The right to keep and bear arms (first consideration)

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Currently, the Wisconsin Constitution guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear arms for security, defense, hunting, recreation, or any other lawful purpose. This constitutional amendment, proposed to the 2025 legislature on first consideration, guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear arms without qualification. The amendment further provides that the right to keep and bear arms is an inalienable and fundamental individual right that shall never be infringed. Finally, under the amendment, any restriction on the right to keep and bear arms shall be subject to strict scrutiny. Strict scrutiny is a standard of judicial review of government limitations on fundamental rights that generally provides that such a limitation is valid and enforceable only if it is necessary to achieve a compelling state interest, if it is narrowly tailored to its purpose, and if no reasonable less restrictive alternative exists.

A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it can become effective.

Who's behind it

13 representatives are its authors⁠. All 13 are Republicans.

7 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this proposal, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories
• LC Amendment Memo