March 11, 2013
The Wyoming Legislature concluded its 2013 session with mixed results for law-abiding gun owners. Although one pro-hunting reform was passed and signed into law by Governor Matt Mead (R), two more pro-gun reforms were left on the Senate’s calendar and defeated through deceptive procedural tactics without receiving a fair vote.
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February 21, 2013
Yesterday, the Wyoming Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4 to 1 to approve House Bill 103, an important pro-gun reform that would prohibit localities and municipalities from enacting gun laws of their own and creating a confusing patchwork of regulations and ordinances. However, the committee adopted several crippling amendments to HB 103 which would negate the bill’s purpose altogether. These last-minute unnecessary changes were introduced by Senator Bruce Burns (R-21) and have completely altered the bill. Now that HB 103 is eligible for final action, the state Senate is threatening to adjourn for the year without taking a vote. This procedural tactic would kill the bill entirely before it even has a chance to be considered.
FULL STORY
February 20, 2013
Today, the Wyoming Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4 to 1 to approve House Bill 103, an important pro-gun reform that would prohibit localities and municipalities from enacting gun laws of their own and creating a confusing patchwork of regulations and ordinances. However, this committee adopted several crippling amendments to HB 103 which would negate its purpose altogether. These last-minute unnecessary changes were offered by Senator Bruce Burns (R-21) and have completely altered HB 103.
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February 19, 2013
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead (R) signed into law Senate File 132, legislation introduced by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-01) that allows the use of suppressors for hunting all game in the Cowboy State starting on July 1, 2013. Thanks to passionate input from gun owners and sportsmen, the Wyoming House of Representatives voted 44 to 14 in favor of this pro-hunting reform while the state Senate voted 23 to 7.
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February 13, 2013
Thanks to passionate input from hunters and sportsmen, the Wyoming House of Representatives voted 44 to 14 in favor of a much-needed pro-hunting reform. SF 132, as introduced by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-01), passed in the Senate and House Agriculture Committee by overwhelming margins.
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February 12, 2013
Yesterday, Representative Albert Sommers (R-20) added a last-minute, crippling amendment to a pro-hunting bill that would remove the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors. Representative Sommers’ amendment to Senate File 132 would maintain the state’s outdated ban on hunting with suppressors for all game except varmints. Earlier today, Representative Mark Baker (R-49) offered a counter amendment that would erase this unnecessary restriction. However, despite the flood of comments from hunters and sportsmen who vigorously support full inclusion of suppressors for hunting, 32 state Representatives ignored their constituents by voting against Representative Baker’s amendment.
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February 11, 2013
During Committee of the Whole (COW) today in the state House of Representatives, a pro-hunting bill that would remove the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors was amended with unnecessary and crippling changes. Senate File 132, introduced by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-01), has already passed in the Senate and House Agriculture Committee by overwhelming margins. However, Representative Albert Sommers (R-20) added a last-minute amendment that would maintain the state’s ban on hunting with suppressors for all game except varmints. Please contact your state Representative and politely ask him or her to vote to remove this crippling amendment when SF 132 comes up for a final vote either tomorrow or Wednesday.
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February 7, 2013
As the state House of Representatives prepares for its final vote to repeal the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors, a number of hostile amendments are being proposed that would essentially cripple this bill’s purpose. Senate File 132, introduced by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-01), passed the House Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee by a 6 to 3 vote earlier this week with Representatives Dan Zwonitzer (R-43), Rita Campbell (R-34) and Stan Blake (D-39) voting against it. Thanks to your calls and e-mails Representative Blake has changed his opinion on the bill and said he will now vote for it on the House floor. Last week, the state Senate passed this bill unamended by a 23 to 7 vote. A final vote on the House floor will be held any day now and it is imperative that you let your Representative know that a vote for any amendment is a vote against your rights.
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February 5, 2013
Today, the state House Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee voted 6 to 3 to repeal the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors (which are additionally regulated under federal law) while providing additional penalties for those who use them illegally. Representatives Dan Zwonitzer (R-43), Rita Campbell (R-34), and Stan Blake (D-39) voted against this bill. Last week, the state Senate voted 23 to 7 to pass Senate File 132, introduced by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-01). This bill is now eligible for a final vote of approval in the House, which could be held as early as tomorrow. This is your last chance to contact your state Representative and politely encourage his or her support of this common sense hunting reform measure.
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February 4, 2013
The Wyoming House of Representatives has passed two right to carry improvement bills. House Bill 103, introduced by state Representative Allen Jaggi (R-19), would strengthen the state’s authority over firearm laws while prohibiting counties from enacting their own ordinances in clear violation of the current state firearms preemption statute. 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 now await committee assignment in the Senate. Please contact Senate President Ross and politely request that he assign these important pro-gun bills to a favorable Senate committee. Please also contact your state Senator TODAY and urge him or her to support these pro-gun reforms.
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January 29, 2013
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.
