Legislators Push for Expanded Concealed Carry Laws

In the wake of Governor Mark Gordon's vetoing a bill that would have abolished "gun-free zones" in Wyoming, lawmakers are revisiting discussions around gun legislation. The proposed legislation had aimed to legalize concealed weapons in various public spaces, such as universities and grade school campuses, where school districts presently hold authority over gun regulations. 
 
The superintendent of Washakie County School District #2, Annie Griffin, shared her concerns with the Joint Judiciary Committee about the potential complications that could arise from allowing concealed carry in schools. For seven years now, teachers within her district have been permitted to carry concealed weapons, which she says has led to issues regarding hiring processes, permit-pulling, and enforcement, particularly with adults who are not part of the district, like at sports events. 
 
Griffin testified about numerous incidents involving verbal abuse and violence from students within classrooms. She argued against those who may underestimate these realities, stating, “I don't think people fully understand the volatility that can go on in schools." 
 
Despite passing both legislative chambers earlier this year, Governor Gordon opted to veto this controversial bill. While he declared himself a staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights, he expressed concern over what he perceived as insufficient review and debate surrounding this particular piece of legislation. 
 
Rep. Jeremy Haroldson (R-Wheatland), one of the original sponsors for the bill, plans on reintroducing similar legislation during the next session. 
 
Sen. Wendy Schuler (R-Evanston) voiced an opinion aligning more closely with local control suggesting decisions pertaining to gun regulations should be left up to individual school districts rather than being imposed by state-wide lawmaking bodies; however, she noted that so far educational representatives haven’t been included sufficiently throughout these legislative discussions. 
  
"We talk a lot about local control, and we talk about how important that is," Schuler said.And I don't think we've really brought our educational folks to the table throughout this whole process." 
 
Meanwhile, at the university level, the University of Wyoming’s Board of Trustees plans to discuss their own approach to concealed carry at an upcoming meeting. 
 
Advocates for the repeal of gun-free zones argue that these areas are more susceptible to violent crime. However, a new study offers a contrasting perspective, suggesting that gun-free zones may actually decrease the likelihood of active shootings. 
 
This research was referenced during a public comment by a citizen, which led Rep. Mark Jennings (R-Sheridan) to reiterate his belief in the right to bear arms as being "God-given." 
 
"As I think about studies, I think, boy, how important it is that we don't do our governance by studies," said Jennings. 
 
The ongoing debate over gun legislation in Wyoming reflects broader national discussions on balancing Second Amendment rights with safety and security concerns within public spaces such as schools and universities. While lawmakers grapple with this complex issue, many questions remain unanswered regarding what future policy might look like in Wyoming.