Posted on 02/23/2006 2:16:11 AM PST by SLB
CHEYENNE -- Wyoming residents would be able to carry concealed handguns without going through the existing state permit process under a bill that received initial approval Wednesday from the House of Representatives.
By a voice vote, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill. It still needs two more approvals in the House before it would head to the Senate.
The bill would specify that in order to carry a concealed handgun, a person must be at least 21 years old, not be a felon and not habitually use alcohol to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired.
Supporters said the legislation wouldn't do away with Wyoming's existing permit system for concealed handguns. Holders of such permits, which require a state background check, can carry concealed weapons in other states with reciprocity agreements and also don't have to wait for criminal background checks before buying handguns from dealers.
Rep. Becket Hinckley, R-Cheyenne and among the sponsors of the bill, said the legislation will appeal to people who don't trust the government and don't want to submit to government background checks before exercising their right to carry guns. He said hunters often want to carry handguns under their coats, but don't want to place their names on any government lists by applying for concealed carry permits.
Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, said he owns guns and enjoys shooting. However, he said Wyoming is among the top states in the country in terms of gun-related deaths by population and said the state doesn't need legislation to encourage more people to carry guns.
Zwonitzer quoted the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states in part that a "well-regulated militia" is necessary to the security of a free state. He said he wouldn't have a problem with the bill if it specified that members of the Wyoming National Guard have a right to carry weapons.
Rep. Stephen Watt, R-Rock Springs, responded that the term "militia," when the Constitution was written, "included just about everybody in America."
Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper, said the question comes down to whether lawmakers trust the people.
"As a native son of Wyoming, I've hunted and fished, and grew up with guns," Harshman said. "It's been a real joy."
Byron Oedekoven, executive director of the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, said after the House vote that his group opposes the legislation and intends to lobby lawmakers to oppose it.
"The bill is troubling," Oedekoven said. "And please convey that we are for the Second Amendment."
Among the association's concerns with the bill, Oedekoven said, is no requirement that people show any proficiency with a handgun and no requirement that they undergo criminal background checks.
Ping to ya.
Well, it's way better than what we have in the Peoples Republic of Illinois which is exactly nothing.
L
My sympathy to you.
You are either up early or staying up late.
A phrase like this will get it tossed in a court.
L
This ought not even be on the agenda. If I want to carry, open or concealed it should be no business of govt. The police thereby will have no say in the matter, and can take care of their business, instead of meddling where they have no business. Evil guns always the first thing runaway govts look at to stop what, runaway citizens perhaps, in a pigs eye. Runaway govt is more like it. Trying ever so hard to make life better for the average dweller of pick a state. Legislators who have run out of constructive things to do during the session is more like it.
Alas, that is where I am heading in about 6 minutes. Off to the salt mines.
One more midnight shift keeping my County safe.
L
I'm in Pekin, Illinois. Up early but not for work. I gave that up in 1999.
Concealed carry won't happen in my life time. If you are young enough maybe it will happen in yours.
Not with Chicago basically running the entire state.
I will tell you I was hopeful when Poshard came within a whisker of winning the Governors race against Ryan. I actually voted for the Democrat in that race.
I felt I had fallen into the Bizarro world. A pro-gun, pro-life Democrat running against an anti-gun, pro-abortion Republican.
Only in Illinois....
L
"Zwonitzer quoted the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states in part that a "well-regulated militia" is necessary to the security of a free state. He said he wouldn't have a problem with the bill if it specified that members of the Wyoming National Guard have a right to carry weapons."
And why would there be a bill for that? Would the founding fathers really think it needed to put in the bill of rights an amendment to allow the militart to carry guns? That's common sense.
No they're not.
That's because the guy was probably Polish, Who's great grandparents came from a country where "Democrat" meant democracy not Communism.
That's because the guy was probably Polish, Who's great grandparents came from a country where "Democrat" meant democracy not Communism.
"For example, the mentally ill, ex-cons, the immature, and non-taxpayers, should be denied such a license."
The mentally ill and excons for the most part will not obey gun laws if they have their heart set on getting a gun...
And for the life of me I cannot understand why you think non-taxpayers should be denied a license to buy and carry a gun. Care to explain?
Got to be able to sing "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and whistle "Dixie" at the same time in his business...
Militia?
From the Wyoming Constitution:
97-1-024. Right to bear arms. The right of citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and of the state shall not be denied.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.