Concealed Carry Bill Allows Libraries, Colleges, Universities to Ban Firearms with Notice

SB 93, a bill allowing individuals to carry concealed weapons (with conditions), was approved by both houses of the legislature and awaits Governor Walker's signature. The bill relaxes the prohibition on carrying weapons on school grounds to allow security personnel and others authorized by the school to do so. State and local units of government and their subunits (including libraries) and public and private universities and colleges are allowed to post notice in their buildings prohibiting an individual from entering with a concealed weapon.  Individuals violating the prohibition could be subject to a class B forfeiture (an amount up to $1,000). 


Signs notifying visitors of the weapons ban must be posted in a prominent place near all entrances to the building or part of the building where the restriction applies. Signs must be posted so that individuals entering the building "can be reasonably expected to see the sign."
Officials in the City of Madison and Dane County have already taken steps to ban firearms in public buildings. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported yesterday that the Milwaukee Public Library board approved a ban on firearms in its buildings. 

Public libraries should consult their city or county attorney for more details. Depending on when the bill is signed, it would take effect October 1 or November 1, 2011.