Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1080

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/24
• Refer: 2/12/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Prohibiting possessing a firearm on college and university campuses and providing a penalty.

Impact

If enacted, AB1080 will classify the violation of possessing a firearm on a college campus as a Class A misdemeanor, significantly increasing the stakes for individuals who might disregard this law. The bill also stipulates that it does not apply to certain individuals such as law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity, military personnel, or those who occupy business spaces not classified as part of a residence hall. This nuanced approach acknowledges the need for security professionals to retain their firearm rights while simultaneously enhancing campus safety for students and staff.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1080 (AB1080) seeks to enhance safety on college and university campuses by prohibiting the possession of firearms in publicly or privately owned buildings on these premises. The bill reflects a growing concern regarding gun violence in educational settings and aims to create a safer environment for students and faculty. Currently, state law already prohibits carrying firearms in buildings owned or leased by the state, but certain exceptions apply for individuals licensed to carry concealed weapons. However, AB1080 aims to remove the existing legal loopholes that allow firearms on college grounds under specific conditions, aiming for a stricter enforcement of firearm possession laws in educational contexts.

Contention

Opposition to AB1080 may stem from concerns about individual rights and the potential for overreach. Advocates of gun rights may argue that this legislation infringes upon the rights of licensed gun owners to carry their firearms on college campuses. Critics might also express concerns over the efficacy of such bans, questioning whether they truly deter individuals with malicious intent from committing acts of violence on these campuses. The discussion around AB1080 highlights a significant intersection of public safety and personal rights in contemporary legislative debates.