Wyoming agencies would face limits on federal gun-rule cooperation

State and local governments would be barred from using personnel or money to enforce or help enforce certain federal firearm, accessory, or ammunition rules. The restriction would apply to state agencies, local governments, and law enforcement agencies when acting against a law-abiding person. The restriction would apply only to federal measures that violate or impede Second Amendment rights. Officials could still help federal authorities with other purposes and accept federal money to enforce Wyoming law. Exceptions would cover certain investigations involving suspects connected to another state or country, some felony prosecutions, and enforcement of Wyoming law. The restriction would apply if the act took effect on July 1, 2026.

An officer who knowingly violates the restriction could face a misdemeanor, and an agency could face damages and a $50,000 civil penalty for each violation. The rules would cover public officers, peace officers, state agencies, local governments, and law enforcement agencies. A court could order damages, other legal relief, and reasonable attorney fees. Sovereign immunity could not be used as a defense in these cases. The bill would not impose the civil penalty on an individual officer or peace officer. The penalties and court remedies would apply if the act took effect on July 1, 2026.

An agency could face a $50,000 civil penalty when a former federal employee knowingly enforces or supports certain federal firearm rules. The rule would cover state agencies, local governments, and law enforcement agencies employing people who previously served as federal officials, agents, employees, or deputies. An interested party could sue and seek court orders, damages, other remedies, and attorney fees. The rule would not penalize an agency for hiring a former member of the United States armed services. The proposed definition of material aid includes voluntary use of facilities, transportation, personnel, communications, or other physical resources, but excludes certain medical help and life-saving assistance. The covered conduct would include acts committed on or after July 1, 2026, if the act took effect.