To carry, or not to carry: That is the question Published April 7, 2011 By 1st Lt Kirsten Coty and Keith Mayo 90th Security Forces Squadron F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The law As of July 1, the state of Wyoming will become the fourth state in the nation no longer requiring its residents to obtain a concealed-carry permit in order to carry a concealed weapon. Senate Bill 47 amends Wyoming Revised Statute 6-8-104 to allow anyone who meets the requirements of the concealed carry law, excluding the requirement that an individual demonstrate proficiency with a firearm, to carry a concealed weapon, without applying for or obtaining a permit. These requirements include that the individual must be at least 21 years old, have been a Wyoming resident for at least 6 months, including military assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command's F. E. Warren Air Force Base, and have not suffered from a physical disability that prevents the safe use of firearms, been convicted of a controlled substance violation or demonstrated habitual use of alcohol to the point that faculties are impaired. For those who still wish to obtain an official Wyoming concealed carry permit, they must demonstrate to the state suitable training in the handling of firearms. Any Wyoming resident who has satisfied the requirements of Wyoming State Statute 6-8-104 (b) (c) and (g), may obtain a permit. A firearm safety course certified by the National Rifle Association or the Wyoming LawEnforcement Academy is sufficient to meet this requirement. Individuals may apply for a waiver from course completion if they have served as a federal or state officer of the peace for more than 10 years or if they have handgun experience through military service or through organized shooting activities. The cost is $74, which includes the state application fee and fingerprint fees charged by the F.B.I. Renewal fees are $50 and are required every five years. Anyone who is interested in obtaining a concealed weapons permit must complete an application and submit it to the sheriff's office in the county they reside. Application Since February 2010, concealed carry is authorized within National Parks. This does not include buildings within National Parks that are owned and operated by the federal government, such as visitor centers, ranger stations and ranger fee buildings. The permit only encompasses the carrying of a concealed handgun and does not include any other type of concealed weapon like a knife or pepper spray. Open carry, which means the gun is clearly visible, is unrestricted in most Wyoming public areas and is generally accepted. In Wyoming, you may carry a concealed firearm in a restaurant that serves alcohol, but not in the portion of the facility dedicated to such purpose. Without a Wyoming concealed-weapon permit, loaded firearms may be carried in plain view or secured in gun cases anywhere in the vehicle, but should not be concealed. Gun owners are not statutorily required to inform law enforcement they are carrying a weapon in the state of Wyoming. What this means to you This bill does not change the concealed carry law in that it expressly prohibits concealed carry in law enforcement operations or administration facilities; detention facilities; courtrooms; government, legislature and committee meetings; schools, colleges, and any athletic events at these locations; establishments licensed to sell alcohol; places of public worship, or any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or regulation or state law, including F. E. Warren Air Force Base. Federal law prohibits carrying a weapon in federal buildings or on federal property, with the exception of federal parks. In accordance with federal statutes 18 USC, 930, 922 (Chapter 44), concealed weapons are prohibited on F. E. Warren Air Force Base or any other military installation, except for those carried in an official law-enforcement capacity. There have been no changes to the current policies and laws enforced on the installation regarding concealed weapons and weapons violations. The base policy can be found in the 90th Security Forces Group Operation Instruction 31-3 6.9. It states that no state concealed-weapons permits are valid on base. Personnel may transport privately owned weapons on base only if they are traveling to and from an authorized base storage location, such as the armory or base accompanied housing if properly registered or an approved base sporting event. When transporting, the weapon must be unloaded and stored in the trunk of the vehicle. For vehicles without trunks, locking the unloaded weapon in the glove compartment or placing them in the vehicle as far from vehicle occupants as possible will satisfy the intent of the law. Ammunition must be stored separately from the weapon. Transporting firearms on bicycles, motorcycles or any two or three wheeled vehicle is prohibited because there is no way to adequately separate the weapon from the driver. Anyone living on base must register their weapon within 72 hours of purchase. Registration can be done at any time in the 90th Security Forces Group Armory, located in the basement of Bldg. 34. Call 773-3312 for additional information on registering weapons on base. Personnel living in the dorms cannot store their weapons in rooms; the 90th Security Forces Group Armory offers courtesy storage for these weapons. Locations prohibiting concealed carry · Any facility used primarily for law enforcement operations or administration without the written consent of the chief administrator · Any detention facility, prison or jail · Any courtroom, except that nothing in this section shall preclude a judge from carrying a concealed weapon or determining who will carry a concealed weapon in the courtroom · Any meeting of a government entity · Any meeting of the legislature or committee thereof · Any school, college or professional athletic event not related to firearms · Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic liquor and malt beverages for consumption on the premises · Any place where persons are assembled for public worship, without the written consent of the chief administrator of that place · Any elementary or secondary school facility · Any college or university facility without the written consent of the security service of that college or university · Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or regulation or state law Rules for transporting privately owned weapons: · No state concealed-weapons permits are valid on military reservations · Personally owned weapons may be transported on base if they are traveling to or from an authorized base storage location (armory or base accompanied housing if properly registered) or an approved base sporting event · When transporting, the weapon must be unloaded and stored in the trunk of the vehicle · For vehicles without trunks, lock the unloaded weapon in the glove compartment or place it in the vehicle as far from vehicle occupants as possible · Ammunition must be stored separately from the weapon · Transporting firearms on bicycles, motorcycles or any two or three-wheeled vehicle is prohibited