Wyoming: Self-Defense Legislation to be Considered on the House Floor Tomorrow

Tomorrow, the Wyoming House of Representatives is scheduled to consider House Bill 168, sponsored by state Representative Tim Salazar and Senator Anthony Bouchard. Please contact your state Representative and strongly urge them to support House Bill 168 and to OPPOSE any weakening amendments.

Under House Bill 168, a law-abiding citizen would have no duty to retreat from any place where the person is lawfully present before using force to defend themselves.  Further, this bill would shift the burden of proof to the state, so the state would have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that a person charged with an offense that involved the use of force against another, did not use that force in self-defense. 

It is unreasonable that victims of crime should have to worry about being arrested or prosecuted if they are required to use force to defend themselves or their family.  This legislation also provides protection from civil liability and frivolous lawsuits brought against individuals who have used reasonable defensive force to protect themselves or others.

Again, please contact your state Representative and strongly urge them to support House Bill 168 and to OPPOSE any weakening amendments.