Wyoming: Right to Carry Improvement Legislation Passes House, Awaits Senate Committee Assignment

The Wyoming House of Representatives has passed two right to carry improvement bills. House Bill 103, introduced by state Representative Allen Jaggi (R-19), would strengthen the state’s authority over firearm laws while prohibiting counties from enacting their own ordinances in clear violation of the current state firearms preemption statute. House Bill 105, also introduced by Rep. Jaggi, would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm in more locations. Both of these bills now await committee assignment in the Senate. Please contact Senate President Ross and politely request that he assign these important pro-gun bills to a favorable Senate committee. Please also contact your state Senator TODAY and urge him or her to support these pro-gun reforms.

HB 103 would improve recognition of your firearms freedoms in several ways. If enacted, it would give the state legislature the exclusive authority to enact any firearm-related laws or ordinances and prevent current firearms preemption violations from occurring across the state. This would ensure that any restriction on your Second Amendment rights would be voted on publicly by your state Senator and Representative instead of unelected bureaucrats at the local level. Also, this bill would erase any local restrictions on your Right to Keep and Bear Arms that have been illegally enacted in violation of the current state firearms preemption statute. HB 103 would make firearms laws uniform throughout Wyoming and protect citizens from towns and counties that attempt to violate the new firearms preemption statute.

HB 105 would expand the places that a law-abiding citizen could carry their concealed handgun for self-defense. If enacted, these additional locations would include athletic events and all schools - elementary, secondary and universities. Although the Cowboy State does not require its residents to have a permit to carry a concealed weapon for self-defense, those who wish to carry in the additional locations would be required to obtain a permit issued by the state. It is no secret that so-called “Gun Free Zones” are attractive targets for violent criminals and madmen who know that they can inflict maximum mayhem with minimal risk of being harmed themselves. Allowing more trained law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families legally should be encouraged in all forms. A number of technical amendments were added to this bill. 

Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support these bills and to stand for your right to bear arms.  Please also contact Senate President Tony Ross and politely ask him to assign these bills to a favorable Senate committee. E-mail him at Tony.Ross@wyoleg.gov.