Gordon Calls Gun-Free Zone Repeal A Power Grab By Legislature

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon says he will allow a bill to ban most gun-free zones in Wyoming to become law without his signature.

But he doesn't sound happy about it.

You can read House Bill 172.

The Bill Passed The Legislature By Veto-Proof Margins

The governor vetoed the same bill in 2024, citing concerns over local control. But the bill passed the Wyoming House this year by a 52-10 margin, and the Senate by a vote of 25-6.

That means that unless some lawmakers changed their vote, both houses would have been able to override a veto had Gordon issued one.

The governor acknowledged that reality in a statement issued on Thursday evening, saying “Elections are impactful, and I recognize the overwhelming majority of this legislature opted to drop a political bomb. The final outcome of this legislation is not in doubt. It will become law,”

Gordon said local school boards, community colleges, the University of Wyoming and the State Building Commission had all worked hard on firearm carry policies prior to the passage of the bill.

In his statement he wrote “I am left to imagine this legislative session was never about “self-defense” or a common sense effort to extend carry rights. More to the point, it was always about the legislature grabbing power.”

Gordon signed the following bills into law on Thursday

HEA0025 HB0264 Central bank digital currencies-prohibitions.

HEA0026 HB0042 Regulation of surgical abortions.

HEA0027 HB0181 Funeral contracts-investment and bonding requirements.

HEA0028 HB0046 Homeschool freedom act.

HEA0029 HB0039 Property tax refund program-revisions.

HEA0030 HB0226 License plate-search and rescue council.

HEA0031 HB0005 Fishing outfitters and guides-registration of fishing boats.

HEA0032 HB0097 Property conveyances near critical infrastructure.

SEA0022 SF0064 Wyoming Opposes Mandatory Electronic ID Devices-Livestock.

SEA0024 SF0004 State park peace officers-definition and scope of authority.

SEA0025 SF0061 Pollution control property tax exemption-applicability.