Wyoming senators voted against a bill that would have allowed citizens to carry weapons in schools and other public buildings. The 25-3 vote came despite sponsors of the bill asserting that the elimination of gun free zones would improve public safety. Senator Ray Peterson said that advertising schools as gun-free zones puts Wyoming children in danger. Other senators questioned whether concealed-carry holders were qualified to defend themselves and others with a firearm, particularly in a school.

A substitute bill was also proposed during the vote, but concern spread about the new bill’s intent. The substitute bill would’ve allowed the state’s school districts to decide whether or not to permit concealed carry on their campuses.

Republican senator Hank Coe, who drafted the substitute bill, said he expects the legislature to consider the issue again.