WyoFile is committed to ensuring our readers have the verifiable, factual information they need to participate effectively in civic life, including pertinent information about what’s happening at the statehouse during the session. We believe Wyoming residents need to know where lawmakers stand on important issues and what interests might influence their decisions. WyoFile will examine the Legislature’s efforts to address Wyoming’s most pressing issues. Here’s the latest:
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Senators spar over property tax relief
A heap of bills would ease the burden of rising property taxes for residents. One that would come at a cost to local government and education funding has lawmakers divided.
A statesman’s death: Lawmakers seek lessons in U.S. Sen. Lester Hunt
A resolution to honor the late Wyoming senator who took his own life amid McCarthyism, calls on legislators to rededicate themselves to ‘democracy, civility, decency and truth.’
Mental health bills abound at Wyoming Legislature
State-wide discussions about mental health have prompted lawmakers to introduce around 20 measures related to the crisis.
Effort to repeal and reform rooftop solar payments advances
Opponents of the measure say claims that rooftop solar customers are subsidized by others are unsubstantiated.
‘Trophy’ pursuit no more: Bear, wolf, cat hunting in line for rebrand
Complementary bills broadly supported by the hook-and-bullet community are intended to ward off anti-carnivore hunting changes afoot nationwide.
Committee approves protections for journalists, confidential sources
Without a ‘shield law,’ Wyoming runs the risk of not hearing from people who want to expose wrongdoing, one newspaper editor told lawmakers.
Understaffed, overworked wardens leery of predator night hunting
CHEYENNE—An “unprecedented” shortage of Wyoming game wardens is adding to angst about a legislative proposal that would attract coyote hunters onto public land at night, adding to the thinned corps’ around-the-clock duties. “Our folks are feeling the pressure of their significant workload that is not shared by as many people as it should be right…
Voter ID requirements, crossover voting return to Legislature
One bill would add concealed carry permits to the list of acceptable IDs, another could inadvertently prohibit Medicare and Medicaid insurance cards.
Three abortion bills hit the docket
Two proposed laws would further restrict access to abortion care, one without exemptions for rape and incest.
Unconstitutional trespass law scrubbed as suspect new measures advance
Bill criminalizing drone flights in the “immediate reaches” of private land, brought for the second consecutive session, has legislative momentum, though industry groups and the media warn of its ambiguity and vulnerability to litigation.
Lawmaker benefit boost clears first legislative hurdle
The Senate Rules Committee voted to advance bills to increase lawmaker per diem and provide health insurance option.
Newly elevated House leadership gains ‘veto’ power
The chamber voted to bolster the authorities of its speaker and majority floor leader amid ongoing power struggle between establishment and populist wings of the Republican-dominated Legislature.
Alert system for at-risk adults flies forward
With momentum from the missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis, a notification system for adults akin to Amber alerts for children has gained broad legislative support.
Resolution calls for gathering, slaughter of wild horses for meat
Rep. John Winter (R-Thermopolis) rode horseback into the Red Desert to see some new country last year. An outfitter and rancher, Winter was accompanied by a rangeland specialist and members of the Rock Springs Grazing Association. During the outing he learned a good bit about a growing natural resource concern in that corner of the…
Remote participation shut out of two legislative committees
Senate Education and House Minerals, Business and Economic Development won’t take public testimony via video conference during Wyoming’s 2023 general session.
Postpartum Medicaid extension bill inches forward
The House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee voted 5-4 to recommend a bill extending healthcare coverage for new moms.
Post-Herrera, Wyoming seeks hunting pacts with tribes
Landmark legislation, initiated by the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, would grant Wyoming’s governor the authority to negotiate tribal hunting and fishing seasons on off-reservation lands.
The People’s House
New checkers and chess tables are part of an effort to make the Capitol more inviting and comfortable for visitors.
Gov. Gordon to Legislature: Wyoming ‘ideal model’ of governance
In his annual State of the State address, Gov. Gordon outlined his legislative priorities, identified areas for improvement and touted state successes to the just-convened 67th Wyoming Legislature.
Struggling ambulance services may find life support in proposed bill
Legislation would allow counties to create EMS districts, which locals could vote to fund with their tax dollars.
Economic revitalization gets multipronged legislative treatment
A newly concocted liquor license, a film production incentive program and tools to encourage tender-loving-care for neglected buildings will all be up for debate during the general session.
