Bill Description

AN ACT relating to the protection of constitutional rights; prohibiting the disclosure or use of information relating to firearms and ammunition sales as specified; providing requirements for disclosure of information relating to firearms and ammunition sales; requiring investigations as specified; authorizing civil actions as specified; authorizing criminal and civil penalties; providing and amending definitions; and providing for an effective date.

Notes

HB97 strengthens the protection of privacy and constitutional rights for Wyoming residents by prohibiting the disclosure or use of information related to the lawful sale of firearms and ammunition. The bill responds to growing concerns that financial transaction data could be used to surveil, track, or compile information about law-abiding gun owners without their consent and in ways that may infringe on individual freedoms. Under HB97, certain sensitive data related to firearm and ammunition sales cannot be used or shared inappropriately, and clear requirements and enforcement mechanisms are established to protect this information.

This bill is important because it helps safeguard the privacy of lawful firearm purchasers. Financial and sales data that can reveal personal purchasing behavior should not be used to create de facto registries or to expose individuals to undue scrutiny simply for engaging in lawful activity. HB97 adds protections by specifying how such information may be handled, restricting its misuse, and creating clear penalties for violations of these rules. This gives Wyoming residents greater confidence that their private purchasing information will not be used against them or for purposes beyond legitimate business or legal requirements.

By ensuring sensitive sales information cannot be used in ways that compromise privacy or constitutional rights, HB97 reinforces individual liberty and protects peaceful, lawful firearm ownership in Wyoming.