The Wyoming Senate defeated a bill on Thursday that would dissipate gun-free zones on college campuses across Wyoming.
House Bill 136 (HB 136), titled “Campus Carry,” was introduced to the House of Representatives on Jan. 12 and made its way to the Senate, where it was defeated with a 17-13 vote.
“The administration did voice opposition against the bill, we appreciate the senate for stopping it,” UW Vice President Chad Baldwin said. “We do believe that our efforts to maintain a safe campus are strengthened by this vote.”
However, the Senate did pass House Bills 137 and 194 on first reading. The former of which would allow firearms at government meetings while the latter would allow school districts to decide whether to authorize people to carry firearms.
Those in support of the bill believe it would reinforce safety on college campuses.
“Self-defense is a natural right,” said Representative Bo Biteman, the lead sponsor of the bill. “This is a bill that the people are behind.”
Some UW students disagree.
“I think the campus is much better off without the bill, I do not ever see there being an incident where a student would need a gun,” UW student Gentry Bane said. “I don’t see why anybody would think it necessary to allow people to carry guns on campus.”
In addition to Wyoming faculty in opposition of the bill, last Tuesday, members of ASUW took a trip to Cheyenne to lobby against several bills including HB 136.
“I honestly couldn’t say if ASUW had an impact or not, but I think that our opinions stuck with the Senators whether they used them in their decisions or not,” ASUW Director of Governmental Affairs Chris Ryan said. “I think the fact that there was no debate certainly leaves the entire vote up for a huge amount of speculation.”
ASUW travels to Cheyenne every year to voice their concerns and interact with state senators.
ASUW President Michael Rottellini said the relationship between UW’s student government and the Wyoming senate is strong.
With the death of HB 136 Rotellini said he will keep close watch on HB 137 and 194.
Both HB 137 and 194 must pass two more readings in senate before they find their way to the Governor Matt Mead’s desk for signing.
