Wyoming Lawmakers Shoot Down Guns on Campus Bill

CHEYENNE -- Emotions ran high Friday in the overflowing Senate Education Committee room when state lawmakers tabled what many were calling the most controversial bill of the 62nd Wyoming Legislature.

House Bill 105, titled the Citizens' and Students' Self-Defense Act, would have allowed anyone 21 or older with a concealed carry permit to bring a firearm into any public school, community college and the University of Wyoming.

After nearly two hours of testimony by supporters and opponents of the bill, the committee took no action -- a de facto decision to kill the bill -- after a number of education officials opposed the legislation because of safety and other concerns.

Sen. Hank Coe, R-Cody, said the bill brought up a tough issue and that all lawmakers on the committee had sterling records with the National Rifle Association. Because the lawmakers didn’t vote on the bill, it won't show up as a yes or no vote on their NRA scorecards.

As he faced the members of the Senate Education Committee during his testimony, bill sponsor Rep. Alan Jaggi, R-Lyman, said he felt like Col. George Custer, giving the bill one last stand.

An overwhelming number of high-ranking education officials around the state, some of whom testified Friday, didn't want the bill to see the Senate floor. The Legislation passed the House on Feb. 1.

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Concealed Handguns on College Campuses? Texas Is Considering It.

The gunfire that erupted at a Houston-Area college this week has prompted new calls for allowing concealed handgun license holders to bring their weapons into Texas college buildings and in the classroom, for self-defense.

A new bill is being considered by Texas lawmakers that would allow concealed handguns in college classrooms. A similar bill was shot down in 2011, however the recent campus shooting as well as the Sandy Hook tragedy has reignited debate over safety in schools.

The Campus Personal Protection Act was introduced last week by Senator Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury. The prospect of the bill's passage is still unclear, however 14 Republicans from the 31-seat Senate have already signed on in support of it.

Senator Birdwell called the Lone Star College shooting a prime example why there is a need for the passage of his bill.

College administrators have typically not been in support of similar bills, stating they worry it would spark more campus violence and suicide. However supporters call the bill a critical self-defense measure and gun rights issue.

Senator Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels believes that the bill levels the playing field, stating "We have to allow people the option for self-protection."