Since the state’s concealed carry program took effect on Nov. 1, 2011, the Wisconsin Dept. of Justice (DOJ) has been issuing permits under temporary administrative rules. The agency is now accepting public comments on proposed permanent rules that will govern the program in the future.

The first public hearing on the proposed rules was held on July 16 in Superior. Two more public hearings will be held, one in Green Bay on July 24 and another in Pewaukee on July 25.

Individuals unable to attend the public hearings may submit written comments to the DOJ until 4 p.m. on Aug. 1, 2012. Comments can be faxed to (608) 267-2223 to the attention of David Zibolski, emailed to zibolskidb@doj.state.wi.us, or mailed to the attention of David Zibolski at the Wisconsin Department of Justice, P.O. Box 7857, Madison, WI 53707-7857.

The proposed rules govern licensing requirements; concealed carry certification cards for qualified former federal law enforcement officers; the recognition by Wisconsin of concealed carry licenses issued by other states; and the certification of firearms safety and training instructors.

Additional information is available on the DOJ website.