropped the ball on jobs,” Zielinski said.

Brueck said the final draft of emergency rules for concealed carry was sent to Walker’s office last Friday morning and is awaiting his approval before it is put into effect.

Brueck said Wisconsinites can start applying for concealed carry permits Nov. 1, and applications will be submitted to the DOJ. The applications must include proof of firearm training.