Law enforcement leaders from the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, Sinclair Police Department, Saratoga Police Department, Encampment Police Department, Hanna Marshal’s Office and Rawlins Police Department wish to express their sincere appreciation to Wyoming State Senator Larry Hicks, Representative Bob Davis, and Representative Pamela Thayer for supporting law enforcement and public safety during the recent legislative session by voting against the current  Second Amendment Protection Act (SAPA) bills, which Wyoming law enforcement leaders describe as anti-law enforcement, pro-criminal, and having no effect upon the 2nd Amendment.

“Both law enforcement officers and elected officials take an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Bill of Rights, and all amendments, including the 2nd Amendment,” said Rawlins Police Chief Michael Ward. “We take this oath seriously and apply it to our duty to protect the communities we serve. We want to thank our elected officials for listening to our concerns, seeing past the smokescreen surrounding these bills, and voting against legislation that would have made it harder for law enforcement to protect our communities.”

We also thank Governor Mark Gordon for vetoing Senate File 101 (LINK). The Governor’s veto was supported by the current President of the United States’ administration.  Gordon demonstrated strong leadership and western courage by recognizing the concerns raised by law enforcement agencies across the state while continuing to support and defend the 2nd Amendment rights of Wyoming citizens.

Throughout the legislative session, all 23 elected Wyoming sheriffs and many municipal police departments raised concerns about the bills. Members of the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police (WASCOP) worked to educate lawmakers on the potential impacts these proposals could have on public safety and law enforcement operations.

While presented as protecting 2nd Amendment rights, law enforcement leaders warned the language of the bills could have created serious unintended consequences. Local and state agencies regularly work with federal partners to investigate violent predators who are illegally armed and a danger to our community. Leaders expressed concern that vague language in the bills could have forced officers to second-guess critical decisions during these investigations.

As law enforcement leaders, we have a long tradition of supporting and defending the constitutional rights of the citizens we serve, including the right to keep and bear arms. Already, law enforcement cannot be directed by the federal government, per the Anti-Commandeering Doctrine and the existing 2nd Amendment Protection Act as passed in 2022.  With these protections in place, Wyoming does not need laws that criminals can hide behind or that hinder officers working to keep communities safe.

“These bills, which were apparently written by an out of state lobbyist, were purported to provide protection for Wyoming law enforcement by preventing them from having to assist federal law enforcement with enforcing bans on weapons or accessories.  Unfortunately, the wording of the bills made local law enforcement criminals for assisting federal law enforcement with any weapon investigations.   Additionally, no protection is needed due to existing Wyoming law and the anti-commandeering doctrine associated with the 10th Amendment.  These bills were a direct attack on Wyoming law enforcement and our ability to protect our communities.  We remain deeply grateful to the lawmakers in Cheyenne who took the time to read the bills and listen to their law enforcement leaders” shared Chief Ward.

Participating agencies in this joint statement include the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, Rawlins Police Department, Sinclair Police Department, Saratoga Police Department, Encampment Police Department, and the Hanna Marshal’s Office. 

Link: Trump Administration Supports Governor Gordon’s Veto of Anti-Law Enforcement Bill https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/trump-administration-supports-governor-gordon-s-veto-of-anti-law-enforcement-bill

Link: SF0101 - Second amendment protection act amendments https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/SF0101