I normally let the other news site in town carry most of the political conversation, but with the latest legislation impacting schools in the area, I wanted to provide a slant-free synopsis to our readers.
🔫 HB0172 – Repeal Gun-Free Zones and Preemption Amendments
This legislation expands the rights of individuals with valid Wyoming concealed carry permits by allowing them to carry firearms in previously restricted areas, including:
- Governmental meetings and legislative sessions
- Public buildings, unless otherwise prohibited
- Public schools, colleges, and universities
- School athletic events on public property where alcohol is not served
- Certain areas of public airports
The bill also clarifies that only the Wyoming Legislature has the authority to regulate firearms, weapons, and ammunition, preventing local governments and state agencies from enacting their own firearm regulations.
Additionally, it establishes a misdemeanor offense for knowingly prohibiting entry to individuals lawfully carrying a concealed weapon in authorized locations, with violators facing up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
School districts are permitted to set their own regulations concerning concealed carry by staff and volunteers, including mandatory training requirements.
The repeal of most of Wyoming’s publicly-funded gun-free zones represents a historic restoration of Second Amendment rights and the end of many areas where only law-abiding citizens have previously been disarmed.
GOA – GunOwners.org
🚻 HB0072 – Protecting Privacy in Public Spaces Act
This act mandates that multi-occupancy restrooms, changing areas, and sleeping quarters in public facilities and educational institutions be designated exclusively for use by individuals of the corresponding biological sex.
The law defines “sex” based on biological reproductive systems and specifies that facilities must be designated exclusively for males or females.
Exceptions include single-occupancy areas, employees performing official duties, individuals rendering medical assistance, and certain emergency situations. The act provides a cause of action against governmental entities that allow individuals of the opposite sex to enter sex-designated spaces, with potential damages up to $5,000 per incident in educational facilities.
🌄 Implications for Jackson Hole
As a prominent tourist destination with numerous public buildings, educational institutions, and events, Jackson Hole will experience several impacts from these laws:
- Public Events and Venues: Organizers of public events, especially those held in public buildings or on public property, will need to adjust policies to comply with the new concealed carry provisions.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities in the area must decide whether to implement the concealed carry provisions or establish their own regulations concerning firearms on campus.
- Local Governance: Local authorities will no longer have the power to enact firearm regulations that differ from state law, affecting any existing local ordinances.
- Facility Management: Public facilities and educational institutions will need to ensure compliance with the sex-designated space requirements, potentially requiring modifications to existing facilities and policies.
For the full text and details of HB0172 and HB0072, you can visit the Wyoming Legislature’s official pages:
- HB0172: Repeal gun-free zones and preemption amendments
- HB0072: Protecting privacy in public spaces act
AntlersArch founder and the voice behind Teton Tattle.
