© Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesWisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who likes to play with guns
Walker policy would allow weapons on Assembly floorThe public will be able to carry guns into most parts of the state Capitol, under a policy being developed by Gov. Scott Walker.
Lawmakers are developing their own policies that would allow individual lawmakers to decide whether to allow guns into their offices.
Under rules planned for one chamber, guns would be allowed on the Assembly floor and in the Assembly viewing galleries, said sources who have been briefed on the plans. That would mean the public could bring guns into the viewing galleries but would still have to adhere to other existing rules, including one that bars the use of still cameras and video cameras.
"People who carry concealed can come in my office, I don't care," said Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester).
Vos said he planned to apply for a concealed-weapons permit but had not decided whether he would bring a gun to the Capitol.
Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona) said he has not been briefed on the plans.
"I don't think there should be weapons in the Capitol," Miller said. "
People should be able to enter public buildings and feel safe.โ.โ.โ.โThere's children who come in the building, for Pete's sake."
The Assembly Committee on Organization is to meet Thursday to set the policy on guns for that house. Minority Democrats are expected to raise concerns at that meeting.
No decision has yet been made by GOP senators on allowing guns on the Senate floor, in the Senate galleries and in committee rooms. Republicans who control that house will set a policy in the coming days, said John Hogan, chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau).
Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie said an announcement would be made soon on the policy for guns in the Capitol and other state buildings but had no other comment.
Walker's administration is charged with deciding whether to allow guns into the building because of a law Walker signed making Wisconsin the 49th state to allow people to carry concealed weapons.
The law takes effect Tuesday. People can carry concealed weapons once they receive a permit from the Department of Justice. Permits are available to those 21 and older who take a training course and pass a background check that shows they're not felons or otherwise barred from possessing guns.
Sources said the administration's plan would allow guns in most parts of the Capitol but not the state Supreme Court hearing room. The concealed weapons law bans guns in courthouses.
During massive protests this spring, the administration installed metal detectors to ensure no weapons were brought into the building. The protests were overwhelmingly peaceful, but lawmakers from both sides received death threats by email and phone.
Republicans complained they often felt unsafe, with Scott Fitzgerald at one point calling the Capitol a "powder keg."
Fitzgerald spokesman Andrew Welhouse said Wednesday that Fitzgerald would likely allow guns in his office.
Hogan, Fitzgerald's chief of staff, said GOP senators were seeking to work out a policy for the other areas under control of the Senate before the law takes effect. Hogan said he expected each senator to retain the final decision on his or her own office.
"Theโ.โ.โ.โplaces we need to consider are each office, the floor and galleries and the hearing rooms," Hogan said.
On Tuesday, a dozen people were removed from the Assembly galleries and arrested for videotaping proceedings and holding up signs.
Vos said he did not see a contradiction in allowing guns in the galleries while banning the use of cameras. He said people could bring both guns and cameras into the galleries, but couldn't use either.
"You can have a gun in the gallery, but you can't shoot," he said.
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