Government & Politics
News
Mental Health Bills Moving Thru Wyoming Legislature, But Where Is Money Coming From?
While philanthropy is one part of the complex mental health funding machine, lawmakers told Cowboy State Daily they dont factor it into their funding strategies at the Capitol.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 31, 2023
One Giant Leap For Wyoming – Bill Would Make July 20 ‘Moon Landing Day’
The designation wouldnt create a new state holiday, says Sen. Affie Ellis, who sponsored Senate File 95. What it does is recognize one of the greatest accomplishments for mankind.
Renée JeanJanuary 31, 2023
Wyoming Lawmakers Kill Anti-Vax Discrimination Bill
House Bill 66, which would have prohibited Wyoming businesses, health care facilities and schools from enforcing COVID-19 restrictions, failed its third reading on the House floor by a narrow 31-29 vote.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 31, 2023
Crossover Voting Bills Advance, But Weaker Than Some Wyoming Conservatives Want
A bill that will restrict crossover voting in Wyoming passed through a legislative committee on Monday. The bill would allow voters to change their party affiliation up to 45 days before the primary election.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 31, 2023
Rep. Western, County Commissioner Novotny Named In Campaign Finance Probe
The Sheridan Prosecuting Attorneys office wont pursue complaints after an investigation that named Rep. Cyrus Western, R-Sheridan, and Johnson County Commissioner Bill Novotny for their possible involvement in sending out an attack mailer.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 30, 2023
Wyoming’s Anti-COVID Mandate Bill Chooses ‘Our Freedom’ Over Federal Money, Says Sponsor
By a narrow two-vote margin, the Wyoming House of Representatives has advanced legislation that would prohibit hospitals, businesses, schools and any other facility in the state from mandating COVID-19 vaccinations and other related health requirements such as the wearing of face masks.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 30, 2023
Committee Passes On Bill Banning ‘Gummies,’ Other THC Products For Youth
A Wyoming legislative committee on Friday tabled a proposed law that was intended to penalize buying and selling of synthetic THC-derived products for people under 21.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 29, 2023
Efforts Underway To Ensure Wyoming Residents Get First Crack At Shed Antlers
Once considered a niche activity, shed hunting for elk and deer antlers has become profitable and exploded in popularity. So much so that some legislators say Wyoming residents should have a three-day head start over non-residents
Mark HeinzJanuary 29, 2023
Interstate 80 Closed Until Monday; Multi-Vehicle Accidents, Winter Storms To Blame
Two multi-vehicle crashes which resulted in one fatality on Interstate 80 on Saturday have resulted in nearly the entire stretch of highway being closed until Monday evening.
Jimmy OrrJanuary 29, 2023
Bill Criminalizing Child Sex Changes In Wyoming Squeaks Through Senate Committee
A proposed Wyoming law criminalizing transgender-related treatments for minors narrowly survived its first legislative committee vote Friday, passing on a 3-2 vote.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 27, 2023
Don’t Buy Property Next To A Farm, Then Complain That Animals Have Sex Outdoors, Bouchard Says
Sen. Anthony Bouchard attempted humor to highlight a serious concern of his: residential development encroaching on agriculture operations, then complaining that theyre smelly, noisy and bothersome to their sensibilities.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 27, 2023
Bill Allocating $5.25 Million Of Wyoming Money To Help Build Border Wall Passes Committee
A bill dedicating $5.25 million to help Arizona and Texas build a border wall and transport migrants to other places passed a Wyoming legislative committee on Thursday afternoon. Gov Gordon said he supports the legislation.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 27, 2023
Bill Targeting Critical Race Theory In Wyoming Public Schools Sails Through To Senate Floor
Sen. Lynn Hutchings said she sponsored the anti-CRT bill because factions through the nation are spreading divisive and destructive, instruction to young people in a way that undermines gains made by Black people in America.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 26, 2023
Banning Foreign Ownership Of Ag Land, Mineral Resources Not So Easy Even In Wyoming
Although some may think in red-state Wyoming that banning foreign ownership of ag land would be a slam dunk, one bill barely made it out of committee on a 5 - 4 vote because of constitutionality concerns.
January 26, 2023
Chuck Gray Wants To Do Away With ‘Predatory’ Campaign Tactic Used By Cheney
While some call sending unsolicited absentee ballots to voters a predatory campaign practice, others say its just being accommodating. Legislators are debating the tactic used by Liz Cheney and whether her mailers were unethical.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 26, 2023
Bill Would Allow Treeing Of Mountain Lions With Dogs Even After Filling Hunting Tags
Letting Wyoming hunters to keep pursuing mountain lions with hounds, even after theyve filled their hunting tags, would help keep the hounds well-trained and condition the big cats to avoid people and livestock, say proponents of a bill that would allow it.
Mark HeinzJanuary 26, 2023
“It’s A New Form Of Discrimination”: Foster Parents Dispute Native-First Custody Law
While some Wyoming legislators push to codify the Indian Child Welfare Act on a state level in case the federal law is overturned, several foster moms say the law discriminates against the very children it was designed to protect by denying them permanent homes.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 26, 2023
Wyoming Closer To Being First State With Its Own Cryptocurrency; Gordon Doesn’t Like It Though
Sen. Chris Rothfuss expressed frustration with a member of Gov Gordon's staff on Wednesday after she said the governor still had concerns with a cryptocurrency bill. Rothfuss said the governor's office was "moving the goalposts."
Renée JeanJanuary 26, 2023
Wyoming House Re-Establishes 988 Suicide Call Center Trust Fund – With A $0 Balance
The Wyoming State House added an amendment to legislation on Wednesday morning that would allow private individuals and nonprofits to help fund state-run 988 suicide call centers in Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 26, 2023
The Roadhouse Law: Bill Would Allow Use Of Force To Remove Criminal Trespassers
Although House Bill 126 wouldn't turn every trespassing situation into a Roadhouse movie, it would strengthen trespass law to allow physical force to remove trespassers.
Mark HeinzJanuary 26, 2023
Hageman On Committee That Will Investigate FBI, Social Media Tech Giants
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman was chosen for a committee on Tuesday that will allow her to fulfill some of her campaign promises to investigate the federal government and its dealings.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 26, 2023
Wyoming Senate Green-Lights Lower Property Taxes; Housing Allowance For Judges
The Wyoming State Senate passed two bills Tuesday: one would grant property tax relief and another would give a housing allowance to state judges.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 26, 2023
Wyoming Lawmakers Flush Attempt At Corporate Transparency
Senate File 93, which would have required disclosing the identify of a trust owning an LLC, has been narrowly defeated in a Wyoming legislative committee.
Renée JeanJanuary 26, 2023
Legislative Committee Moves Forward With Bill Protecting Reporters From Revealing Sources
A legislative committee on Wednesday advanced a media shield law by an 8 - 1 vote that would protect journalists in Wyoming from revealing their sources. Wyoming is one of only two states without a shield law.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 25, 2023