Summary#
SF 101, titled “Second amendment protection act amendments-3,” would amend Wyoming’s Second Amendment Protection Act and the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act. Its stated goal is to protect constitutional rights by limiting state and local help with certain federal firearm rules and creating civil and criminal penalties. The governor vetoed it, so it did not become law.
- State and local governments would be barred from using personnel or funds to help enforce certain federal measures about firearms, accessories or ammunition against a “law abiding citizen.”
- The bill would create a civil claim for damages over violations, and a $50,000 civil penalty for specified conduct involving employees who previously served as federal officials or employees. It also allows lawsuits seeking court orders and attorney fees.
- A public or peace officer who knowingly violates the prohibition could face a misdemeanor: up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
- The bill includes exceptions for specified assistance to federal officers and prosecutors, and for accepting federal help to enforce Wyoming law. It also preserves investigations and lawful seizures tied to violations of Wyoming law.
What it means for you#
- Wyoming residents: The bill would not directly change who may possess a firearm under state law. It defines “law abiding citizen” as someone not barred from possessing a firearm under state law who is legally present in the United States and Wyoming.
- State and local governments and law enforcement: They would have to follow the limits on using personnel and funds. The bill does not prohibit all cooperation with federal authorities or accepting federal funds.
- People bringing lawsuits: An injured person could seek damages for specified officer conduct. An “interested party” could sue to enforce the separate provisions about former federal employees. Courts could order other relief and award reasonable attorney fees; a hearing on a request for injunctive or equitable relief must be held within 30 days of service of the petition.
- Officers and former federal employees: Officers who knowingly violate the prohibition could face criminal penalties. The bill also targets certain firearm-related enforcement by employees who previously served as federal officials, agents, employees or deputies. It excludes military service from the hiring restriction or penalty in that provision. The bill says civil penalties are not imposed on individual officers.
- Federal authorities: The bill restricts Wyoming government entities, not the federal government itself.
Money#
No cost estimate is in the supplied material.
- The bill creates potential financial exposure for government entities through damages, civil penalties and attorney fees. It does not state who receives the $50,000 civil penalty.
- It sets no appropriation, staffing requirement, fee or fine revenue estimate. The criminal fine is up to $2,000 per qualifying offense.
What is unclear#
- The current Second Amendment Protection Act is not supplied, so it is not possible to verify which rules already exist and exactly how much of this bill would be new.
- “Unconstitutional” and “interested party” are not defined in the supplied text. The bill also does not explain how courts should determine whether conduct falls within the prohibition.
- The definition of “material aid” covers items and services such as lodging, communications, personnel and transportation, but the bill does not set out a process for deciding disputed cases.
- The bill’s exceptions and its broad limits on assistance may be difficult to apply together in some cases.
- The bill states an effective date of July 1, 2026, but because it was vetoed, that date did not make it law.
Case for#
- The bill appears intended to keep state and local resources from being used to enforce federal firearm measures it describes as unconstitutional.
- Civil claims, penalties and criminal consequences could provide ways to enforce that limit.
- The exceptions preserve some cooperation with federal authorities, including specified investigations and prosecutions and enforcement of Wyoming law.
Case against#
- The bill’s broad definition of “material aid” and unclear terms could make it hard for public agencies and officers to know what cooperation is allowed.
- Large civil penalties, damages and attorney fees could expose government entities to substantial costs; the bill provides no estimate.
- The bill creates enforcement routes but does not clearly explain who qualifies as an “interested party” or how competing provisions would apply in specific cases.