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January 28, 2013
Three bills of interest to gun owners and sportsmen in the Cowboy State are moving through the state legislature in Cheyenne. The House Judiciary Committee will have a hearing tomorrow to consider two bills: House Bill 103, introduced by Representative Allen Jaggi (R-19), which 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, which would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm in more locations. Please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and your state Representative today and politely ask them to support HB 103 with Representative Jaggi’s amendment and HB 105 without any amendments.
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January 22, 2013
The Wyoming Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee voted 4 to 1 in favor of a pro-hunting reform authored by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-1). Senate File 132 would repeal the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors (which are additionally regulated under federal law) while providing additional penalties for those who use them illegally. This bill is now eligible for a vote in the full Senate. A date for this Senate floor vote has not been scheduled at this time but please call and e-mail your state Senator urging him or her to vote in favor of this meaningful hunting improvement legislation! Your senator’s contact information can be found here.
FULL STORY
January 21, 2013
Wyoming Senator Ogden Driskill (R-1) introduced a bill last week that would further expand the rights of hunters in the Cowboy State. Senate File 132 would repeal the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors (which are additionally regulated under federal law) while providing additional penalties for those who use them illegally. This legislation has been referred to the Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources committee, and will be heard when they meet early tomorrow morning. Please call and email the Senators on the committee and urge them to vote in favor of this meaningful hunting improvement legislation!
FULL STORY
January 17, 2013
Wyoming Senator Ogden Driskill (R-1) introduced a bill yesterday that would further expand the rights of hunters in the Cowboy State. Senate File 132 would repeal the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors (which are additionally regulated under federal law) while providing additional penalties for those who use them illegally.
FULL STORY
January 15, 2013
As the Wyoming Legislature enters the second week of its legislative session, a number of pro-gun reforms have already been introduced. Representative Allen Jaggi (R-19) filed two bills: House Bill 103, which 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, which would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm in more locations. Both of these bills have yet to be assigned to a House committee for further consideration.
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December 14, 2011
During the most recent legislative session, state Senator Kit Jennings (R-28) of Casper sponsored permitless carry legislation to expand the Right-to-Carry across Wyoming, only to see his hometown now fight to restrict it. Last week, the Casper City Council voted 5 to 4 in favor of an ordinance to ban the open carrying of firearms during city council meetings. While nothing has ever occurred to necessitate this proposed ordinance, the city council is one step away from making this ban a reality and will decide its fate on third and final reading at their next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 20. The council will meet at 6:00 p.m. in the Casper City Hall located at 200 North David Street.
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July 15, 2011
The National Rifle Association and a coalition of sportsmen’s groups sent a letter to Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, and committee member Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) concerning the delisting of recovered wolf populations from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The letter supports efforts in advancing Section 119 of the 2012 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill, which was approved yesterday by the House Appropriations Committee.
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March 4, 2011
Governor Matt Mead (R) recently signed into law two important self-defense reform bills. Yesterday, March 3, Governor Matt Mead signed Senate File 47, often referred to as “Permitless Carry” legislation. SF 47 was passed by an overwhelming majority in the state Senate and the House. Then today, the Governor signed House Bill 167, “Castle Doctrine” legislation which will strengthen your right to self-defense in your home. Both bills will go into effect on July 1, 2011.
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February 28, 2011
Today marked the final approval for the “Permitless Carry” bill, Senate File 47, which was signed by the House Speaker and sent to Governor Matt Mead (R) for his consideration. SF 47 was passed by an overwhelming majority in the state Senate and the House. Also today, “Castle Doctrine” self-defense legislation, House Bill 167, unanimously passed its third and final reading by the full Senate. This bill would strengthen Wyoming citizens’ right to self-defense in their own home. SF 47 and HB 167 now move to the Governor’s desk for his approval.
FULL STORY
February 25, 2011
Law-abiding Wyoming residents were big winners this week when both chambers the Wyoming Legislature overwhelmingly voted for a permitless/“constitutional” carry bill. When signed into law, Wyoming will become the fourth state to recognize permitless carry, joining Alaska, Arizona and Vermont. Similar bills are under consideration in other states across the country including Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Utah.
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February 24, 2011
Yesterday, Senate File 47, Wyoming’s permitless carry legislation, passed second reading in the House by a 48 to 8 vote, with four excused votes. SF 47 will immediately be considered on third and final reading tomorrow, February 25, on the House floor. Also yesterday, the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously voted against the passage of House Bill 207, commonly referred to as workplace protection legislation.
FULL STORY
February 15, 2011
Wyoming’s fast moving legislative session has seen a recent flurry of action on legislation intended to protect and guarantee your right to self-defense. House Bill 122 passed...
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February 10, 2011
Yesterday, the Wyoming House of Representatives passed House Bill 207 by a 36 to 23 vote, with one excused. This workplace protection legislation would prohibit employers from firing employees who safely and lawfully store a firearm in their privately owned, locked vehicle while on an employer’s publicly accessible parking lot. Wyoming citizens who choose to carry a firearm for self-defense during their commute to and from work would no longer be forced to leave their firearms at home for fear of losing their jobs.
