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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Gov. Gordon’s budget proposes ‘living within our means’
The federal funding that rescued Wyoming from deep budget cuts in 2020 is coming to an end, leaving lawmakers to decide whether to replace or cut.
Judge rules targeted development on state land in Teton County is constitutional
The ruling weighs on the county’s ability to enforce water-quality, building and fire-code regulations at a glamping operation under construction on state school trust land.
Lawmakers reject California’s property tax system despite GOP backing
After a state-funded study highlighted a deficient legal framework and the potential for depleted state revenue, a committee left the proposed legislation behind.
Dam backers want $11M more from state, none from users
Big Horn County’s Upper Leavitt Reservoir expansion is now estimated to cost $89 million, more than 223% of the original $40-million estimate.
Property tax ballot measure will slash local funding, report finds
To ease the soaring price of property taxes, a ballot initiative would create an exemption to effectively halve the bill for homeowners. But that could slash state services.
State law can stymie police misconduct inquiries. Legislators may have a fix.
A Wyoming agency’s fight to get personnel records from Albany County Sheriff’s Office five years after a killing has spurred legislative action.
Wyoming Guard dedicated to ‘rooting out’ sex offenders, general says
Reported sexual assaults fell from 16 to 11 between 2022 and 2023, though that’s not a guarantee there were actually fewer offenses.
Legislators want $50M to sue feds over environmental laws
Measure seeks to equip Legislature — independent of executive branch — with the means to defend Wyoming’s interests from perceived federal threats.
Judge asks whether new state law wrongly ‘targeted’ Teton County
The court is on the cusp of ruling on the conflict over development of state school trust property on scenic and sensitive lands in Jackson Hole.
Wyoming lawmakers skip crossover-voting ban fix, leave loophole intact
A legislative committee declined to change ambiguous language in the new law. Meanwhile, registered voters hoping to keep their options open in 2024 have a clear, albeit inconvenient, path forward.
Wyoming outpaces revenue forecast by $177M
Extreme temperatures catapulted natural gas demand and prices, boosting 2023 financial predictions. The state’s long-term picture, however, remains less lucrative.
Amid teacher exodus, Wyoming eyes $68M to cover rising K-12 costs
Districts would see increased funding for the 2024-25 school year if approved by the Legislature during the upcoming budget session.
Wyoming Freedom Caucus will have newfound power in budget session
A constitutional procedure will give the hard-line faction initial veto power in the House, but they’ll still need votes from other members to pass bills.
As demand soars for property tax relief, lawmakers look to grow refund program
Refunded residents more than doubled after the Wyoming Legislature expanded eligibility last spring. Another expansion could be twice as nice, according to some lawmakers.
Study: California’s property tax system not a good fit for Wyoming
Adopting the change, which is popular among Republicans, could dry up state revenue and violate the Wyoming Constitution, state-funded consultants conclude.
Lawmakers rush to take action ahead of proposed electric rate hike
The Corporations Committee will consider five draft bills and a resolution in response to Rocky Mountain Power’s proposed 29.2% rate increase. One would create a moratorium on yet-to-be permitted industrial wind and solar facilities in the state.
WyoRINO is invited to the party. But will its mysterious owner attend?
Will the anonymous website that often scorns Republicans shed its shrouded identity? The Natrona County GOP is only willing to bet on a good time.
Better signs, bigger penalties: Legislature, WYDOT take on blow-over crashes
Last winter’s higher-than-usual interstate closures and an increasing number of wind-blown wrecks have spurred lawmakers into action.
Lawmakers punt on crossover-ban fix
Amid concerns that a new law inadvertently disenfranchises some voters, a legislative panel delayed a decision to an October meeting.
This is Artemis Langford: UW’s first transgender sorority sister speaks
After making history as the first openly transgender woman to join a Wyoming sorority, Langford watched as right-wing media misrepresented her. Now, she’s telling her story.
Crossover-voting ban, ‘Zuck bucks’ up for legislative review
The controversial bill is among a heap of election-related measures before a legislative committee meeting this week in Douglas.
How should the state govern political parties? A pair of election complaints seeks a change.
Republicans voted in support of two election complaints lodged against the Wyoming Democratic Party in order to dispute the way the state governs political parties.
Wyoming lawmakers leave ‘don’t say gay’ language behind
Controversial language, which drew a large crowd to the Cheyenne meeting, didn’t align with the Joint Education Committee’s interim priorities, contributing to its demise.
Gail Symons wants you to vote
Access to the ballot box is the one true equality in the United States, according to Symons, so she’s set out to build an informed Wyoming electorate.
