A package of gun rights legislation backed by a Wheatland Republican and national Second Amendment advocates cleared its first hurdle Tuesday, as the Wyoming House voted overwhelmingly to introduce bills lowering the concealed carry age, allowing weapons on college campuses, and strengthening penalties against potential “red flag” laws.
Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, is the primary sponsor of four bills that sailed through introductory votes with margins ranging from 55-6 to 57-4. The most prominent, House Bill 96, would lower the legal age for obtaining a concealed carry permit from 21 to 18, eliminating a current loophole that requires applicants under 21 to secure a sheriff’s letter of recommendation.
“We send 18 year olds off to war to fight for our Country,” Haroldson told colleagues on the House floor. “Surely, we can treat them like other adults in cases involving a Constitutionally protected Right.” The argument resonated: only four lawmakers voted against introduction.
Rep. Ken Chestek, D-Laramie, was among the dissenting minority. He cited research on brain development, stating, “My thinking is that the adult brain is not fully mature until after 21, actually. To allow someone who is not mature to conceal carry is risky.”
Haroldson’s other successful bills include:
HB 95: Allowing permitted concealed carry on public college and university campuses without additional authorization.
HB 97: Restricting disclosure of firearm and ammunition sales records under specific circumstances.
HB 98: Adding misdemeanor penalties—up to a $2,000 fine and one year in prison—for violations of Wyoming’s 2024 “Prohibit Red Flag Gun Seizure Act,” which already bans most red flag orders.
The measures were developed in coordination with Gun Owners of America, a national Second Amendment organization. Mark Jones, GOA’s national director and a Buffalo resident, confirmed the partnership.
One gun-related measure did not survive: a bill proposing compensation for individuals who faced charges after killing someone in self-defense failed to reach the two-thirds threshold.
Lawmakers also overwhelmingly approved an amendment from Rep. Art Washut, R-Casper, restoring firearm rights in Wyoming to individuals whose rights have been restored in other states. Two additional Second Amendment bills from Rep. Robert Wharff and Senate President Bo Biteman remain pending.
All legislation now moves to committee for further scrutiny before returning to the floor for additional votes in both chambers.
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