As the 2025 legislative session unfolds, two significant bills are making waves in Wyoming: one focused on the repeal of gun-free zones, and another addressing cellphone use in schools.
Repeal of Gun-Free Zones
House Bill 172, a proposal to allow concealed carry in places currently designated as gun-free zones, has returned to the Wyoming Legislature after several years of similar efforts. The bill, which has been introduced in various forms from 2014 to 2024, seeks to permit concealed firearms in schools, government buildings, meetings, and college sporting events where alcohol is not served. Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, has been the primary sponsor for the bill in 2023, 2024, and now 2025.
The bill has faced significant opposition, with Governor Mark Gordon vetoing a similar measure in 2024. In his veto letter, Gordon expressed concerns that such a law would undermine local control over firearm regulations. Critics of the bill argue that it could compromise the safety of schools and public spaces, with several public commenters voicing their concerns during a House Judiciary Committee meeting. Among the opposition, students like Chaitan Murthy, who fears the presence of firearms in schools could lead to more shootings, have made their voices heard.
Supporters of the bill, including organizations like Gun Owners of America, argue that gun-free zones attract criminals and that allowing concealed carry would help law-abiding citizens defend themselves in public spaces. Proponents also contend that employees with proper training, like those in Sheridan County School District 2, could offer protection to students.
The bill’s fate remains uncertain, with its passage likely to depend on ongoing debates surrounding the balance between Second Amendment rights and public safety.
School Cellphone Restrictions
Meanwhile, the Senate Education Committee has endorsed Senate File 21, which seeks to limit cellphone use in schools. The bill aims to restrict student cellphone use during instructional time, following a growing trend in other states to address concerns over the negative impact of smartphones and social media on students’ mental health and academic performance. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, who is also a retired teacher, has garnered significant support among educators who cite the challenges of managing cellphone use in classrooms.
Supporters of the bill argue that limiting phone use can improve focus, social interactions, and academic outcomes. Research cited by Schuler shows that states with similar policies have seen better results in these areas. However, critics raise concerns about enforcement, potential challenges for students with special needs, and the impact on teachers who use devices for instructional purposes. In response to these concerns, lawmakers amended the bill’s language to allow more flexibility for districts to create policies tailored to their needs.
At least 18 of Wyoming’s 48 school districts currently lack formal cellphone policies, and this bill would require all districts to adopt policies restricting smartphone use during school hours. The bill passed out of committee with some amendments and is now headed to the Senate floor for further consideration.
With input from Wyo File, Gun Owners of America, and Gillette News Record.
