May UW institutions take any action to prevent people from carrying weapons on campus?
Yes, to some extent. UW institutions may bar individuals from carrying firearms in campus buildings by placing signage at each entrance of campus buildings, including residence halls and athletic facilities, and inserting contractual provisions to leases or residence hall contracts. To prohibit firearms within a campus building, the institution must place a sign (at least 5 inches by 7 inches) in a prominent place near all of the entrances to the part of the building to which the restriction applies and any individual entering the building can be reasonably expected to see the sign. An appropriate sign should contain the following language such as: “Firearms Prohibited in Building.”
Some campuses are located near elementary, middle, or high schools. Does the law change the rules regarding gun-free school zones?
Previously, any individual who knowingly possessed a firearm on school grounds or within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a school was guilty of a Class I felony. The law retains this rule, except that possessing a firearm within 1,000 feet of school grounds is now subject to a Class B forfeiture, and licensed individuals may carry a concealed firearm within 1000 feet of school grounds but not on school grounds. Although certain campus buildings may fall within a school zone, campuses should adopt a uniform signage protocol regardless of the applicability of the gun-free school zone rules so that campus expectations are clearly communicated.
Should instructors notify students by syllabus, course website, or some other means that weapons are not permitted in class?
While instructors may wish to notify students that firearms are not permitted in class if the class is held in a building in which signage is posted at the entrances, notice from an instructor does not relieve the campuses of the responsibility to post signage at each entrance of the building stating that people are not to enter or remain in the building while engaging in the concealed carry of any firearm.
Does the law permit concealed carry of weapons in campus parking facilities?
Yes, provided that the weapon remains in the vehicle. The provision that allows campuses to bar firearms from buildings does not apply to firearms in vehicles that are driven on campus or into parking facilities on campus, therefore, the concealed carry law effectively permits students, employees, or others to carry firearms or other weapons in his/her vehicle.
When does the concealed carry law go into effect?
2011 Wisconsin Act 35 takes effect on the first day of the 4th month beginning after publication. Therefore, the law will not become effective until November 1, 2011. There are some sections that take effect on the day after publication (July 23, 2011) or July 1, 2011, the most noteworthy of which are the amendments barring enforcement of state citations for disorderly conduct, and municipal citations of any kind, for the act of carrying a firearm in an open or concealed manner. These provisions are effective July 23, 2011, and are important because they prevent state and local law enforcement from charging an individual for carrying a firearm even before it is legal to engage in concealed carry. These provisions do not, however, apply to the enforcement of UWS 18, and UWS 18.10(3) remains in effect.
What weapons or types of weapons may a person carry under the Concealed Carry Law?
An appropriately licensed individual is permitted to carry a gun, electric weapon (e.g., taser), billy club, and a knife other than a switchblade.
What should I do if a person enters an area where a concealed weapon is prohibited?
You should contact the local campus police department or local law enforcement and report the incident. Be prepared to provide the police or dispatcher with a description of the person, the type of concealed weapon, and the area where he/she was last seen. No matter what, do not place yourself or others in danger or harm’s way.
May UW institutions prohibit the concealed carry of weapons in the residence halls?
Yes, if the UW institutions take affirmative steps to eliminate, or limit, concealed carry in the residence halls with appropriate signage and contractual provisions.
Does the law permit campus employees to carry a concealed weapon at work?
Yes, however, institutions may prohibit employees who are licensed to carry a concealed weapon from carrying a concealed weapon in the course of employment or during any part of the course of employment. The campuses may not, however, prohibit employees who are licensed to carry a concealed weapon, as a condition of employment, from carrying a concealed weapon, or ammunition, or from storing a weapon, or ammunition in the employee’s own motor vehicle, regardless of whether the motor vehicle is used in the course of employment or whether the motor vehicle is driven or parked on property used by the employer.
Does the concealed carry law apply to UW institutions?
Yes. The law does not exempt any higher education institutions. The UW specifically requested that the legislature exempt colleges and universities from the law, but the legislature declined to insert the requested provision. The law does, however, contain special provisions allowing colleges and universities to take action to prevent people from carrying firearms in campus buildings.