Wisconsin 2026 Second Amendment Bills and Firearm News

In 2026, Wisconsin remained a battleground for Second Amendment issues, reflecting the state’s divided political landscape. With a Republican-controlled Legislature and Democratic Governor Tony Evers, gun rights expansion efforts advanced in committees but faced significant hurdles, while gun safety proposals largely stalled. The 2025-2026 legislative session highlighted ongoing tensions between individual rights and public safety concerns amid national debates influenced by U.S. Supreme Court precedents like New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen(2022). 

As of mid-2026, Wisconsin continued to allow open carry for adults 18 and older who are not prohibited possessors, with concealed carry requiring a permit involving background checks and training. No major statewide changes to these core laws took effect in 2026, but several high-profile bills generated substantial debate and media attention. Firearm-related news also covered gun shows, safety initiatives, and broader violence prevention efforts. 

This article examines key legislative proposals, their status, stakeholder perspectives, and related firearm developments in Wisconsin during 2026.

Permitless Concealed Carry: Assembly Bill 609

One of the most prominent Second Amendment-focused bills was Assembly Bill 609 (AB 609), introduced in late 2025 by Rep. Chanz Green (R-Grand View) and cosponsored by several Republicans. The bill sought to eliminate the requirement for a concealed carry license in Wisconsin, effectively enacting “constitutional carry” or permitless carry for eligible adults. 

Under current law, individuals must obtain a license from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), which includes a background check and safety training. AB 609 would have repealed much of this framework while preserving the option for voluntary licensing to facilitate reciprocity with other states and comply with federal restrictions, such as gun-free school zones. It also proposed adjustments like reducing the distance restriction for hunting near schools and hospitals from 1,700 to 1,200 feet and modifying prohibitions on carrying in certain locations. 

Supporters, including the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Inc., argued that permitting requirements impose unnecessary bureaucratic burdens on a constitutional right. They noted that 29 other states had adopted similar measures without significant increases in crime. Rep. Green emphasized that “rights do not require permit slips from the government” and that criminals ignore such laws. 

Opponents, including Moms Demand Action, the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, raised concerns about removing training and background check requirements for concealed carry. They cited potential risks to public safety and law enforcement encounters. Research referenced in hearings suggested possible increases in officer-involved shootings in permitless carry states. 

The bill received a public hearing in the Assembly Committee on State Affairs in January 2026 but ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on March 23, 2026, as the legislative session concluded without full enactment. Governor Evers had vetoed similar measures previously, signaling likely opposition. 

Proposed Constitutional Amendment for Stronger Protections

Parallel to AB 609, lawmakers advanced Assembly Joint Resolution 112 (AJR 112), which proposed amending Article I, Section 25 of the Wisconsin Constitution. The current provision states that people “have the right to keep and bear arms for security, defense, hunting, recreation or any other lawful purpose,” describing it as “fundamental, but… not absolute.” 

The resolution sought to declare the right “inalienable” and “without qualification,” subjecting any restrictions to “strict scrutiny”—a high legal standard requiring a compelling state interest and narrow tailoring. This would elevate protections beyond the current framework and align more closely with expansive interpretations of the Second Amendment. 

Because constitutional amendments require passage in two consecutive legislative sessions followed by voter approval, AJR 112 represented a long-term strategy. It advanced through committee hearings in early 2026 but did not complete the full process by session’s end. Proponents viewed it as safeguarding against future restrictions, while critics worried it could limit reasonable regulations. 

Democratic Gun Safety Proposals and Stalemate

Democrats reintroduced several gun control measures, including expanded background checks for private sales, a 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases, extreme risk protection orders (red flag laws), and restrictions on “ghost guns.” These faced strong Republican opposition and largely failed to advance beyond introduction or committee stages. 

A notable example was Senate Bill 1046 (SB 1046), which aimed to require state permits for firearms dealers selling at least five guns per year, alongside other transaction and safety provisions. Introduced by Democrats, it sought enhanced oversight but saw limited traction. 

Bipartisan efforts remained challenging. A group called Bridge the Divide Now proposed eight moderate measures—such as safe storage incentives, voluntary self-prohibition options, and targeted violence prevention—intended to appeal across aisles. While gaining media attention in early 2026, these did not translate into passed legislation amid partisan gridlock. 

Other Firearm-Related Legislation and Developments

Additional bills included proposals for tax exemptions on gun safes to promote safe storage and restrictions around polling places. Broader session activity saw minimal enacted changes to core firearm laws. 

Federally, Wisconsin gun owners benefited indirectly from national developments, such as Veterans’ Second Amendment Protections in appropriations packages, adding due process for VA fiduciary reporting. No major federal assault weapon bans or similar measures directly impacted the state in 2026. 

Gun shows remained popular, with events scheduled throughout the year in locations like Eagle River, Monroe, and Jefferson County, serving as hubs for enthusiasts and vendors. 

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Context

Gun rights organizations praised Republican efforts to reduce government involvement in lawful carry, framing them as restorations of constitutional freedoms. Law enforcement groups expressed mixed views, with some opposing permitless carry due to operational concerns. 

Public health and violence prevention advocates highlighted Wisconsin’s firearm death rates and pushed for evidence-based safety measures. Data from groups like Everytown Research noted the state’s middling rankings on gun safety policies. 

The debate occurred against a backdrop of national Bruen-era litigation and state-level experiments with permitless carry. Wisconsin’s status as a swing state amplified the visibility of these discussions.

Outlook for Future Sessions

With the 2025-2026 session ending without landmark changes, Second Amendment advocates plan to reintroduce strengthened carry and constitutional provisions in 2027. Democrats will likely continue advocating for safety enhancements. Governor Evers’ position remains a key veto gate for pro-carry bills. 

Voters may ultimately decide on constitutional amendments, providing a direct voice on the scope of gun rights. In the interim, Wisconsin maintains its balance of robust open carry traditions with regulated concealed carry, reflecting ongoing negotiations between liberty and responsibility.