• The House passed on first reading Tuesday a bill that would move the date to file as an independent candidate in Wyoming to well before the primary, thus eliminating the ability for people to run in response to primary election results.
• A bill prohibiting Wyoming state and local government agencies from forcing employees to use a coworker’s “preferred” pronoun passed the state House on Tuesday.
• Lawmakers unanimously advanced a bill that would outlaw torturing wolves and other predators Tuesday. But some Wyomingites say running animals over with snowmobiles should also be banned.
• Gov. Mark Gordon wants $130 million in grants as relief for Wyoming ranchers and families impacted by the devastating 2024 wildfires. On Tuesday, he expressed “grave concerns” over a plan to scrap that in favor of $100 million in loans.
• More Wyoming farmers and ranchers are turning to pumpkin patches, corn mazes and other agrotourism to bolster their bottom lines. The state Legislature is considering a bill that would extend tourism liability coverage for these attractions.
• A Wyoming House committee advanced a proposal Tuesday to triple the state’s contribution to the $182 million rebuild of crumbling LaPrele Dam to $90 million.
The House passed on first reading Tuesday two bills that put more restrictions on abortions in Wyoming.
• The Senate made a critical change to a property tax relief bill on Tuesday, removing all backfill support for local schools and governments. These entities will be most impacted by the effects of a 50% cut on up to $1 million of home value, as the bill provides.
Leo Wolfson can be reached at leo@cowboystatedaily.com.
