October 20, 2011 at 2:03 p.m.
Since you asked....
By Dodgeville School Superintendent Diane Messer-
In answer to recent questions the following excerpts from the Department of Justice CCW FAQ document address the issue of firearms on or near school property. The CCW statute repeals or restates portions of prior law regarding possessing a firearm in a school zone. The statute also differentiates between possession of a firearm in or on school grounds and possession within 1,000 feet of school grounds.
It is a felony for a person to knowingly possess a firearm (concealed or otherwise) on the grounds of a school. Wis. Stat. 948.605(2)(a).
It is a forfeiture for a person to knowingly possess a firearm (concealed or otherwise) at a place that the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe is within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a school. Wis. Stat. 948.605(2)(a).
There are some exceptions. It is lawful to possess a firearm in or on the grounds of a school or within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a school as follows:
On private property that is not part of the school grounds.
For use in a program approved by a school in the school zone.
In accordance with a contract entered into between a school in the school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual.
By a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity.
The firearm is unloaded and is possessed by an individual while traversing school premises for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting, if the entry on school premises is authorized by school authorities.
The firearm is not loaded and is encased or in a locked firearms rack that is on a motor vehicle.
By a state-certified commission warden acting in his or her official capacity.
By a person legally hunting in a school forest if the school board has decided that hunting may be allowed in the school forest.
A person who is a CCW licensee or out-of-state CCW licensee may possess a firearm within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a school, but not in or on school grounds.
The new law provides nearly the same protections for possession and use of firearms in schools and on school property as it previously did. The Dodgeville school board is presently reviewing with legal counsel our related policies in order to determine which, if any, require updating per the new law.
