1. (1) Definition. In this section, “dangerous weapon” means any firearm, any electric device designed to immobilize or incapacitate persons by the use of electric current, any spray device designed to immobilize or incapacitate persons by the use of chemicals or other liquids or gases, any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm, or any other device or instrument that is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
2. (2) Laws. A foster parent shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws relating to the possession, transportation, and carry of a dangerous weapon.

3. (3) Safe storage of firearms. A foster parent who is not actively using, transporting, or cleaning a firearm, or exercising their right to carry a concealed handgun under sub. (5), shall store the firearm as provided in par. (a) and either par. (b) or (c) as follows:

   1. (a) Unloaded and locked in an area that is not readily accessible to a foster child.

   2. (b) With one or more of the following secondary safety measures used:

      1. 1. Ammunition is locked in a container separate from the firearm.
      2. 2. Trigger lock is engaged on the firearm.
      3. 3. Cable lock is engaged on the firearm.
   3. (c) In a gun safe made of steel with a secure functioning biometric, electronic, or combination locking mechanism that is designed to store firearms and ammunitions. Ammunition may be locked in the gun safe with the firearm.
4. (4) Safe storage of other dangerous weapons. A dangerous weapon other than a firearm shall be stored in a locked area that is not readily accessible to a foster child.

5. (5) Carrying a concealed handgun.

   1. (a) A foster parent may carry a concealed handgun in the presence of a foster child if the foster parent has a license to carry a concealed weapon under s. 175.60, Stats., and carries the handgun using a holster or carry system that ensures that the firearm is in the control of the foster parent at all times.
   2. (b) Notwithstanding the license requirement in par. (a), a foster parent may carry a concealed handgun without a state license in accordance with 18 USC 926B and 18 USC 962C and other applicable law.
6. (6) Hunting. A foster parent may allow a foster child to hunt in compliance with s. 29.591 or 29.592, Stats., and other applicable law, based on the reasonable and prudent parent standard.

History

History: CR 25-043: cr. Register November 2025 No. 839, eff. 12-1-25.