Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Firearm Hold Immunity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves limited immunity for voluntary firearm holds, adds LSO wording change
Summary
Senate File 29, creating limited immunity for persons who voluntarily accept and later return firearms under a firearm-hold agreement, passed committee after an LSO-drafted amendment clarifying the statute provides immunity rather than merely 'liability'; exclusions include firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act.
The committee approved Senate File 29, which creates a statutory limited immunity for a person who voluntarily accepts possession of a firearm under a firearm-hold agreement and later returns it to the owner. Committee discussion clarified the immunity does not eliminate liability arising from breach of contract or other unlawful conduct.
Lieutenant Colonel Karen Henkel described the proposed new Wyoming Stat. 1-3-120. The measure defines a firearm hold agreement as either a written or oral agreement to store firearms at the owner's request for an agreed period and to return them afterward. Paragraph C in the bill sets the definition; paragraph D excludes firearms and weapons regulated under the National Firearms Act. The statute as drafted prohibits a cause of action against the holder except for breach of contract or unlawful conduct, and the bill's effective date is July 1, 2025.
Committee members noted a language issue spotted by the Legislative Service Office (LSO). Committee members moved and passed an amendment to change wording so the statute provides "immunity from liability" rather than the less precise phrase then in the draft. After the amendment passed on voice vote, the committee took a roll call: Senators Anderson, Brennan, Cooper and Chairman Pappas voted aye; Senator Kolb excused.
No public commenters were present to oppose the bill. The committee asked no further questions after the LSO amendment. The bill advanced to the Senate floor with the amendment incorporated.
