Wyoming: Pro-Gun Reforms Advance

The Wyoming House Judiciary Committee approved two pro-gun bills today:  House Bill 103, introduced by state Representative Allen Jaggi (R-19), would strengthen the state’s authority over firearm laws while prohibiting local counties from enacting their own ordinances in clear violation of the current state firearms preemption statute, and House Bill 105, also introduced by Rep. Jaggi, would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm in more locations.  Both of these bills passed in committee by an 8 to 1 vote and are scheduled for a House floor vote tomorrow.  Please contact your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to support these pro-gun reforms.

HB 103 would improve recognition of your firearms freedoms in several ways. If enacted, it would give the state legislature the exclusive authority to enact any firearm-related laws or ordinances and prevent current firearms preemption violations from occurring across the state. This would ensure that any restriction on your Second Amendment rights would be voted on publicly by your state Senator and Representative instead of unelected bureaucrats at the local level. Also, this bill would erase any local restrictions on your Right to Keep and Bear Arms that have been illegally enacted in violation of the current firearms preemption statute. HB 103 would make firearms laws uniform throughout Wyoming and protect citizens from towns and counties that attempt to violate the new firearms preemption statute. Representative Allen Jaggi’s technical amendment to HB 103 was also adopted by the House Judiciary Committee today.

HB 105 would expand the places that a law-abiding citizen could carry their concealed handgun for self-defense. If enacted, these additional locations would include athletic events and all schools - elementary, secondary and universities. Although the Cowboy State does not require its residents to have a permit to carry a concealed weapon for self-defense, those who wish to carry in the additional locations would be required to obtain a permit issued by the state. It is no secret that so-called “Gun Free Zones” are attractive targets for violent criminals and madmen who know that they can inflict maximum mayhem with minimal risk of being harmed themselves. Allowing more trained law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families legally should be encouraged in all forms.  A number of technical amendments were added and adopted as part of the bill.

The final House vote on these bills has been scheduled for tomorrow before they go to the Senate!  Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to support these bills and to stand for your right to bear arms.

Additionally, as previously reported, the state Senate recently passed Senate File 132 which would remove Wyoming’s prohibition of hunting with a sound suppressor.  This bill will now be considered by the state House of Representatives, and has been assigned to the House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee.  A number of hostile amendments that would defeat the purpose of the bill are under consideration at this time.  In particular, the amendment being offered by the state game wardens would uphold the current ban on hunting with a suppressor except when hunting small game only.  Please contact your state Representative and members of the House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee and urge them to support SF 132 AS IS, and to accept no further amendments.