A mom lost her daughter to domestic violence. Now, she’s losing faith in the law.
Almost 10 years after her child’s murder, Debbie Richardson says Wyoming is failing to protect victims amid increasing violence against women.
Tribes, state look to improve Wyoming’s Indigenous child custody laws
A state task force is discussing enhancements to the Wyoming’s Indian Child Welfare Act in favor of tribal involvement.
As reservation districts lag, lawmakers explore charter schools
State superintendent: “We can do better. We have to do better for our native students.”
The Legislature’s ethics rules are 12 years old. Critics say it’s time for an update.
The political landscape has changed since the Legislature first adopted a formal process to deal with legislator misconduct. A new subcommittee aims to fix that.
Lawmakers give property tax reform another shot
After heated public testimony at recent town halls and a legislative committee meeting, lawmakers aim to ease the growing cost of residential property taxes.
Teton County: State land development bill unconstitutional
In an ongoing dispute over development of state land and environmental degradation, Wyoming’s wealthiest and most liberal county claims the state targets it unfairly.
Five strikes and you’re in: New law makes repeated thefts a felony
A fifth or consecutive theft conviction can now land Wyomingites in prison for up to 10 years, regardless of the stolen goods’ value.
Indigenous Child Welfare Act ruling prompts lawmakers to mull more protections
After SCOTUS rejected challenges to the 1978 law enacted to halt the separation of Indigenous children from their families, traditions and cultures, Wyoming task force considers next steps.
Lawmaker claims state authority in private-to-fed land sale
Republican Sen. Bob Ide of Casper says only the Wyoming Legislature can authorize land sales to the federal government. Legal experts disagree.
Anti-abortion intervenors blocked from legal proceedings
Judge Owens rules to keep two legislators, right-to-life group and secretary of state out of lawsuit challenging abortion ban.
Secretary of State Gray pitches voter eligibility restrictions
State law requires any voter to be a “bona fide resident” of Wyoming to cast a ballot. A legislative proposal would add a 30-day residency requirement.
Civil suit alleges Ammon Bundy hid assets in Wyoming
Attorneys in an Idaho lawsuit say high-profile anti-government activist Ammon Bundy is exploiting Wyoming’s controversial privacy laws.
Law marks turning point for LGBTQ rights in Wyoming. How did we get here?
2023 law banning transgender girls from competing in girls sporting events breaks with state’s 46-year tradition of defeating bills to restrict LGBTQ civil rights.
Lawmakers to examine legislative ethics, misconduct rules
Provenza flap is latest ripple in an ongoing conversation about how lawmakers are expected to behave — on and offline — and how leadership should address misconduct.
County clerks pen letter to Secretary of State Gray refuting election denier
Douglas Frank, a prominent election conspiracy theorist, gave six public presentations in Wyoming, and met privately with lawmakers, clerks and the secretary of state.
Remote public testimony secured for legislative interim
After two committees declined to take remote testimony during part of the 2023 session, Management Council voted to guarantee its availability during interim meetings.
Judge blocks abortion ban citing separation of powers
Owens issues temporary order blocking enforcement of new abortion law after hearing more than three hours of legal arguments.
OB-GYN: Abortion ban already a life-threatening risk to six women
On the cusp of a court hearing challenging the constitutionality of a new Wyoming law, a physician says the measure will deny care to 60-90 women in the next six months.
Republican lawmakers divided on scope of government
Conservative concepts like constitutionality and local control have long held sway at the Legislature, but this session Republicans butted heads over these ideals.
Hearing to block new abortion ban likely in days
Governor says it’s probable the new near-total abortion-ban law will be tied up in court and should instead go to a popular vote.
Two new abortion bans to become law in Wyoming
Gov. Gordon signs one bill to ban medication-induced abortions and lets another near-complete ban go into effect without his signature.
‘Election Integrity and Security’ facts vanish from state website
Previous secretary of state launched a public information campaign following the 2020 election to combat misinformation, boost voter confidence. It’s since gone missing from the web.
Abortion bans await Gov. Gordon’s action
The governor, who must decide by March 18 whether to sign two measures outlawing abortion, is weighing questions of constitutionality and consequence.
Property tax problem gets short- and long-term fixes
Some lawmakers were “disappointed” that the Legislature didn’t do more to address soaring residential property taxes. What they did accomplish is “the first step toward long-term reform,” others said.
Postpartum Medicaid extension dodges foes, becomes law
Legislation to provide healthcare coverage to low-income mothers after giving birth met heavy opposition, but prevailed — frequently by a single vote.
