Government & Politics
News
Committee Passes $3 Million Forest Health Bill Program To Help Reduce Wildfire Risk
Sen. Larry Hicks on Tuesday argued that now is the time to pass a $3 million forest health bill because the Trump administration has created favorable conditions that haven’t existed in his three decades working in forestry and natural resources.
David MadisonFebruary 24, 2026
Cheyenne Forced Annexation Fight Over Farm Heats Up Ahead Of Final Vote
Things got heated at the Cheyenne city council meeting Monday over whether the city would annex a popular farm business. When the owner didn't accept being called out of order, the mayor said, "You can sit down and you cannot accept it. I don’t care.”
Kate MeadowsFebruary 24, 2026
House, Senate To Negotiate $170 Million In Budget Differences
The Wyoming House of Representatives on Monday handed the Senate a two-year budget draft totaling $9.96 billion, while the Senate sent the House a $10.13 billion draft budget of its own; a difference of $170 million.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2026
‘Checkgate' Bill To Eliminate Teton Housing Rules Clears Wyoming House
The Wyoming House passed a bill Monday to kill Jackson and Teton County affordable housing policies. It’s the bill pushed by conservative activist Rebecca Bextel, who’s at the center of legislative probes for handing out checks on the House floor.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2026
Gray’s Election Bill Dies Amid Clash Over Accountability, ‘Personality Conflicts'
Sec. Chuck Gray told a Senate committee that a 15-month pursuit of a county clerk proved the system was broken. Sen. Cale Case said the bill was feeding a political dispute between the state's top officials and called the animosity “very disappointing.”
David MadisonFebruary 23, 2026
University Of Wyoming Pushes Back On Budget Cuts: "No Cuts Are Appropriate, Period"
The University of Wyoming on Monday said it disagrees with a House budget tweak that lawmakers framed as an 'Art-of-the-Deal' negotiation. “The university continues to oppose any cut. UW is adamant: No cuts are appropriate, period," said a spokesman.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 23, 2026
“I Want My Husband To Quit”: Highway Patrol Families Say Low Pay Creating Crisis
Wyoming troopers and their families say low pay, lost overtime and short staffing are driving burnout and resignations. The Wyoming Highway Patrol Association's first-ever social media blitz — run by a 25-year veteran who doesn't use Facebook — has gone viral.
David MadisonFebruary 23, 2026
Wyoming House Rejects Attempt To Make Abortion Ban 'Viability' Instead Of ‘Hearbeat'
A bill to ban abortions in Wyoming after the point at which a heartbeat can be heard remains unchanged after lawmakers tried to tweak it Monday. Rep. Mike Yin said he believes the judicial branch will halt the ban if it passes, and abortion will remain legal.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 23, 2026
House Approves Raises For Wyoming State Employees
On Saturday evening a Wyoming Republican representative from Casper and a Democratic representative from Laramie found a way to get House approval for giving state employees raises. The move is not final but it stands a chance.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 22, 2026
"I Forgot To Eat My Wheaties!”: Rep. Dalton Banks Collapses On House Floor
After a week of late nights, early mornings, and marathon debates on how Wyoming should spend money for the next two years, two state representatives had medical events on the House floor this week, including Rep. Dalton Banks, who collapsed on Saturday.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2026
Former UW Lineman-Turned-Legislator Says Keep NIL Money Out Of High School Sports
As 41 states open their doors to NIL deals for high school athletes, Wyoming lawmakers backed by Sen. Gary Crum, a former UW lineman, are moving against it. But money is already available for teen sports stars — right next door in Colorado.
David MadisonFebruary 21, 2026
When Wyoming’s Governor Ruled Cloud 9, Cheyenne's One-Of-A-Kind Airport Bar
Cloud 9 was Cheyenne’s off-duty political clubhouse where Gov. Ed Herschler drank, smoked and mingled with everyone from hunters to Supreme Court justices. Its boozy camaraderie and unbuttoned attitude evoke a looser golden age of Wyoming politics.
