Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon recently vetoed Senate File 196, a bill that sought to expand the Second Amendment Protection Act originally passed in 2022.
In a public ceremony attended by law enforcement officials from various levels of government, Gordon criticized the bill, stating that it would undermine law enforcement and complicate cooperation between Wyoming and federal agencies.
In his veto letter, addressed to Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray, Gordon described the bill as “overkill”, arguing that it could punish first responders and hinder their ability to work with federal authorities. He drew parallels between the bill and “Defund the Police” initiatives, expressing shock that Wyoming’s legislature would support legislation that he believed could place law enforcement officers in difficult legal situations.
“This Act takes aim at — and potentially vilifies — law enforcement if, in the process of working to apprehend, prosecute, and detain illegal aliens, drug mules, human traffickers, abusers, and other miscreants, they cooperate with the federal government and a gun is involved,” Gordon wrote. “Wyoming can do better.”
Gordon emphasized that Wyoming already has strong protections for Second Amendment rights and does not need additional legislation influenced by out-of-state lobbyists. He stated that the 2022 Second Amendment Protection Act remains sufficient in addressing concerns over federal gun regulations.
SF 196 sought to broaden the Second Amendment Protection Act by:
- Prohibiting state officials from enforcing any federal firearm regulations, regardless of whether they infringe on constitutional rights.
- Expanding the law to cover federal funds, preventing the state from cooperating with federal agencies on gun-related enforcement if federal dollars were involved.
- Allowing civil lawsuits against law enforcement agencies if they participated in federal enforcement efforts that contradicted Wyoming law.
- Preventing state agencies from hiring former federal law enforcement officers who had enforced federal firearm laws in any capacity.
Gordon and law enforcement officials argued that these changes would make it more difficult to combat crime, recruit qualified officers, and participate in joint law enforcement efforts with federal agencies.
Several Wyoming law enforcement leaders stood alongside the governor at the veto event, expressing concerns that the bill could obstruct their ability to do their jobs effectively. Park County Sheriff Darrell Steward cited cases where his department relied on FBI assistance to solve crimes, while Glenrock Police Chief Colter Felton warned that limiting hiring options for law enforcement agencies would exacerbate staffing shortages.
Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Colonel Karl Germaine stated that while lawmakers had listened to law enforcement concerns, the final version of the bill failed to address them.
“In Wyoming, we care hugely about our Second Amendment rights and do everything we can to protect them,” Gordon said. “But we also back the blue, and I think it’s particularly important that we allow law enforcement to do its job.”
Gun rights advocacy organizations strongly opposed the veto, arguing that the bill would have provided greater protection against federal overreach.
Aaron Dorr, director of Wyoming Gun Owners, criticized the governor’s decision, stating that the veto was a “betrayal” of Second Amendment supporters. Mark Jones of Gun Owners of America claimed that lawmakers had thoroughly vetted the bill, and that it merely ensured that state agencies would not assist in enforcing unconstitutional federal gun laws.
Dorr also took issue with law enforcement agencies’ concerns about recruitment, arguing that former federal agents who enforced federal firearm regulations should not be hired in Wyoming anyway.
Governor Gordon’s veto of SF 196 marks one of nine vetoes he has issued this legislative session—the highest number in any session during his tenure. While five of his vetoes have been overridden by the Legislature, it remains uncertain whether lawmakers will attempt to pass a similar bill again in the future.
Republican legislative leaders, including Senate President Bo Biteman and House Speaker Chip Neiman, have signaled their intent to reintroduce the legislation. If Gordon runs for re-election, his record on Second Amendment bills could become a key issue in a potential Republican primary challenge.
Despite the veto, Wyoming remains a strong pro-gun state, with recently enacted laws banning gun-free zones and strengthening firearm rights. Gordon allowed one such measure to become law earlier this year without his signature, stating that he believed it was an issue that would continue to come up in future legislative sessions.
