The Wyoming chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement after the Wyoming legislative session ended without movement on three dangerous gun bills this legislative session. Lawmakers tried to pass SF 81, legislation to nullify federal gun safety laws, SF 137, legislation to force universities and colleges to allow guns on campus and SF 67, legislation that would force K-12 schools, sporting events, legislature meetings, and other local government meetings to allow concealed guns. Throughout this session the bills received widespread opposition from law enforcement and constituents.
“This session, gun safety won,” said Beth Howard, a volunteer leader with the Wyoming chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We showed up, called, text, emailed and testified to make our voices heard. We are proud that the legislative session is ending without passage of reckless and dangerous bills that would only exacerbate our gun violence public health crisis in Wyoming. This is a win for our state and the gun violence prevention movement.”
This session, Moms Demand Action volunteers and supporters sent more than 100 emails to Wyoming lawmakers to stop the three dangerous gun bills from moving through the legislature. Volunteers also testified at hearings for the bills alongside teachers, law enforcement, and public safety experts.
This is the second year that lawmakers have tried and failed to advance legislation to force guns in schools and on campuses. Last session, similar proposed legislation failed after significant opposition from the public, including parents, teachers, and students. During that time, Moms Demand Action volunteers showed up alongside education professionals and public safety experts to testify in opposition to the bill. Research shows that allowing more firearms on school grounds could be a serious risk to safety. And, guns on college campuses could increase the risk of gun violence and gun suicide for students. The rate of firearm suicide among young people (10-24) has increased 42 percent over the last decade – and access to firearms increases the risk of suicide by three times.
Nullification bills attempt to nullify federal gun safety laws, including the laws that prohibit people with dangerous histories from having firearms. The legislation would encourage extremists to defy federal gun laws, and punish law enforcement officers for doing their jobs. Similar bills have been found unconstitutional and are widely opposed by law enforcement officers.
Gun violence costs Wyoming $735.9 million each year, of which $14.2 million is paid by taxpayers.
Statistics about gun violence in Wyoming are available here, and information on how Wyoming gun laws compare to other states overall is available here. To speak with Moms Demand Action volunteers, please don’t hesitate to reach out.