Zakary SonntagFebruary 21, 2026
$15M For PRCA Headquarters To Move To Cheyenne Clears Senate, Faces Tough House
A bill approving $15 million to attract the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association to Cheyenne cleared the senate by a 24-7 vote Friday. Although it faces a tough go in the House, Sen. Ogden Driskill calls it a "once in a lifetime opportunity."
Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2026
Wyoming Attorney General Files Case To Remove Weston County Clerk From Office
Wyoming Attorney General Keith Kautz on Friday petitioned to remove Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock from office, over multiple errors surrounding the 2024 general election. She also faces a criminal case for defying a legislative subpoena.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2026
Wyoming Committees Advance Bills For Testing Voting Machines, Watching Clerks
Urged by Secretary of State Chuck Gray, two legislative committees advanced election reform bills on Friday to add scrutiny to voter machine testing, and county clerks' election audits. "We want to ramp up clarity, and we want to ramp up rigor," Gray said.
David MadisonFebruary 20, 2026
Wyoming Senate Advances Bill To Bar Sex Offenders From Living Near Daycares
The Wyoming Senate on Friday advanced a bill banning registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of daycares. Calling the bill "common sense," Sen. Tim Salazar said. “I do not want to wait for a tragic incident to happen. This helps prevent that.”
Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2026
Bill To Block Government From Collecting Union Dues Squeaks Onto Wyoming House Floor
A bill to restrict government agencies from collecting union dues and to require unions of public employees to report where their money is going remained alive Friday after squeaking onto the House floor. The Wyoming Education Association opposes it.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2026
Debate On Abortion Law Gets Emotional On Wyoming House Floor
As Wyoming legislators debated a “heartbeat act” abortion bill, Rep. Kevin Campbell grew emotional Thursday remembering a 14-year-old girl — his mother. “I was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1969,” he said tearfully. "I was adopted that same year.”
Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2026
Senate Passes $105 Million 'Energy Dominance Fund' Backed By Trump’s White House
Senate President Bo Biteman's bill to channel severance tax revenues into a Trump administration-backed “Energy Dominance Fund” passed the chamber 31-0 Thursday. The bill has support from the Trump administration, and excludes wind and solar projects.
David MadisonFebruary 20, 2026
Gun Rights Bill Legislator Says Could Prevent ‘Dystopian Future’ Passes Senate
The Second Amendment Protection Act is an insurance policy against a “dystopian future” where Wyomingites’ rights are trampled, said a legislator prior to the Senate passing the bill Thursday.
Mark HeinzFebruary 20, 2026
"But The Road Is Dry!": Understanding Wyoming’s "Rolling Closure" Strategy
A driver who comes across a "rolling closure" might see nothing but clear skies and dry conditions, so why is the road closed? WYDOT says it's to keep towns from being overwhelmed. “The closure isn't necessarily due to conditions where you are," they said.
Andrew RossiFebruary 19, 2026
Senator Says Gambling "Out Of Control" In Wyoming, Pushes Bills To Rein It In
Sen. John Kolb, the loudest voice on gambling in the legislature this session, is pushing four different bills to tighten up regulations on the industry. "Gaming within the state of Wyoming has exploded into a multibillion-dollar business," Kolb said.
David MadisonFebruary 19, 2026
Wyoming House Rejects Adding Extraterrestrials, Animals, To Sex Books Ban
The Wyoming House on Thursday rejected an amendment that would have added sex acts involving extraterrestrials and animals to its proposed ban on sexually-explicit books in public and school library kids' sections.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2026
Push To Ban Running Wolves Over With Snowmobiles Continues Despite Long Odds
Two years after a wolf was run over with a snowmobile in Sublette County sparked worldwide outrage, animal welfare advocates are still trying to get the practice banned in Wyoming. But there are long odds getting that done in this year’s budget session.
Mark HeinzFebruary 19, 2026