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Senate panel approves amendment narrowing restoration of firearm rights for out-of-state convictions
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved an amendment and later advanced Senate File 9, which narrows automatic restoration of firearm possession rights for people with out-of-state felony convictions and separates firearm restoration from voting-rights restoration.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on a voice and roll-call votes approved an amendment and moved forward Senate File 9, a bill that revises when a person may receive a certificate restoring rights, distinguishing restoration of voting rights from restoration of firearm possession rights.
Senator Crago led the committee discussion of an amendment that explicitly limits restoration of firearm rights to people convicted of nonviolent felonies under Wyoming law and removes language that would allow firearms rights restoration based on convictions in other states. Senator Crago said the amendment “spells that out” and explained it separates firearm restoration language into its own subsection. The committee adopted the amendment (moved by Senator Kolb; seconded by Senator Crago) by voice vote.
The amendment adds language indicating a certificate of restoration for possession of a firearm under subsection f applies only where the person was convicted of nonviolent felonies under Wyoming law. The bill retains separate provisions allowing restoration of voting rights for some out‑of‑state convictions, while the amendment prevents those out‑of‑state convictions from automatically restoring firearm rights in Wyoming.
Senator Hicks voiced the principal concern expressed during debate: whether definitions of “nonviolent felony” vary across states and whether that could allow persons convicted elsewhere under broader nonviolent categories to obtain firearm restoration in Wyoming. Hicks asked if the committee had compared Wyoming’s definition to other states. Senator Crago said the committee had not performed a comparative analysis; he said the Department (as part of processing an application) would verify comparability and legal review would be used when necessary.
Dan Chan of the Wyoming Department of Corrections told the committee the department does not unilaterally compare crimes by name or code number; rather, when an out‑of‑state conviction raises questions they send the file to the attorney general’s office for legal comparison and review.
On a roll-call vote the committee advanced Senate File 9 to the next stage. The roll call recorded Senator Crago — Aye; Senator Krum — Aye; Senator Hicks — No (and he later explained his “no” vote was driven by concern that states have changed classifications of offenses and that could produce inconsistent results); Senator Kohl — Aye; Chairman Olsen — Aye. The clerk recorded "All ayes, 1 no." The committee did not adopt any further amendments at the time.
Why it matters: The bill changes how Wyoming treats restoration of firearm possession after felony convictions and tightens the link between the underlying conviction and eligibility for gun possession, limiting the reach of out‑of‑state convictions for that category of rights restoration.
Next steps: The committee advanced the bill for further legislative consideration.
