Summary of the Key Bills Based on Official Legislative Records and Reports
– HB0130 / SF0101 (“Second Amendment Protection Act amendments” or similar titles): These companion bills aimed to amend Wyoming’s existing Second Amendment Protection Act (SAPA, originally passed in 2022) by adding civil and criminal penalties for violations, creating exceptions, and allowing more enforcement mechanisms against federal infringements on gun rights.
– They advanced through parts of the legislature but faced controversy (e.g., concerns from law enforcement and potential conflicts with federal cooperation).
– Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed SF0101 (the Senate version that reached his desk).
– An attempt to override the veto failed in the Senate (12-18 vote, short of the required 21).
– The related HB0130 failed earlier in the Senate on third reading (13-18).
– These did not become law.
– HB0096 (“Carrying of concealed weapons-age requirement”): This lowered the minimum age for a concealed carry permit from 21 to 18, with conforming changes.
– It passed the legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Gordon.
– HB0098 (“Prohibit Red Flag Gun Seizure Act-penalty amendments”): This strengthened protections against “red flag” laws by adding penalties for state/local enforcement of such gun seizure orders.
– It passed and was signed into law by Gov. Gordon.
– HB0039 (“Firearms rights-restoration amendments”): This strengthened statutes for restoring gun rights (e.g., after certain convictions or disqualifications).
– It passed and was signed into law by Gov. Gordon.
Other mentions included efforts to expand constitutional carry on college campuses (e.g., related to HB0095 or similar), but the primary successes were the three signed bills above (HB0039, HB0096, HB0098). The more aggressive SAPA amendments did not succeed.
Leave a Reply