Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB686

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/27/23
• Refer: 11/27/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under the age of 18.

Impact

The proposed bill modifies the existing code to declare that only legally hunting individuals under the age of 18 are permitted to carry a firearm that is not classified as a short-barreled rifle or shotgun. New provisions will add extra layers of accountability, specifying that a minor who is caught with a short-barreled firearm violates the general exceptions permitted for target practice and hunting. Therefore, this bill directly impacts the regulation of youth firearm possession, potentially affecting how laws are applied to various situations, including educational programs that involve firearms.

Summary

Assembly Bill 686 (AB686) proposes amendments to Wisconsin's current laws regarding the possession of dangerous weapons by individuals under the age of 18. The existing legislation prohibits minors from possessing firearms and other dangerous weapons, with minor penalties including a Class A misdemeanor for violations. The bill aims to clarify the exceptions that currently allow underage individuals to possess certain firearms under very specific conditions, such as participating in target practice or being engaged in hunting activities.

Contention

The introduction of AB686 has sparked discussions around balancing public safety concerns with the rights of young people engaged in outdoor activities, particularly hunting. Some legislators may argue this bill is a necessary step towards stricter control of firearms to prevent scenarios that could lead to accidents involving minors. On the other hand, opponents of the bill might argue that it unnecessarily restricts youth engagement in legal hunting practices, which could discourage younger generations from participating in outdoor sports and learning firearm safety.