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Wyoming House passes Second Amendment Protection Act after lengthy debate
Summary
After hours of debate and failed amendments, the Wyoming House approved Senate File 101 — a bill that restricts state participation in federal firearms seizures and creates a private cause of action — on a 40‑21 vote. Lawmakers split over wording and potential impacts on local law enforcement.
The Wyoming House passed Senate File 101, the Second Amendment Protection Act, on March 5, 2026, by a 40‑21 vote after extended floor debate over enforcement language and who may sue under the law. The bill limits state and local law‑enforcement participation in federal actions aimed at regulating firearms, ammunition or accessories and establishes a civil remedy for persons harmed by enforcement deemed covered by the statute.
Supporters said the measure is intended to protect Wyoming citizens’ rights and give peace officers clear direction about cooperation with federal orders. Representative Washington (Majority Leader) urged the House to support clearer statutory language to protect both citizens and officers and underscored what he described as the bill’s practical purpose: “We have a provision in federal law that says if you’re convicted of domestic violence, you lose your gun rights… I hope our Wyoming peace officers have not been handcuffed,” he said, arguing that the bill preserves officers’ ability to address recognized federal offenses while limiting participation in federal gun‑control enforcement.
Opponents, including several members who said they had consulted local law enforcement, warned the bill’s wording is ambiguous and could undermine officers’ ability to respond in complex, real‑world situations. Representative Wharfe, who opposed the measure, said the bill “adds a civil penalty where if you are harmed, you can bring lawsuit rather than counting on your county attorney” and argued that the draft language creates uncertainty for officers and the courts.
Floor action produced several high‑profile amendment fights. A proposal to change standing from “interested party” to “aggrieved party” was tied and failed on a division vote. Another amendment to reinsert the word “unconstitutional” into enforcement provisions — a change supporters said would limit the bill to acts later determined unconstitutional by courts — failed on division as well amid disagreement about whether courts or officers should make such determinations in the field. The sponsor later withdrew a late enactment‑clause amendment.
Debate featured repeated references to law‑enforcement views: members said they had heard conflicting advice from sheriffs and chiefs across the state and emphasized the need to balance constitutional protections with officer safety and public‑safety imperatives. Several lawmakers who support the Second Amendment nevertheless said they could not back the bill in its current form because of vagueness and operational concerns.
The House concluded roll call after debate; the chief clerk recorded 40 ayes, 21 noes and 1 excused. The Speaker announced that Senate File 101 had passed the House. The bill will proceed in the legislative process following House passage.
The House recessed for afternoon business and committee announcements followed.
