Newfound police support could decide the future of a state concealed carry bill with the addition of an amendment that allows police access to a database of gun-permit holders during traffic stops.
Senate Bill 403 and its counterpart, Assembly Bill 763, have each elicited a variety of concerns since their introduction. The latest provision to the bill was called for by the Wisconsin Troopers Association, which pledged its support Wednesday.
Michael Bruhn, spokesperson for state Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, and co-author of the bill, said both Gunderson and state Sen. Dave Zien, R-Eau Claire, have been receptive to working with organizations or individuals to make the bill more palatable. He said the WTA made a strong case as to why this amendment is needed to ensure both officer and civilian safety.
'When an officer goes up to an individual's car, they'll have that information in advance,' Bruhn said. 'They'll know whether or not an individual is supposed to have a weapon.'
Bruhn also emphasized the amendment would in no way increase wrongful targeting of individuals that carry gun permits, but would rather help with day-to-day interactions between the public and law enforcement officials. He said officers found guilty of unfairly targeting gun holders would be subject to Class-C misdemeanors.
Despite the amendment, Democratic lawmakers and the governor's office still stand against the bill.
State Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison, said she opposes this bill because it is 'another piecemeal thing to buy off another interest group that's concerned about the effect of their own job.'
State Rep. Joseph Parisi, D-Madison, agreed with Berceau and said 'even with that amendment, it's not only unnecessary but it's a dangerous bill.'
Additionally, he said even though it may help to safeguard police, it will not help to protect Wisconsin citizens.
Melanie Fonder, spokesperson for Gov. Jim Doyle, said the governor is prepared to veto the bill due to civilian and law enforcement misgivings, adding that many law enforcement leaders still oppose the bill.
'Law enforcement would still be concerned and it doesn't change the governor's position on this bill,' Fonder said. 'It is not in the best interest of the public safety.'
