CHEYENNE, WY — A newly introduced bill in the Wyoming House of Representatives seeks to expand the state’s pro-gun legislation by allowing permitless concealed carry at all public college and university facilities across the state. House Bill 0095 (HB0095), titled “Concealed carry-colleges and universities,” builds upon a sweeping firearms reform law passed last year that repealed most gun-free zones in Wyoming.
The measure, sponsored by Representative Haroldson along with eight other representatives and five senators, clarifies that individuals lawfully carrying concealed weapons under Wyoming Statute 6-8-104—including those who do so without a permit—may legally carry on public college and university campuses. The only exception outlined in the bill applies to athletic events where alcohol is being sold.
Specifically, HB0095 amends W.S. 6‑8‑105 to add a provision allowing concealed carry in “any public college or university facility,” aligning it with rights already granted in most public buildings under the 2025 law. It also repeals a previous subsection, W.S. 6-8-105(c)(iii), which had imposed more restrictive conditions.
The bill includes conforming amendments and clarifies the authority of local school districts to set policies for their employees and volunteers carrying concealed firearms on district property. However, if no specific policies are enacted, such individuals may still carry under existing statutes.
HB0095 was formally introduced in the House on February 5, 2026, and has yet to be scheduled for committee hearings or floor sessions.
This proposal marks a continuation of legislative efforts to eliminate remaining gun-free zones throughout Wyoming, with a focus now on higher education institutions. In 2025, Governor Mark Gordon allowed a similar measure to become law without his signature, significantly expanding lawful carry areas across the state.
Wyoming’s firearm laws are among the most permissive in the country, recognizing permitless carry for residents and visitors alike. Removing carry restrictions from college campuses empowers law-abiding citizens to protect themselves in increasingly unpredictable environments, particularly in light of national concerns over campus safety.
Allowing permitless concealed carry on public college campuses strengthens the fundamental right of self-defense. While opponents often raise concerns about firearms in academic settings, there is no clear evidence that lawful carry by responsible adults leads to increased risks. As long as such laws apply only to those who are legally permitted to carry, they serve to expand individual liberty without compromising public safety.
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