Wisconsin Senate Bill SB949

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/26
• Refer: 2/6/26
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to amend 175.60 (2g) (a), 175.60 (5) (a) 6., 938.34 (14q), 938.78 (3), 939.632 (1) (e) 3. and 973.137 (1); to create 941.236 of the statutes; Relating to: going armed at a polling place and providing a penalty.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB949 will directly affect statutes surrounding the carrying of concealed weapons in the state of Wisconsin. It is designed to create a clear boundary regarding firearm possession at polling locations, categorizing violations as Class A misdemeanors. By making this delineation, the bill reinforces public safety measures during elections and acknowledges the unique environment of polling places.

Summary

Senate Bill 949 seeks to amend existing statutes related to firearm possession, specifically in the context of polling places. The bill introduces prohibitions against carrying firearms in or within 100 feet of polling locations during voting hours, which are defined as one hour before polling opens until one hour after it closes. This legislation aims to enhance the safety and integrity of the electoral process by reducing the potential for intimidation or violence at polling sites.

Contention

Notably, SB949 has sparked discussion regarding the balance between Second Amendment rights and public safety. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for ensuring a safe voting experience free from the potential threat of firearms, while opponents may see this as an infringement on the rights of individuals to carry firearms in public spaces. There may be also concerns regarding how the bill will be enforced and the implications for law enforcement officers, who are granted exemptions under the bill's provisions. The legality and efficacy of such regulations in preventing potential electoral violence are points that legislators and the public will likely scrutinize.