HB0172

Repeals gun-free zones in Wyoming, allows concealed weapon permit holders to carry in specified locations, creates a criminal offense for prohibiting lawful concealed carry, and clarifies state legislative preemption over firearm regulation.

• Creates the Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act and allows persons with concealed carry permits to carry weapons in governmental entity meetings, legislative meetings, and public buildings not otherwise prohibited. (W.S. 6-8-105(a), W.S. 6-8-105(b))
• Allows permit holders with W.S. 6-8-104(a)(ii) permits to carry concealed weapons at public school athletic events without alcoholic beverages, public elementary and secondary school facilities, and public college or university facilities. (W.S. 6-8-105(c))
• Exempts from the repeal: locations otherwise prohibited under W.S. 6-8-104(t), private property owner restrictions, governmental entity restrictions on open carry, facilities prohibited by other laws, state and licensed health and human services facilities, and facilities with explosive or volatile materials. (W.S. 6-8-105(d))
• Creates a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year imprisonment and a $2,000 fine for knowingly prohibiting a person from lawfully carrying a concealed weapon in authorized locations. (W.S. 6-8-105(e))
• Allows school district boards of trustees to adopt rules governing employee concealed carry on school property, including firearm storage and training requirements of at least 16 hours initial training and 12 hours annual recurrent training. (W.S. 6-8-105(f), W.S. 6-8-105(g))
• Permits school district boards to waive training requirements for isolated rural schools and their employees. (W.S. 6-8-105(h))
• Clarifies that only the state legislature may authorize, regulate, or prohibit firearms, weapons, and ammunition, preempting regulation by state agencies, cities, towns, counties, and other political subdivisions except as specified by statute. (W.S. 6-8-401(c))
• Repeals specific sections of W.S. 6-8-104(t) regarding gun-free zones and repeals W.S. 21-3-132 relating to firearm restrictions.