Wyoming Statewide Rule
Wyoming Firearm Local Preemption Statute
Key Facts
- Statewide Preemption
- Statewide preemption under W.S. 6-8-401
- Standards
- Applies to counties, cities, towns, and school districts
- Covers Ownership
- Covers ownership, possession, carry, and taxation
- Narrow Exceptions
- Narrow exceptions for discharge and government buildings
- Plaintiffs May
- Plaintiffs may recover damages and attorney fees
Summary
Wyoming law preempts cities, towns and counties from regulating firearms, ammunition, and accessories beyond what state statute provides, ensuring uniform gun rules statewide.
(c) The sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use and possession of firearms, weapons and ammunition shall be authorized, regulated and prohibited by the state, and regulation thereof is preempted by the legislature of the state of Wyoming. Except as authorized by W.S. 15-1-103(a)(xviii) and 23-1-302, no state agency, city, town, county, political subdivision or any other entity shall authorize, regulate or prohibit the sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use, carrying or possession of firearms, weapons, accessories, components or ammunition except as specifically provided by this chapter. This section shall not affect zoning or other ordinances which encompass firearms businesses along with other businesses. Zoning and other ordinances which are designed for the purpose of restricting or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer or manufacture of firearms or ammunition as a method of regulating firearms or ammunition are in conflict with this section and are prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Under W.S. 6-8-401, the Wyoming Legislature reserved exclusive authority over firearm regulation to the state. Counties, municipalities, school districts, and other political subdivisions cannot enact ordinances on the ownership, possession, transfer, transportation, licensing, registration, or taxation of firearms, ammunition, components, or accessories. Limited exceptions exist for regulating discharge in densely populated areas and restricting firearms in certain government buildings. Local rules conflicting with state preemption are void, and aggrieved parties may seek declaratory and injunctive relief.
Violations & Penalties
Local ordinances purporting to regulate firearms beyond statutory exceptions are unenforceable; municipalities adopting them risk court orders, attorney fees, and damages awarded to challengers under state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Wyoming city ban open carry of handguns?
May counties tax ammunition sales?
Are school districts covered by preemption?
Sources
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