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Wyoming2012Did Not Pass

HB0070

Wyoming Court Security Act of 2012

Last scannedOct 18, 2026, 2:19 AM

In one sentence

This bill proposed to prohibit carrying firearms past secured entrances in county buildings that house district or circuit courts.

What it does

  • Prohibits carrying or possessing a firearm beyond a secured entrance to a county building containing a district or circuit court.
  • Defines a secured entrance as one with a guard post, posted signs, and specific security measures like metal detectors, X-ray scanners, or locked doors.
  • Requires signs to be posted at secured entrances warning that weapons are prohibited and that violators face criminal penalties.
  • Allows exceptions for peace officers on duty and individuals specifically authorized by county commissioners or judges.
  • Sets a penalty of a fine up to $500 for a first offense and a fine up to $750, up to six months in jail, or both for repeat offenses.

Who it affects

  • People who carry firearms into county buildings containing district or circuit courts.
  • Peace officers and security guards working at these buildings.
  • County commissioners and judges who can authorize specific individuals to carry firearms.

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill did not pass and failed its third reading in the House on February 22, 2012.
  • The official bill text provided is labeled as a 'Working Draft,' so the final language may have differed from this version.

Plain language

Terms to know

Secured entrance
An entrance that has a guard post, posted signs, and security measures such as metal detectors, X-ray scanners, or locked doors.
Firearm
Any weapon designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.
Misdemeanor
A crime punishable by a fine or short jail time, as specified in the bill for violations.

Official record

Sources

Source checked

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 7, 5:39 PM

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill to establish a standardized legislative approach for courthouse security and prevent courts from unilaterally deciding these rules, which they view as an abdication of legislative responsibility.

Public statementFloor statement at 32:08 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because they believe it is better policy to wait and limit restrictions only to courtrooms rather than including entire county buildings.

Public statementFloor statement at 33:50 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because they view it as an overreach that infringes on citizens' Second Amendment rights and shifts power away from the people who own the buildings.

Public statementFloor statement at 39:25 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because they believe the people own the courthouses and should have the authority to decide on firearm restrictions, rather than having rights chipped away by legislation.

Public statementFloor statement at 40:47 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because they view it as an overreach that exempts government from its own rules and represents arrogance in restricting basic rights to defend oneself.

Public statementFloor statement at 43:33 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The speaker explains that current laws create a conflict between legislative preemption and court authority regarding weapons. The bill resolves this by allowing counties to decide on security measures for dangerous situations like family violence, providing flexibility based on local needs.

Public statementFloor statement at 38:24 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

3 roll calls

H Failed 3rd Reading 20-39-1-0-02012-02-22 · House20 yes 39 no
H01 Recommended Amend and Do Pass 8-1-0-0-02012-02-16 · House8 yes 1 no
H Introduced and Referred to H01 51-9-0-0-02012-02-15 · House51 yes 9 no

Official activity

Bill history

  1. H Failed 3rd ReadingHouse
  2. H Passed 2nd ReadingHouse
  3. H Passed CoWHouse
  4. Amendment AdoptedHouse
  5. Amendment FailedHouse
  6. H Amendments AdoptedHouse
  7. Amendment AdoptedHouse
  8. H Placed on General FileHouse
  9. H01 Recommended Amend and Do PassHouse
  10. H Introduced and Referred to H01House
  11. H Received for IntroductionHouse
  12. Bill Number AssignedLSO

Changes

Amendments

4 stored

HB0070H3001

Withdrawn 3rd reading by QUARBERG

HB0070HW001

Adopted, Corrected Committee of the Whole by KROEKER

HB0070HW002

Failed Committee of the Whole by KROEKER

HB0070HS001

Adopted Standing Committee by H01