State leaders in Wyoming have advanced plans to permit the public to carry concealed firearms in various areas of the Capitol and its annex, including options for both permit holders and those without permits, Wyo File reports.
This decision follows an online survey in which 87% of respondents expressed opposition to allowing concealed carry in the Capitol.
The State Building Commission, which comprises the governor, auditor, secretary of state, treasurer, and the schools superintendent, has initiated the process, which includes a 45-day comment period before any changes are finalized.
During a recent meeting, the commission decided to modify their earlier proposal by incorporating “constitutional carry” into the rule. This approach allows individuals to carry concealed firearms based solely on their Second Amendment rights, without the requirement of additional licensure. Previously, the proposal only permitted those with concealed carry permits to bring firearms into the Capitol.
“The Second Amendment is exceptionally clear—the right to bear arms ‘shall not be infringed,’ and this includes our People’s House… I am proud of the amendment Auditor Kristi Racines and I brought to the SBC,” stated Superintendent Megan Degenfelder in a press release.
Under the newly defined “constitutional carry,” individuals can carry concealed firearms unless they fall under specific restrictions, including being under 21 years old, having been committed to a psychiatric institution, or suffering from a physical infirmity that prevents safe handling of a firearm, among others.
The commission also advanced their concealed carry proposal into a formal rulemaking process. Those who previously participated in the online survey will need to submit their comments again to have their input considered in this specific proposal.
The proposed rule would permit individuals carrying concealed firearms to do so in public areas of the Capitol and extension. Security personnel would have the authority to request proof of residency, age, or a concealed carry permit from individuals carrying firearms. The proposal also outlines that anyone refusing to relinquish their weapon upon request from security could be denied access to the building.
However, not all areas of the Capitol will allow concealed firearms at all times. Much of the building is under the jurisdiction of the Legislature during sessions, meaning the executive branch’s proposed changes would not apply there unless the Legislature and its Management Council adopted their own rules.
Public comments will be accepted via the Secretary of State’s website once the final rule package is ready for gubernatorial approval. As of Friday afternoon, this package had not yet been submitted.
During the meeting, Secretary of State Chuck Gray expressed frustration over the slow progress and advocated for extending the rules to include other facilities, such as the Herschler Building. However, his proposal did not receive support from other commission members, who preferred a more focused approach due to procedural challenges.
An online survey conducted before a modestly attended meeting in August revealed that 87% of the 138 respondents opposed allowing concealed carry in the Capitol, while 13% supported it. Some opposition came from individuals who believed the proposal did not go far enough, while some supporters called for adjustments to the language of the rule.
Proponents of the rule change argue that it would enhance safety and uphold Second Amendment rights, while opponents contend that the presence of firearms could escalate tensions during public discussions on divisive issues.
