gun free zones

Bills similar to House Bill 125 have been proposed several times in the Wyoming Legislature in recent years, but so far none has won final approval.

Supporters of such legislation say gun-free zones don't work in preventing mass shootings, pointing to a long list of mass killings in gun-free zones across the country.

The dead bills include legislation that would have repealed gun-free zones, banned the teaching of critical race theory in K-12 schools and legislation that could have led to making Interstate 80 a toll road.

The bill would not keep private property owners from barring guns on their property.

A bill that would allow holders of a concealed-carry permit to carry guns into most areas designated as gun-free zones will face a third and decisive reading in the Wyoming Senate.

Both bills would have essentially banned gun-free zones in public areas, including the University of Wyoming, state and local government buildings and similar venues.

The bill would also clarify that only the state Legislature may regulate firearms, weapons and ammunition.

The Wyoming House of Representatives on Tuesday voted in favor of a bill that would repeal gun free government meetings held in public buildings.