A legislative proposal that would repeal gun-free zones in Wyoming has advanced in the state legislature, sparking debate among residents, educators, and students, County 10 reports.
House Bill 172, which was recently approved by the Wyoming House of Representatives, is now awaiting review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
If passed, HB 172 would allow concealed carry permit holders in Wyoming to bring firearms into:
- Government meetings
- Legislative sessions and committee meetings
- Most public buildings (with some exceptions)
- Public school and university athletic events that do not serve alcohol
- Public elementary and secondary school facilities
- Public college and university facilities
Additionally, the bill grants local school boards the authority to establish their own policies for employees who wish to carry concealed weapons at work. However, if a school board does not adopt specific regulations, the bill would still allow employees with valid concealed carry permits to bring firearms onto school property.
During a recent legislative hearing, retired public school finance director Kirk Schmidt of Lander expressed concerns that the bill limits local decision-making.
“Conservative government lets the local people tell their locally elected officials how they want those organizations run,” Schmidt said. “This (bill) is mandating to those locally elected officials things that they should be dealing with on their own.”
Former Lander School Board member Michelle Escudero echoed this concern, stating that HB 172 undermines local control over school policy.
Opposition to the bill also came from students. Dubois High School student Mia Chandler testified that her school community has long felt safe under existing gun-free zone policies and the protection of law enforcement.
“Our schools have been gun-free zones where students feel safe and protected by the local police, county sheriffs, and our trusted school resource officer—someone we all know and recognize, (and) someone we trust with our lives,” Chandler said.
She warned that HB 172 could create confusion during emergencies, making it harder for law enforcement to distinguish between authorized gun carriers and potential threats.
“The confusion could delay responses in an emergency and escalate already tense situations,” she said.
Chandler also raised concerns about allowing older students to carry firearms near younger classmates, noting that Dubois schools serve students ranging in age from 3 to 21 years old.
“High schools are no strangers to conflict, and arguments happen daily,” she said. “The risk of harm increases dramatically when firearms are introduced. A single moment of escalation could have irreversible consequences.”
She added that school events, such as athletic competitions and concerts, are high-energy environments where tensions run high, making the presence of firearms an added safety concern.
“Students deserve to feel safe in school,” Chandler said. “Knowing that a classmate just a few feet away could be carrying a weapon disrupts our learning and undermines the sense of security schools are supposed to provide.”
If HB 172 is enacted, Chandler suggested additional safety measures, such as requiring individuals to verify their firearm training and qualifications before entering a school. She also advocated for more school resource officers and metal detectors at every entrance to mitigate potential threats.
“A gun-free zone is one of the few safeguards that ensures our school remains a safe place to learn and grow,” she said. “Please consider the risks to students, families, and communities before making a decision that could jeopardize their safety.”
The Wyoming Legislature passed a similar bill last year, but it was vetoed by Gov. Mark Gordon. As HB 172 moves through the Senate, debate over safety, local control, and individual rights is expected to continue.
