Wyoming Bill Would Wipe Away Almost Every ‘Gun-Free Zone’

A bill that would undo almost every “gun-free zone” in the state of Wyoming could soon be heading to the desk of Gov. Mark Gordon, who vetoed a similar measure last year. 

In January the Wyoming House of Representatives approved HB 172 by a 50-10 vote (with two representatives abstaining), and the Senate gave its own stamp of approval in a 25-6 vote on Friday. Before HB 172 can head to the governor, though, the House will have to approve several amendments that were added by the upper chamber. One amendment simply clarifies that lawful carry is not allowed in portions of airports where firearms are prohibited under federal law, while another creates a carveout to the bill’s recognition of the right to carry on K-12 campuses. HB 172 originally allowed anyone over the 18 who can lawfully possess a firearm to carry in K-12 schools, but the Senate amended the bill to exclude those who are currently students. 

From a pure 2A perspective that might cause some heartburn, but I doubt it’s going to be enough to scuttle the bill or force it to a conference committee where the House and Senate can hammer out a compromise. 

The 2025 bill adds that the proposed law would not apply in facilities where otherwise prohibited by law; within health and human services facilities licensed by the department of family services, health or department of corrections; and human services facilities that are certified by the behavioral health division.

The bill would also not stop a governmental entity from requiring any employee or student to store firearms within a biometric container or lock box within the employee’s or student’s direct control at all times.

The 2025 bill allows for the board of trustees in each school district to adopt rules and regulations to govern employees lawfully carrying concealed weapons but it does not require it.

If districts choose to allow employees to carry, the bill adds that the district shall ensure that the employee carrying maintains the firearm on their person at all times or in a concealed biometric container or lock box within the direct control of the person at all times and establish ongoing training requirements in consultation with local law enforcement.

When Gordon shot down last year’s bill repealing “gun-free zones”, he urged hospitals, the state’s Board of Regents, and those in charge of other places that are currently off-limits to legal carry to rethink and revise their current policies; warning that if they didn’t act, the legislature was likely to come back and once again take aim at these “sensitive places”. 

Gordon’s prediction was on the money, but now the question is whether or not he’ll sign HB 172 once it gets to his desk or force lawmakers to try to override his veto. Given the strength of support in both the House and Senate it should be possible to enact the legislation over any potential objections from the governor, but it’s also telling that Gordon hasn’t issued any new veto threats as HB 172 made its way through the lower and upper chambers. 

If HB 172 becomes law Wyoming will arguably have the most permissive carry laws in the country, and their model can be exported to other 2A friendly states in future sessions. This is what treating the Second Amendment as a first-class right looks like, and it should enjoy the full support of the governor along with the overwhelming approval its already received from the legislature.