Wyoming Legislature Passes Second Amendment Preservation Act Over Local Law Enforcement Objections and Civil Liability Concerns

Wyoming’s Second Amendment Protection Act passes the House, prohibiting local police from assisting federal firearm seizures amid law enforcement opposition.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 4:38 PM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Bearing Arms

Wyoming House Approves Landmark Firearm Protection Measure

The Wyoming House of Representatives concluded a contentious legislative debate on Thursday by passing Senate File 101, officially known as the Second Amendment Protection Act (SAPA). The bill, which passed with a final vote of 40 to 21, seeks to create a legal buffer between Wyoming residents and federal firearms enforcement. Under the proposed statute, state and local law enforcement officers would be strictly prohibited from assisting federal agents in the seizure of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories. The passage follows a similar legislative attempt in 2025 that was ultimately vetoed by Governor Mark Gordon, though supporters believe the current political climate has shifted the momentum in favor of the act.

Law Enforcement Cites Operational Risks and Legal Jeopardy

The primary opposition to the act has emerged from the Wyoming law enforcement community, with officials arguing that the bill creates a dangerous "Sword of Damocles" over the heads of peace officers. Critics, including Representative Art Washut, a retired officer, contend that the threat of a $50,000 civil judgment for officers involved in federal task forces is an excessive burden. Police organizations have expressed deep concern that the law would effectively dismantle joint operations focused on drug trafficking and illegal immigration, as state officers may fear personal litigation if a firearm is seized during a multi-agency bust. This tension highlights a growing divide between legislative efforts to protect constitutional rights and the practical requirements of modern policing.

Civil Damages Provision Creates New Legal Recourse

A central and highly debated component of the Second Amendment Protection Act is the inclusion of a pathway for residents to seek civil damages. If a resident believes their firearms were unjustly seized through state cooperation with federal authorities, they would be empowered to sue for significant financial penalties. Proponents of the bill argue that this provision is necessary to ensure that the law has "teeth" and that officers remain accountable to state residents rather than federal mandates. However, legal experts warn that this could lead to a surge in litigation, particularly in cases where federal laws and state protections are in direct conflict, leaving individual offic...