Wyoming Governor vetoes Second Amendment Protection Act amendments

Governor Mark Gordon of Wyoming issued his first public veto on Tuesday, rejecting Senate File 196, which aimed to amend the Second Amendment Protection Act (SAPA). He held a public session to discuss the veto, citing the importance of the issue to Wyoming residents. SAPA requires county prosecutors to charge police officers who violate gun owners' Second Amendment rights. The proposed amendments in SF 196 would have banned law enforcement from assisting the federal government with gun laws and let citizens sue institutions for violations. Gordon expressed that while he supports the Second Amendment, the amendments would hinder local law enforcement's ability to assist with federal tasks, particularly regarding issues like human trafficking and illegal immigration. He compared the bill to nationwide "Defund the Police" movements, claiming it does not align with Wyoming values. The bill also aimed to prevent local agencies from hiring individuals who enforced federal gun laws, which could include former U.S. government employees. Gordon stressed this could lead to fines for law enforcement agencies that hired such individuals. Concerns were raised by law enforcement leaders about how the bill would affect their collaboration with federal agencies. They emphasized the need for federal resources to tackle certain crimes and aid investigations. Gordon highlighted a potential conflict with federal law regarding firearm possession. He pointed out that while federal law disallows firearm possession for those convicted of certain misdemeanors, Wyoming does not have a corresponding law, putting law enforcement in a difficult position. The governor criticized the legislature for repeatedly passing Second Amendment-related bills without a practical approach. Although SF 196 had significant support in both houses, Gordon indicated that it crossed a line. He did not veto another bill, House Bill 172, which repealed gun-free zones in certain public spaces. In addition to his veto, Gordon signed nine other bills, including a ban on sanctuary cities and prohibitions on using private funds for elections. He also exercised a line-item veto on a bill regarding strategic investments, questioning the legislative choices made regarding funding. Gordon's decisions reflect his commitment to maintaining balance in law enforcement and state governance. He believes collaboration with federal agencies is essential for effective law enforcement in Wyoming.