While the nationwide debate about gun control continues, the Wyoming State Legislature has introduced a bill allowing people to carry guns on schools grounds.
House Bill 105, or the Citizens’ and Students’ Self-Defense Act, states “Persons holding a valid concealed carry permit issued by the state of Wyoming may carry a concealed weapon.” This would include faculty, students, staff and visitors at schools.
According to the bill, people with a Wyoming concealed carry permit may carry a concealed weapon in the following places: at any school or professional athletic event, an elementary or secondary school facility and at any college university facility without the written consent of that college or university’s security.
HB 105 has been put forth in an effort to ensure the safety and give people the opportunity to protect themselves and others in an emergency.
“I think that if someone has a concealed carry permit then they should be able to carry their weapon on school grounds,” UW junior Nicole Hoffman said. “Recent attacks in the past such as the crossbow incident at Casper College and the movie theatre shooting in Colorado took place in gun-free zones. If responsible gun users have the opportunity to protect themselves and others, it could discourage these attacks from happening.”
The bill is being introduced only a month after the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy that took the lives of 26, 20 of whom were ages 6 or 7.
Rep. Allen Jaggi is listed as submitting HB 105, along with which he has filed another bill aiming to increase the state’s authority over firearm laws. House Bill 103 would prohibit local counties from enacting their own ordinances that violate the current state firearms preemption statute.
HB 103 looks to recognize more firearm freedom for individuals. The bill would give the state legislature the sole authority to pass laws preventing any violations from occurring around the entire state; therefore, any perceived violation of the Second Amendment right would be voted on by state senators and representatives instead of local un-elected bureaucrats.
Overall, HB 103 would make gun laws constant throughout the state and protect community members from local towns or counties that may try to violate the new laws.
Both of Jaggi’s bills have not been assigned to a specific house committee for further consideration.
Wyoming does not currently require its residents to have a permit to carry a concealed weapon for self-defense, but prohibits carrying firearms on school property or at other institutions.
