NEWS FLASH

Wisconsin GOP Eliminates 4-Hour Minimum Training For Concealed Carry Gun Holders | Under Gov. Scott Walker (R), Wisconsin recently became the 49th state to allow people to carry concealed weapons. To celebrate, Wisconsin Republicans are allowing the public to carry guns into the state Capitol, including on the Assembly floor and in the viewing galleries. Of course, cameras are still forbidden there — as 18 recently arrested camera-users will note. The only requirement for those seeking to carry concealed guns was a minimum four hours of firearms training courses. But yesterday, GOP state lawmakers voted to drop that requirement. Now, Wisconsin “will accept any training certification submitted with an application,” opening up the possibility that “disreputable businesses could hand out permits to people who pay to take courses that last just a few minutes,” said state Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. The same Republicans also cut the requirement for a signed statement from an instructor saying the course was successfully completed, which Hollen noted “would make it difficult if not impossible to prove fraud.” Walker supported dropping the four hour minimum requirement.