Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has decided to let two significant pieces of legislation pass into law without his signature, County 10 reports.
The bills, sponsored by Rep. Pepper Ottman, R-Riverton, include one addressing unauthorized alien restrictions and another regarding gun-free zones.
House Bill 116, now House Enrolled Act 33, specifies that driver’s licenses issued by other jurisdictions to unauthorized aliens are invalid in Wyoming. Although Governor Gordon stated that he agrees with the bill’s sentiment, which emphasizes the state’s commitment to securing borders and protecting the US and Wyoming from individuals in the state illegally, he raised concerns about the law’s potential consequences.
In a letter explaining his decision, Gordon highlighted the “unintended implications” the bill could have on Wyoming’s ability to protect the traveling public. Specifically, he noted that it could jeopardize Wyoming’s standing in the Non-Resident Violators Compact, which facilitates reciprocal enforcement of motor vehicle laws between compact member states.
Gordon also expressed uncertainty about whether the law might place Wyoming law enforcement in a position that is better suited to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), due to the potential delay in ICE’s response. Despite these concerns, Gordon allowed the bill to become law, hoping that the Legislature will address any additional legal implications.
Governor Gordon also allowed House Bill 172, now House Enrolled Act 24, to become law without his signature. This legislation permits individuals with concealed carry permits in Wyoming to carry weapons at government meetings, public schools, and public colleges or universities.
Gordon previously vetoed a similar bill last year, citing concerns about local jurisdictional authority and the potential infringement of the state Constitution’s separation of powers. However, this year, he acknowledged the overwhelming support for the bill in the Legislature. He suggested that the passage of the bill was more about legislative power than Second Amendment rights, noting that gun-free zones are now solely determined by the Legislature.
