Wyoming May Allow Guns in Vehicles at Workplace

Wyoming employers would not have the ability to prohibit workers from keeping guns in their vehicles at their workplace under a bill that gained approval Feb. 9 from the state House of Representatives.

According to theAssociated Press, the House voted 36-23 in favor of a bill sponsored by Rep. Sam Krone, R-Cody. The bill now moves onto the Senate. (WCxKit)

Krone reports that he's heard from workers who must commute long distances to work and are concerned about their safety due to employer gun bans.

Rep. Keith Gingery, R-Jackson, spoke in favor of the bill. He claims the private property rights of the vehicle owners should be protected.

Meantime, opponents of the bill state theyre concerned it would violate employers private property rights.

Rep. Mike Madden, R-Buffalo, noted his concerns regarding how Krones bill would affect employers rights. He claims the bill would make it impossible to enforce rules in the workplace.

According to remarks from Gov. Matt Mead at a news conference Feb. 9, Krones bill offers a challenge because it pits a pair of different constitutional rights against each other: the employers right to control their property and the employees right to firearms.

Following the House vote, Krone indicated the bill wouldn't affect employers right to restrict firearms within the workplace itself. He said guns would be required to be locked in the employees vehicle and kept out of sight. (WCxKit)

Krone said if the bill is enacted his hope is that it would prevent employers from firing employees who carry guns in their cars in violation of company policy. An employee who was terminated in violation of the law could bring a court action against the employer for wrongful termination, he added.

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