Mayor Prefers Amended Gun Bill

Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen says he prefers the amended version of a bill that would allow people with concealed carry permits to bring guns into public buildings (except courtrooms).

The Senate Education Committee on Wednesday added an amendment that would let local officials decide whether to allow firearms Kaysen says he finds that version of the bill much more acceptable than the house version, which doesn't include the local control restriction.

The mayor has expressed concerns over the house bill previously, saying "I don't see why anyone has to carry guns" to conduct business in public buildings.

Rep. Allen Jaggi (R-Lyman), who sponsored the original bill in the house, says he doesn't like the amended version.

The Senate bill still has to go through three readings before winning final senate approval, and there is a very good chance supporters of the original bill will try to remove the local control amendment during floor discussion of the bill.

But if the senate passes the amended version, the two houses will have to work out their differences on the bill, either by the house voting to accept the amended version or in conference committee.