In February 2025, Wyoming’s House Bill 172, the Repeal Gun Free Zones Act, became law. It standardizes the rules for carrying concealed handguns, among other places, on public college and university campuses. The law specifies where and how individuals with valid Wyoming concealed carry permits may lawfully carry firearms and limits the authority of public institutions to impose additional restrictions.
The Act designates the Wyoming Legislature as the sole authority on firearms regulation in public spaces, including universities, community colleges, and K–12 schools. Public institutions can no longer enforce firearms bans that conflict with state law.
Under the new law, individuals with valid concealed carry permits issued by the State of Wyoming may carry concealed handguns in most public campus facilities; it allows campuses to prohibit open or unlicensed carry on public campuses. It also does not recognize permits issued by other states for campus carry purposes. On University of Wyoming campus grounds (as opposed to inside facilities), both open and unlicensed carry are allowed.
The law maintains several restrictions. Concealed carry remains prohibited in early childhood education centers, medical and health clinics, and research facilities that contain explosive or volatile materials. Athletic events and venues where alcohol is served are also excluded from concealed carry permissions. The Act applies only to handguns; rifles, shotguns, and other dangerous weapons will continue to be prohibited in University facilities and may be stored with the University of Wyoming Police Department. Handguns will have to be actively carried or stored in a locked, concealed container, such as a biometric safe or lockbox, that is under the owner’s direct control. A University FAQ clarifies “direct control” to mean
the authority and ability to access it, even if it is not in the individual’s immediate physical possession at all times. This means the individual must retain control over the key, combination, or other access mechanisms to ensure that only authorized individuals can open or use the lock box. Additionally, the firearm storage container or a lock box must be securely placed and protected to prevent unauthorized access, theft, or misuse, allowing the individual to maintain control and oversight.
Private property rights are unaffected by the new law; owners may continue to prohibit firearms on their premises. Public employees or officials who knowingly and unlawfully prohibit permit holders from entering public buildings may face criminal penalties.
Following the law’s enactment, the University of Wyoming began revising its policies to align with the statute. On April 6, 2025, the University’s Board of Trustees adopted an updated firearms regulation to reflect the new legal framework. The revised policy affirms the state’s requirements around concealment and secure storage, reiterates that firearms remain prohibited in restricted areas, and designates the University of Wyoming Police Department (UWPD) as the agency responsible for enforcement.
The UWPD is currently preparing for implementation through officer training and public information efforts. University administration is developing additional guidance materials, including frequently asked questions, to help the campus community understand and follow the law.
During a recent webinar hosted by the Firearms Research Center, University of Wyoming Vice President and General Counsel Tara Evans explained how the law affects institutional governance. She noted that public universities previously operated under the assumption that they could regulate firearms as arms of the state. Under the Repeal Gun Free Zones Act, regulatory authority now rests solely with the state legislature, overriding prior institutional policies.
Leading up to the law’s passage, the Firearms Research Center convened multiple public forums to facilitate legal and policy discussions. These included a November 2024 town hall, an educational webinar, and contributions from university leadership. In a public letter following the Act’s passage, University President Ed Seidel emphasized the institution’s focus on safety and legal compliance. He acknowledged Wyoming’s strong firearm traditions and expressed confidence in the ability of permit holders to follow the law’s requirements.
With the Repeal Gun Free Zones Act going into effect on July 1, 2025, public colleges and universities in Wyoming are adjusting their policies and procedures to reflect the statute’s provisions. Implementation efforts are ongoing and involve coordination among law enforcement, university administration, and the broader campus community.