Concealed Carry Clears the Halls: Wyoming Sets Rules for Guns in State Buildings

You can now carry a concealed firearm into most Wyoming state buildings — from the Capitol to WYDOT — after lawmakers scrapped most “gun-free zone” designations this year. The change stems from House Bill 172, which repealed nearly all public-facility bans (including K-12 schools, colleges, government meetings, and college athletic events without alcohol) and took effect July 1, Gillette News Record reports.

On Thursday, the State Building Commission — the five statewide elected officials, chaired by Gov. Mark Gordon — made it official, unanimously adopting permanent rules that mirror the emergency rules approved in June.

What the new rules say

• Concealed carry is allowed for employees and visitors “engaging in permitted or constitutional carry” inside state-owned buildings.
• Open carry is still prohibited.
• Carriers are responsible for any injury or property damage caused.
• Security can ask you to temporarily surrender a weapon if you’re violating the law or behaving unsafely; it’s returned unless there’s probable cause to detain you or the firearm. Refuse to comply and you won’t be allowed in.

Practically speaking, that means in places like Jackson, you can conceal a firearm to pick up a hunting license at Game & Fish HQ or take a driver’s test at WYDOT.

Secretary of State Chuck Gray called the vote “a long road,” recalling early pushes to end gun-free zones. He and Gov. Gordon sparred briefly over past vetoes and timelines. For context: Gordon vetoed a similar bill in 2024, then let this year’s version become law without his signature — a move that likely sidestepped an override given the veto-proof majorities that passed it.

A separate four-page policy for executive-branch employees (approved in July) adds workplace guardrails:

• Employees must email their supervisor before carrying at work.
• Firearms, ammo, and accessories must stay under direct control or in a lock box.
• There are additional rules for state vehicles.
• Brandishing, intimidation, or unsafe conduct can bring discipline, up to firing.
• Agencies can’t write their own gun policies without governor’s approval.
• Training is strongly encouraged.

Gray said some employee requirements might be “inconsistent with the statute,” signaling he wants more discussion. State Treasurer Curt Meier pushed for “high-caliber” training, while Gov. Gordon said he’s asked A&I Director Patricia Bach to budget ammunition so employees can get to the range.

“I just want to make sure everyone can have a gun, and then actually know how to use it,” Meier said.