Wyoming just wrapped its 2026 legislative session, and three gun-related bills made it across the finish line and were signed into law.
Before we get into the details, it’s worth saying this plainly: credit is due. Lawmakers in Wyoming put in the work to get these bills passed, and Governor Mark Gordon followed through by signing them into law.
As someone who called Wyoming home, I pay a little closer attention to what happens there and these new laws are something to be proud of.
Now let’s break down what they actually do in plain English.
HB 96: 18–20-Year-Olds Can Finally Access Carry Permits
This is the most practical, real-world impact of the three.
What changed:
Wyoming lowered the minimum age for a concealed carry permit from 21 to 18 and removed the old workaround that required a sheriff’s letter.
Why that matters:
For years, 18–20-year-olds were stuck in a strange gap. They’re legal adults. They can own firearms. But they didn’t have full access to the permitting system.
That mattered more than it might seem at first glance.
The Campus Carry Impact
This is where things really come into focus.
In 2025, Wyoming passed a law allowing concealed carry in places like schools and government meetings, including college campuses. But there was a catch: you had to have a permit.
You can read more about that here: Wyoming Expands Gun Rights: Concealed Carry Now Allowed in Schools, Government Meetings, and More.
So while campus carry was technically legal, most college-aged adults between 18 and 20 couldn’t actually take advantage of it because they couldn’t realistically get a permit.
HB 96 fixes that.
Bottom line:
Legal adults in Wyoming now have equal access to carry permits, which means college students can actually exercise their right to carry on campus, not just read about it on paper.
HB 39: Clarifying Restoration of Gun Rights
This one flies under the radar, but it matters.
What changed:
HB 39 cleans up how Wyoming recognizes the restoration of firearm rights, especially when those rights were restored in another state.
Why that matters:
Without clear rules, people who have legally had their rights restored can end up in a legal gray area, especially when moving between states.
This bill helps eliminate that confusion.
Bottom line:
If your firearm rights have been legally restored, Wyoming is making it clearer that those rights are recognized and respected.
HB 98 — Wyoming Draws a Hard Line Against Red Flag Laws
This is the strongest statement of the three.
What changed:
Wyoming already had a law opposing red flag-style firearm confiscation. HB 98 strengthens that by adding real penalties for anyone attempting to enforce those kinds of orders in the state.
We’re not talking about symbolic language. This carries potential criminal consequences.
Why that matters:
Red flag laws allow firearms to be taken without the due process protections we expect. Wyoming lawmakers made it clear they’re not willing to accept that tradeoff.
This law puts teeth behind that position.
Bottom line:
Wyoming isn’t just resisting red flag laws. It’s actively protecting its residents from them being enforced.
Final Thoughts
All three of these bills move in the same direction: clearer laws, stronger rights, and fewer gray areas for law-abiding gun owners.
- HB 96 opens the door for young adults to fully participate in the carry system
- HB 39 ensures restored rights are actually recognized
- HB 98 pushes back hard against unconstitutional confiscation schemes
And again, credit where it’s due. Wyoming legislators got this done, and Governor Mark Gordon signed it into law.
As someone with roots in Wyoming, I’m always watching what happens there. This is one of those moments where the state got it right.
