Wyoming: House backs no gun permits

AP ^ | 2/23/06 | Ben Neary

[kiriath_jearim]

House backs no gun permits

By BEN NEARY Associated Press writer

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.

[Americanexpat]

Good for them, never could understand why you need a permit to carry agun when the constitution says you have a right to bear arms.

[RKV]

Vermont and Alaska do just the same. Good for Wyoming! I KNEW I liked the place.

[LibKill]

Way to go! I wish Texas had this. I have to re-qualify this year for CHL. $70 for the license, a day and about $40 for the training.

[Puppage]

never could understand why you need a permit to carry agun when the constitution says you have a right to bear arms

One word: Money

[Crispus Attucks Patriot]

Because the politicians are afraid of an armed citizenry.

;-)

[RKV]

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 are presumed guilty until proven innocent nor is there any opportunity for law enforcement to graft money from those who want to exercise their right to defend themselves.

[Americanexpat]

Ain't that the truth.

[American Quilter]

One word: Money

Another word: Control.

[JillValentine]

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.

Houston, we have a RINO.

Zwonitzer sounds like he should move to Massachusetts. Most of Wyoming is too sensible for morons like him. The average six-year-old has more knowledge about the true meaning of the Second Amendment than he does.

[massgopguy]

Wyoming: The Polite State

[JamesP81]

Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R RINO-Cheyenne

Got to have truth in advertising around here...

[mbynack]

The down side of this is that other states won't want to give them reciprocity because Wyoming can't verify that the individual meets the requirements in the other states. (i.e., no restraining orders, no criminal record, no outstanding warrants, no mental health issues, etc.)

[Emmett McCarthy]

If you pay the money and meet the requirements, they deign to restore some measure of your constitutional rights. It is my understanding that where I live (Tennessee) carrying without a permit is a misdemeanor subject to a small fine, but the kick is that the court can confiscate your pistol. So, by having a permit, I'm basically paying to keep some judge from seizing a $500 pistol. Sucks.

[dljordan]

"Because the politicians are afraid of an armed citizenry."

They're not afraid. they're TERRIFIED!

[JamesP81]

I agree with your sentiments, but I tend to think of it like this:

It is my understanding that where I live (Tennessee) carrying without a permit is a misdemeanor subject to a small fine, but the kick is that the court can confiscate steal with impunity your pistol.

[Emmett McCarthy]

I thought that "steal with impunity" was the dictionary definition of the word confiscate.

[JamesP81]

Maybe it is. I didn't know.

[JillValentine]

I just realized something. This RINO thinks only members of the "militia" are allowed to carry guns. But even if you use a broad definition of the word, I think the official definition of militia doesn't cover women, unless they're in the National Guard.

He's going after my guns! Now I dislike him even more.

[Emmett McCarthy]

Well, I'm actually too lazy to look it up so I just made it up.