Firearms Protection Act in Wyoming... what does it all mean? (Rawlins: sales, 2013)

[Froggie Legs]

I came across this article stating that "Texas to Join Wyoming: Felony charges for Enforcing New Gun Control" . I was unaware of the Firearms Protection Act. Do you think the gun violence is more or less in states with less gun control? I know people have opinions on both sides of this issue and legitimate concerns on both sides. Just wondering what every person's opinions are on this obviously touchy subject, especially in light of recent events and potential gun law changes.

[Brian_M]

I haven't dug through the law, but the gist is that the state is saying that any Fed who trys to enforce federal law regarding firearms/ammo will be prosecuted by the state. Not sure it's entirely legal, but it's making a point (and a strong one).

When it comes to gun control, just look at places like DC, NYC and Chicago where there is a total ban on legal firearm ownership and see how much gun violence (and violence in general) still exists. Criminals don't really care about laws... they see things like "gun free zones" around schools and at theaters as an open invitation to do what they want because no one will be able to defend themselves.

Personally, I would feel safer if Everyone had a gun and were well educated on when/why/how to use it. Just knowing that there are Some people out there who conceal carry and stay on top of their training makes me feel a little safer than if no law abiding citizen could carry and you had to rely on luck or a 10 minute wait for LEO to show up.

[WyoNewk]

I don't know if it's legal or not either, but Wyoming's Speaker of the House, attorney Tom Lubnau, says it isn't. He says the Wyoming Constitution states that it's not legal. It's interesting, but I doubt it's going anywhere.

[arctichomesteader]

It's legal when said federal laws are unconstitutional. Federal supremacy only applies to federal laws that are constitutional.

[Brian_M]

Having spoken with some of my LEO contacts in WY about it, they said they would make the arrests and let it shake itself out in court. Heh.. even if it's Eventually overturned that still buys some time for residents.

Too bad about New York though. I don't see anything Good coming from what's happening right now, just glad to see Wyoming ahead of the curve. Now if Montana will get on board as well, I'd be tickled (parents moved to MT, everything I stand to inherit is in MT not WY).

[ElkHunter]

It is House Bill HB0104 It exempts Wyoming from Federal Regulations against semi automatic weapons and magazine sizes. It also allows for presecution of any Federal Agents that come into Wyoming and try and enforce. As far as it being legal, think about this. There are federal laws saying that Marijuana is illegal, however, several states have passed laws making it legal in their states, or even in towns. It sends a very strong message to DC. Montana passed it in 2009.

http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2013/Introduced/HB0104.pdf

[Ryster]

Something may or may not be "legal" by the letter of the law. But think of this: what options do the Feds have? FORCE compliance by State agencies at the barrel of a gun? Threaten to pull any federal funds without compliance? (taxation without representation, anyone?) In terms of forcing a State to comply with a law or executive order of questionable constitutionality, the Feds don't have very many meaningful options, much like a zoo keeper doesn't have very many meaningful options if the tigers suddenly decide they don't like the zoo keeper.

[Happy in Wyoming]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

It is House Bill HB0104 It exempts Wyoming from Federal Regulations against semi automatic weapons and magazine sizes. It also allows for presecution of any Federal Agents that come into Wyoming and try and enforce. As far as it being legal, think about this. There are federal laws saying that Marijuana is illegal, however, several states have passed laws making it legal in their states, or even in towns. It sends a very strong message to DC. Montana passed it in 2009.

http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2013/Introduced/HB0104.pdf

The original wording of the bill was vague and confusing at best but they've cleaned it up and produced an excellent bill. Now let's get it passed. Governor Mead showed that he's responsive to citizens when he signed the constitutional carry bill and I'm sure the good citizens of Wyoming will flood his office with calls on this assuming it passes. As written this bill covers the legality of private sales of firearms as well. This is of dire importance as antigunners are once again squealing about prohibiting private sales.

Doesn't the notion of sending some BATF agents to Rawlins warm the cockles of your heart?

[Cloudfish]

I've been following this bill since its introduction on the 8th. I'm glad some of our reps had the gumption to do this.

There are a few other related bills that may be of interest:

HB0073 State Firearm
HB0103 Regulation of firearms-state preemption.
HB0105 Citizens' and Students' Self-Defense Act.

You can find the entire list of introduced bills here: Bill Information for the 2013 General Session of the 62nd Wyoming Legislature

To read the PDF for each one click on "Title" and then the link at the top left of the following page.

[Froggie Legs]

I wonder if other states besides Texas (and you say Montana?) will follow suit in light of recent "executive orders" and essentially bypassing congress and the Constitution to suit political agendas. I doubt Minnesota ever would due to it's overt liberal nature. Is the governor of Wyoming now a Republican? I know for years you had a Dem, albeit a fiscally conservative Dem?

Huh, I didn't know Wyoming had a "state firearm"... "The Model 83, 454 Casull, first manufactured in Freedom,
11 Wyoming in 1983, is the state firearm of Wyoming"