Elise Balin
Staff Writer
Senator Anthony Bouchard R-Cheyenne introduced Senate File 88, which would prevent the University of Wyoming from regulating firearms on campus.
The bill introduced by Bouchard failed during the introductory phase last Wednesday at the senate floor meeting. Senate File 88 aimed to repeal gun free zones within the state and acquired 13 co-sponsors out of 90 lawmakers before it was unsuccessful during senate introduction.
“An act relating to concealed weapons; repealing gun free zones; providing for the carrying of concealed weapons as specified; clarifying that only the state legislature may regulate firearms, weapons and ammunition,” stated SF0088.
Bouchard proposed the repeal of gun free zones, therefore allowing persons lawfully carrying concealed weapons in Wyoming to carry said weapons in any public school, public college university or professional athletic event.
This specific initiative taken by Senator Bouchard comes after the 2018 incident involving past GOP delegate Lyle Williams. In 2018, William’s was cited for trespassing by UW Police, for carrying a firearm during attendance of the Wyoming Republican Party Convention held at UW’s convention center. Authorities cited Williams after his refusal to surrender said firearm to law enforcement.
In prior interview with the Branding Iron, Williams said once authorities confronted him, he began to argue his right to carry a firearm. He then confirmed that the head of the GOP convention contacted the university prior to the event to notify UW that individuals would be exercising their rights of open carrying firearms at the convention.
“It is against state legislation and also against the second amendment,” Williams told the Branding Iron. “The university feels as if they are not in the wrong, and they can take action to regulate firearms.”
After the 2018 incident between law enforcement and Williams, many republican lawmakers have taken it upon themselves to propose bills, which would deny the University of Wyoming the ability to regulate the carrying of firearms on campus.
Senate File 88 not only proposed to appeal gun free zones within the university, but also allowed the lawful carrying of firearms at any public elementary of secondary school and would prohibit private property owners from restricting carrying firearms on said property.
“I think for student success and the sense of safety piece, it’s fair to be against having guns on campus because it can give students a peace of mind,” said ASUW President Jason Wilkins. “I think it’s a really nuanced argument, and it’s something to keep in consideration going forward.
As a representative of the student body, Wilkins believes that focusing on the voice of the students holds great importance in addressing all issues on campus. Wilkins stated that the answer to gun control controversy at UW is far from a direct yes or no question, but is an open-ended question that depends on situational circumstances.
With failure of Senate File 88, the University of Wyoming remains in the position of regulating the carrying of firearms on campus, regardless of state statues. In order to effectively appeal gun free zones within the university, lawmakers must enact a new piece of legislature.
In the legal case between the University of Wyoming and the state, a question of legality stands as to if UW falls under the category of a “political subdivision or any other entity.” The ongoing case was sent back to district court Judge Tori Kricken earlier this month to determine if UW’s gun regulations go against state legislature.
Regardless of the support Bouchard had from lawmakers, the bill proceeded to fail the two-third-majority vote required to introduce non-budget bills in senate budget sessions.