Wyoming creates outdoor recreation trust fund
State has long wrestled with how to embrace the growing industry and capture its economic benefits. New fund begins to answer that.
Good budget and bad bills: A conservative’s take on the session
Lawmakers triumphed in showing fiscal restraint and fell short in the area of decorum, Lenhart opines.
Hunters pan legislative inaction, call for citizen response on corner crossing
Lawmaker reluctant to consider new laws while a $9-million civil suit against four Missouri men is pending in federal court.
Maintenance savant Jed Lane keeps Wyoming Capitol running
The HVAC specialist is so essential to state government one lawmaker has threatened to pass a law banning his retirement.
With budget, governor, Legislature land on same fiscal page
Lawmakers socked away a record $1.4 billion into savings while restoring some funds to “eroded” public services.
Legislative committee meets behind closed doors with railroad
The House Minerals Committee held a rare executive session to discuss coal shipping challenges and proprietary information with BNSF Railway, according to the committee chairman.
Wyoming’s soon-to-drop shed hunting rules set new precedent
At the direction of the Wyoming Legislature, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is poised to debut shed-antler-gathering regulations that go farther than those of any other state.
Wyoming trans athlete ban advances to House floor
Observers expect the ban on trans girls playing in women’s high school sports will trigger lawsuits if passed.
Crossover voting bill goes to governor’s desk
If enacted, law would prohibit voters from changing their party affiliation during the 96 days leading up to the primary election.
Tribal hunting bill dies, but not before ‘poisoning the well’
Sovereign-to-sovereign agreement, once the top legislative priority for wildlife managers, fell apart once it lost tribes’ support. Clarifying off-reservation hunting parameters now falls more squarely in the courtroom.
Guns, juries and public offices: Some with felonies could regain rights
A bill working its way through the Legislature builds on the existing suffrage restoration process. Anti-domestic violence advocates have concerns.
New wolf-kill compensation fund advances
Stockgrowers welcome relief for livestock killed by wolves in Wyoming’s unregulated “predator zone” even if compensation isn’t expected.
Bill to help fund EMS heads to gov’s desk
Measure makes it easier for counties to form their own EMS tax districts. Not everyone was sold on it.
‘Don’t do it’: Utility responds to latest coal mandate
Wyoming customers already face electric utility rate increases totalling $5.4 million for state-imposed carbon capture mandates.
Bill seeks liberation for raw dairy and eggs
Legislature signals near-unanimous support for updates to the Food Freedom Act.
Crossover voting bill rises from the grave
The Senate employed a rarely used rule to resurrect failed legislation and thwart the will of one of its committees.
Off-reservation hunting bill advances despite tribal objections
Native American senator’s amendment to scrub language that infringes on tribal sovereignty voted down in committee.
This land is whose land? False ‘No Trespassing’ signs could become illegal
CHEYENNE—It’s not hard to find misleading “no trespassing” and “private property” signs erected on public land in Wyoming, a tactic used to dissuade people from trekking onto property they can legally access Soon, however, adjoining private landowners and others who post that type of erroneous signage could face big fines. House Bill 147 – Unlawful…
Senators kill ‘physical force’ trespass-termination bill
Hunters protest a measure that would have justified ‘termination’ of criminal trespass by landowners, their agents.
Heaps of dead House bills raise red flags
Abnormally high number of bills perished after failing to meet deadlines, leaving lawmakers divided on what that says about the House and its leadership.
Lawmakers, state execs disclose their finances, contracts with Wyoming
Annual forms, which reveal prospective conflicts of interest, are cataloged by the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office — and shared with the public by WyoFile.
Border wall funding bill fails following heated debate
CHEYENNE—Sen. Larry Hicks (R-Baggs) doesn’t consider himself a racist, bigot or xenophobe. In the majority floor leader’s office just off the Wyoming Senate gallery last week, he said that part of the promise of the United States is what it offers to immigrants: “the freest country in the world, prosperity and a better life.” The…
Bill would allow ‘physical force’ to ‘terminate’ suspected trespass
Senate set to review measure that would justify landowners or agents who use force to stop what they believe is a crime of trespass.
Tribal support for off-reservation hunting pact ‘evaporates’
Wyoming’s effort to sort out Native Americans’ off-reservation hunting rights in the wake of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Herrera v. Wyoming, has lost official tribal support. The legislative effort to strike an agreement, outlined in House Bill 83 – Tribal agreements to hunt and fish, had sweeping support in the statehouse, and even…
Health experts: Gender-affirming care saves lives
Wyoming lawmakers are considering several pieces of legislation to limit transgender people’s access to care that professionals say is necessary.
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.