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January 28, 2011
On Monday, January 24, SF 47 was voted out of the Wyoming Senate by a 20 to 10 vote and sent to the House. Sponsored by state Senator Kit Jennings (R-28), SF 47 is an important update to lawful carry in Wyoming. It would allow for lawful carry of a concealed firearm without the burdensome requirement of acquiring a Wyoming carry permit. The approval of this pivotal legislation bodes well for law-abiding citizens of Wyoming who wish to protect not only themselves but family and friends alike. Please keep checking your email and our website at www.NRAILA.org for further updates on SF 47, HB 167 and HB 122.
FULL STORY
January 20, 2011
Yesterday, Senate File 47 was voted out of committee in the Wyoming Senate and put on general file for its next assignment. Sponsored by state Senator Kit Jennings (R-28) of Casper, SF 47 is an important update to lawful carry in Wyoming. It will allow for lawful carry of a concealed firearm without the burdensome requirement getting a Wyoming carry permit. The approval of this pivotal legislation bodes well for law-abiding citizens of Wyoming who wish to protect not only themselves but family and friends alike.
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March 8, 2010
On Thursday, March 4, Governor Dave Freudenthal (D) signed Senate File 26 into law. The bill is effective immediately.
Sponsored by State Senator Cale Case (R-25) and State Senator Eli Bebout (R-26), SF 26 will reform Wyoming’s concealed weapons permit laws regarding eligibility, reciprocity, and issuance of permits. This bill will limit the Attorney General’s ability to determine reciprocity by taking away his/her power to determine if that state has similar laws authorizing permits.
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March 1, 2010
On Friday, February 26, the Wyoming State House passed Senate File 26 on third and final reading. The bill will now move to the desk of Governor Dave Freudenthal (D) for his consideration.
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February 18, 2010
On Thursday, February 18, the House Committee of the Whole (COW) passed House Bill 113, legislation which would allow law-abiding persons to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense without a permit. This constitutional carry bill is expected to be heard and voted on by the full House TOMORROW, February 19. If passed, HB 113 would then be sent to the Senate for committee assignment.
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February 17, 2010
On Tuesday, February 16, the House Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 113, which would allow constitutional carry. HB 113 will now head to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
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February 17, 2010
On Wednesday, February 17, the State Senate amended and passed Senate File 26. SF 26 will now head to the House. NRA will continue to work to amend the additional language to SF 26 to further strengthen this important carry reform legislation.
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February 16, 2010
On Monday, February 15, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate File 26, but without a crucial amendment drafted by NRA. This amendment is a vital addition designed to protect Wyoming’s citizens and their ability to carry a firearm for self-defense.
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February 12, 2010
On Tuesday, February 9th, the Wyoming State Senate introduced Senate File 26 and referred it to the Senate Judiciary Committee where it will be heard Monday, February 15th.
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March 27, 2009
You are cordially invited to attend the Lincoln Day Dinner being held at the Sheridan, WY Holiday Inn Convention Center on Saturday, April 4.
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February 27, 2009
Earlier this week, Governor Dave Freudenthal (D) signed two important pro-gun bills into law.
House Bill 106, sponsored by State Representative Thomas Lubnau (R-31), was signed...
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February 20, 2009
Due to an overwhelmingly negative response from gun owners both in and outside Wyoming, an attempt made earlier this week to drastically limit Wyoming’s Right-to-Carry Reciprocity statute has been suspended for the time being, once again restoring the original Right-to-Carry Reciprocity statute.
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February 19, 2009
In a drastic change from its longstanding policies, Wyoming will no longer recognize the Right-to-Carry permits of fifteen states. As of March 1, non-resident permit holders of these states will no longer be able to carry a firearm concealed for self-defense while visiting Wyoming.
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December 11, 2008
The Bureau of Land Management has begun the process of revising a 1985 plan that directs the management of nearly 800,000 acres of public land in Campbell, Johnson, and Sheridan counties. These lands are adjacent to the Bighorn National Forest. An integral part of developing the new plan is public involvement which includes hunters and recreational shooters who want to secure their future on these lands. For this first phase of the planning process, the agency is accepting public comments until Monday, January 5, 2009.
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August 7, 2008
Tuesday, August 19 is Primary Election Day in Wyoming. Please be sure to vote Freedom First.
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March 13, 2008
In a message posted on his website today, Thursday, March 13, Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal (D) announced that he has signed House Bill 137, introduced by State Representative Lorraine Quarberg (R-28), otherwise known as the Castle Doctrine measure. While the bill was stripped of its "no duty to retreat in a public place" provision, the version that was sent to the Governor's desk did keep the "no duty to retreat inside one's home" language as well as the provision that individuals whose homes are unlawfully entered cannot be held civilly liable if they use deadly force to defend their home, self or family.
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