Fairfax, Va. —Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead announced today that he will allow House Bill 168 to become law without his signature. The new Stand Your Ground measure strengthens Wyomingites’ fundamental right to self-defense anywhere they are legally allowed to be.
“Wyoming joins a nationwide movement to expand law-abiding citizens’ constitutional right to self-protection,” said NRA Wyoming lobbyist Travis Couture-Lovelady. “Victims of violent crime who respond with defensive force while protecting themselves or their families should not have to face the additional threat of criminal or civil prosecution.”
Once enacted, law-abiding citizens will no longer be required to retreat before defending themselves. The law also allows those facing civil lawsuits to first apply for a determination of the use of force. If the court finds the use of force to be justified, they can be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs, and other compensation incurred in defense of any related civil lawsuit.
“The five million men and women of the NRA thank the leaders in the Wyoming Legislature including state Sen. Anthony Bouchard and state Rep. Tim Salazar for strengthening every law-abiding gun owner’s right to self protection,” concluded Couture-Lovelady.
The bill officially becomes law on July 1, 2018.
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.
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