By H. Nelson Goodson
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.
February 7, 2016
Weston, WI - On Saturday, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R) signed into law Assembly Bill 142, the bill allows anyone who can legally own a firearm in the state to carry a concealed switchblade or knife of any length without a permit. Governor Walker signed the bill at the National Association Rifle Association (NRA) and the Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs and Educators, Inc. (Wisconsin FORCE) convention, a NRA chartered association.
The bill prohibits local governments to enact any ordinances or regulations stricter than the state law.
"Wisconsin citizens have the fundamental right to defend themselves and feel safe and secure in their homes and we remain committed to protecting those rights," Governor Walker said. "One of the first steps we took in office was signing concealed carry and Castle Doctrine legislation into law. We will continue to protect those freedoms and ensure that those who wish to exercise their Constitutional right to buy and sell firearms lawfully in the state of Wisconsin are able to do so."
According to Governor Walker, Assembly Bill 142 – as amended, repeals the prohibition on manufacturing, selling, transporting, purchasing or possessing a switchblade knife. Additionally, the bill would prohibit political subdivisions from enacting ordinances or adopting resolutions that regulate knives more stringently than state law. While no local ordinances can be written regulating knives in general, they can pass a local ordinance regulating them in municipally-owned buildings. The bill would also allow a person to carry a concealed knife, unless that person is prohibited from possessing a firearm under state law. Finally, the bill would provide that a person may not be convicted of disorderly conduct for concealed or openly carrying a knife, unless other facts and circumstances indicate a criminal or malicious intent on the part of that person. Authored by Representative Kathleen Bernier (R–Chippewa Falls) and Senator Terry Moulton (R–Chippewa Falls), the bill passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote. It is Act 149.
According to Governor Walker, Assembly Bill 142 – as amended, repeals the prohibition on manufacturing, selling, transporting, purchasing or possessing a switchblade knife. Additionally, the bill would prohibit political subdivisions from enacting ordinances or adopting resolutions that regulate knives more stringently than state law. While no local ordinances can be written regulating knives in general, they can pass a local ordinance regulating them in municipally-owned buildings. The bill would also allow a person to carry a concealed knife, unless that person is prohibited from possessing a firearm under state law. Finally, the bill would provide that a person may not be convicted of disorderly conduct for concealed or openly carrying a knife, unless other facts and circumstances indicate a criminal or malicious intent on the part of that person. Authored by Representative Kathleen Bernier (R–Chippewa Falls) and Senator Terry Moulton (R–Chippewa Falls), the bill passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote. It is Act 149.
In a press release, Wisconsin FORCE thanked Governor Walker for attending their annual meeting and signing Assembly Bill 142 . The bill eliminates unnecessary burdens on the use of humankind's first tool -- one carried by Wisconsinites across the state on a daily basis. The annual meeting is held as part of the NRA/Wisconsin FORCE State Convention held in Weston, Wisconsin. The signing was also attended by Senator Tiffany, Judge Bradley, and Doug Ritter, chairman and founder of the nationally recognized organization, KnifeRights.
The fact that opening any knife will never be as fast as the more common fixed blade knife needs no explanation. Carrying a knife that needs to be opened in many cases is necessary or desirable to allow the efficient, practical use of this indispensable tool.
Use, not irrational fear, should determine law. When the intent is to harm or defend, the list of everyday, commonly used items is limitless. Use, not design, makes almost anything a weapon. The activity that causes harm is what should be punished.
Wisconsin FORCE also thanked Governor Walker, Representative Bernier, Representative Kleefisch, Senator Moulton, Senator Wanggaard, KnifeRights, and many others for their work to ensure that Wisconsinites are not burdened by irrational state or local knife use restrictions.
The fact that opening any knife will never be as fast as the more common fixed blade knife needs no explanation. Carrying a knife that needs to be opened in many cases is necessary or desirable to allow the efficient, practical use of this indispensable tool.
Use, not irrational fear, should determine law. When the intent is to harm or defend, the list of everyday, commonly used items is limitless. Use, not design, makes almost anything a weapon. The activity that causes harm is what should be punished.
Wisconsin FORCE also thanked Governor Walker, Representative Bernier, Representative Kleefisch, Senator Moulton, Senator Wanggaard, KnifeRights, and many others for their work to ensure that Wisconsinites are not burdened by irrational state or local knife use restrictions.
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