Keith Lusher 07.14.25
Wyoming officially ended most of its gun-free zones on July 1, marking a big win for gun rights supporters and gun owners across the Cowboy State. The Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act, also known as HB 172, allows concealed carry permit holders to bring firearms into areas that were off-limits before, including public schools, certain airport sections, community colleges, state agencies, the University of Wyoming, and legislative meetings.
The far-reaching law represents one of the biggest expansions of concealed carry rights in recent Wyoming history, removing barriers that many viewed as unlawful limits on Second Amendment freedoms.
Balance Between State and Local
The new law balances state power with local input, especially for schools. While individual school boards can set training requirements for teachers and staff who want to carry concealed weapons on campus, they cannot ban the practice entirely. This approach ensures gun rights are protected while allowing communities to keep reasonable safety standards.
School districts have been actively writing policies as the law took effect, with many recognizing the better security benefits of having trained, armed personnel on campus. The law requires solid training programs, including at least 16 hours of live fire handgun training and eight hours of scenario-based training for school employees.
Haroldson stressed that gun rights cannot be compromised at any government level. “It doesn’t matter at what level, we don’t have the right or the ability to erode constitutional provisions,” he explained. “Just because they want local control doesn’t give them the right to trample on our constitutional rights.”
Building on Wyoming’s Gun Rights Legacy
The law builds upon Wyoming’s 2017 School Safety and Security Act, which first gave school districts the option to create concealed carry policies. However, after nearly a decade, only a handful of districts had put such policies in place, prompting lawmakers to take firm action.
Wyoming joins 45 other states that have passed preemption laws giving state governments power over local firearms rules. The state’s commitment to Second Amendment rights dates back to the 2010 Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act, setting a strong foundation for gun rights protections.
Exceptions
The law includes smart exceptions for sensitive areas where federal rules apply, facilities handling explosive materials, and certain health and human services settings. Private property owners keep the right to restrict firearms on their land, respecting both gun rights and property rights.
Governor Mark Gordon allowed the bill to become law without his signature, acknowledging the legislature’s power following recent elections that strengthened the Freedom Caucus majority in the state House.
The law also creates real consequences for those who would illegally restrict concealed carry rights. Individuals who knowingly prohibit entry to someone lawfully carrying a concealed weapon in authorized areas face misdemeanor charges punishable by up to one year in prison and $2,000 in fines.
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