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Politics & Government

Saukville Officials Point to Liability Issues in Decision Not to Ban Weapons

The Village Board took no action to prohibit concealed weapons in municipal buildings, as Port Washington and other communities are moving to do.

Saukville Village Board did not pass an ordinance to ban concealed weapons in village buildings β€” such as are looking to do β€” citing concerns that prohibiting concealed weapons in those buildings would bring greater liability to the village for any violence that occurs.

State law prohibits concealed weapons in police stations and schools, but they will be allowed in and at the .

Saukville Police Chief Bill Meloy said that posting signs prohibiting concealed weapons would increase the village's liability, according to minutes from a Public Safety Committee meeting. He cited an e-mail from a representative of EMC Insurance who said it would be up to the village to enforce the prohibition.

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The question of liability is a murky one that businesses have also had to grapple with. The state law provides that businesses who allow concealed carry on their property will be immune from any liability as a result of that decision; it does not specify the liability consequences of prohibiting concealed weapons.

The Public Safety Committee recommended only that the Village Board amend their ordinances to fit with the new state concealed carry law.

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In compliance with the new statute, licensed carriers will also be allowed to carry concealed handguns in public parks in the village; those who are not licensed must have weapons unloaded and cased.

With the concealed carry law in effect as of Tuesday, anyone who wants to carry a concealed weapon can take a certified class and apply for a license. Concealed carry classes offered at the Saukville Gun Club were with nearly 30 students each in two classes that month.

After passing a class, applicants must send paperwork and a $50 fee to the Department of Justice, and submit to a background check before receiving a permit. According to the Journal Sentinel, 83,000 application forms had been downloaded by 9 a.m. Tuesday.

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