A bill that would allow Wisconsin residents to carry concealed firearms is one step closer to becoming law and gun rights advocates believe it's about time.
The State Senate passed the concealed-carry bill Tuesday, by a margin of 25-8, with votes from 6 Democrats, including Senators Jim Holperin and Julie Lassa.
Wisconsin and Illinois are currently the only states that do not have a law that allows citizens to legally carry concealed weapons.
Buster Bachhuber, a member of the N.R.A. National Board of Directors, has been in favor of the bill for years. He says it's a matter of personal protection.
"We can't be expected to have our own personal bodyguard police and it's not unreasonable to think, in this day and age, there may be a situation where it's necessary to use force", said Bachhuber.
If the bill becomes law, gun owners would have to pass a background check to obtain a permit as well as a firearms safety course.
Once a permit is obtained, gun owners would be allowed to carry their weapon in most public places, however there are some limitations.
Guns would not be allowed at law enforcement facilities, courthouses, mental health facilities or school grounds.
The measure now moves to the State Assembly and if it passes there, it would go in front of Governor Scott Walker.
