Last week marked a bittersweet close to Wyoming’s 2026 legislative session, with Gun Owners of America (GOA)-backed bills delivering a split verdict that underscores the razor-thin margins in the fight for Second Amendment supremacy. The crown jewel, SF0101—the Second Amendment Protection Act (SAPA) Amendments—met a heartbreaking veto from Governor Mark Gordon. This bill aimed to fortify Wyoming’s already robust SAPA framework, which declares federal gun control infringements null and void in the Cowboy State. By expanding protections against ATF overreach and clarifying state non-cooperation with unconstitutional edicts, SF0101 could have been a blueprint for red states nationwide to draw a harder line in the sand. Gordon’s rejection isn’t just a loss for Wyoming; it’s a cautionary tale for 2A advocates everywhere— even in deep-red bastions, executive veto pens wield outsized power, often swayed by whispers from federal bureaucrats or moderate GOP unease.
On the brighter side, two solid victories emerged as HB 0228 and HB 0101 were signed into law, injecting fresh momentum into Wyoming’s pro-gun arsenal. HB 0228 slashes permit fees for concealed carry reciprocity, making it cheaper and easier for out-of-staters to exercise their rights while traveling through the Equality State— a practical win that chips away at the patchwork of reciprocity headaches plaguing responsible carriers. Meanwhile, HB 0101 enhances penalties for illegal gun possession by felons, smartly prioritizing public safety without infringing on law-abiding citizens. These aren’t revolutionary, but they’re tactical gains: they bolster Wyoming’s reputation as a 2A haven, potentially inspiring neighboring states like Montana and Idaho to up their game.
For the 2A community, this session is a rallying cry—celebrate the W’s, but mourn the veto as fuel for the next round. Governor Gordon’s track record now invites scrutiny; will grassroots pressure from GOA and locals flip him in 2027? Nationally, it highlights the veto-proof strategy: supermajorities or ballot initiatives to bypass gubernatorial gatekeepers. Wyoming remains a beacon, but only vigilance keeps the flame alive—stay locked and loaded, patriots.
