While the Obama Administration looks for action against gun violence, Wyoming representatives are looking to pass gun-friendly legislation.
Vice President Joe Biden has been taking steps that, according to him, could take thousands out of harm’s way and improve millions of people’s overall safety.
Even so, Biden does keep in mind that gun control is an issue of varying viewpoints. He said he knows that a general consensus is unrealistic and has stated his willingness to settle for less than what he believes should pass.
Wyoming also has pieces of gun legislation that are either not yet released, being put up for re-submission or currently under reconsideration.
Speaker of the House Tom Lubnau is in the process of writing legislation that would put an end to gun-free zones. The bill has not yet been filed.
Lubnau has said that more gun restrictions will not necessarily lead to less violence. Using last month’s tragic bow-and-arrow attack at Casper College as an example, he pointed out that violence is carried out with weapons besides guns.
Conor Skrobot, Secretary of the UW College Republicans, feels similarly about the current gun control situation.
“I believe that the Wyoming state government should be able to regulate which laws they desire to impose on their people, rather than having the federal government implement laws that go against the lifestyles of many gun owners,” Skrobot said. “Eliminating the public from buying firearms will not affect the level of crime. Politicians should look at the statistics of what works instead of focusing on infringing on our second amendment rights.”
Lubnau and Republican Kendell Kroeker are currently resubmitting another Wyoming bill. By preventing local officials from passing gun control laws stricter than the state’s laws, this would create a more consistent statewide policy, according to Kroeker.
The bill was rejected last session and both Lubnau and Kroeker are making modifications so that officials who violated the law proposed in the 2012 bill will not face punishment or penalization. Kroeker also has shown his support in a proposal allowing teachers to carry guns in school.
Republican Dan Zwonitzer submitted a bill before the Sandy Hook shooting planning to end the sales and use tax on firearms and ammunition. After the disaster involving gun violence, however, Zwonitzer and co-sponsors of the bill are reassessing whether or not they would still introduce it.
Based on Zwonitzer’s statements, the bill’s purpose was focused on citizens being able to access guns without taxes in accordance with constitutional rights. It was not intended to make guns more attainable. If the bill is introduced, more money could be set aside for gun safety programs.
“I do believe that people should be allowed to have guns,” UW freshman Gabe Suhr said. “However, the size of the magazines should be limited. There is no reason anyone needs a 30 round magazine. This is why the size of magazines should be limited to 10 rounds or smaller.”
“I also believe that no one needs assault rifles. Only hunting rifles and hand guns should be allowed. Hunting rifles for sport and handguns for protection.”
While the nation is at controversy over gun control, Wyoming is a Republican-dominated state. According to Wyoming State Senator Larry Hicks, the majority of the state’s population is gun-friendly. Senator Hicks said he has full confidence that nullifying gun control will be supported by most Wyomingites.
