Wyoming House Judiciary Committee advances bill curbing gun-free zones after multiple amendments

The Wyoming House Judiciary Committee advanced House Bill 172 on a roll call of 8-1 after members debated several amendments addressing schools, training, and local policies.

The bill, described at the committee meeting as a repeal of gun-free zones with related preemption provisions, was moved by Vice Chair Singh and seconded by Representative Feiler. Committee business opened with the chair noting there would be no public comment because the public-comment period had closed Friday.

Why it matters: The bill would change where firearms may be carried and what local entities may regulate; committee debate centered on how the measure would affect school safety, university child-care programs and local policies such as safe-storage rules and handling by employees.

Committee action and key amendments

- Several amendments proposed by Representative Chastick were not seconded and therefore were not considered, including an item to exempt rural school districts from training requirements and an amendment requiring people carrying concealed weapons into school…