Wyoming2026Did Not Pass

HB0014

Protecting Self-Defense and Reimbursement

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 2:25 AM

In one sentence

This act clarifies when self-defense can be used to prevent injury or loss, requires expungement for cases dismissed due to self-defense, and allows reimbursement of costs if someone successfully defends themselves in court.

What it does

Clarifies the use of force in self-defense to protect oneself, others, or property from injury or loss.
Requires courts to remove records when charges are dropped because a person used self-defense.
Allows people who win their case by using self-defense to get money back for costs like attorney fees and bail.

Who it affects

People who are charged with crimes but win their case by using self-defense.
Courts that handle cases involving self-defense claims.

Limits and unknowns

This bill did not pass in the session it was introduced.
It is unclear how many people would be affected by this legislation since it did not become law.

Plain language

Terms to know

Expungement: The process of permanently destroying or deleting criminal records so they cannot be found again.
Criminal prosecution: Includes arrest, charging, and prosecuting someone for a crime.

Official record

Sources

Validated

Official bill page Introduced text Official digest Current bill text Stored full record

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 5, 1:27 AM

Art Washut

R · H36

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill due to concerns that it could create a chilling effect on prosecutors who act in good faith, potentially forcing local communities to pay large judgments after juries acquit defendants.

Public statementFloor statement at 3:36:10 Watch the statement

Gary Brown

R · H41

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker argues for the bill as a way to ensure people who reasonably defend themselves can move on with their lives without being destroyed by legal processes, noting that investigations still occur before charges are filed.

Public statementFloor statement at 3:36:51 Watch the statement

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

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

1 roll call

H Failed Introduction 29-32-1-0-02026-02-10 · House29 yes 32 no

Yes: 29
No: 32
Absent: 0
Excused: 1
Conflict: 0

Excused 1

Tom KellyR · H30

Official activity

Bill history

2026-02-10H Failed Introduction 29-32-1-0-0House
2026-01-09H Received for IntroductionHouse
2025-12-08Bill Number AssignedLSO