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Analysis: Bill Banning Sex-Change Surgeries For Kids Was Not Dead, But Vastly Changed After Leaving Committee
Wyoming lawmakers are sparring over whether Chloe's Law, banning sex-change surgeries for kids, was already gutted when the House killed it Monday. Our analysis shows that the bill still contained one enforcement mechanism, but had major policy differences from its original version.
Clair McFarlandMarch 01, 2023
Wyoming Lawmakers Fight About Gold On House Floor
Advocates say committee amendments have gutted a bill that would have forced Wyoming Treasurer, Department of Revenue to accept mineral tax payments in gold.
Renée JeanMarch 01, 2023
Wyoming House Narrows Transgender Sports Ban To Only Apply To High School Girls’ Sports
In an effort to sway fellow legislators against voting for the transgender sports ban, Rep. Trey Sherwood said in a pole-vaulting competition between Rep. Provenza (left) vs Rep. Mike Yin (right), she would bet on Provenza.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 28, 2023
Convention Of The States Bill Killed In Monday Night Massacre; Fear Of Losing 2nd Amendment Rights Cited
Many conservative legislators abandoned state Sen. Dan Laursens, Convention of States bill on Monday. Many opponents said they feared a runaway convention that ends up stripping away Second Amendment rights.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 28, 2023
Mortuary Of Dead Bills Leads To Pointing Of Fingers At Wyoming State Legislature
It was a bloodbath for bills on Monday night as the Wyoming Legislature killed nearly a dozen bills. And legislators are blaming each other for the fatalities.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 28, 2023
House Advances Bill Restoring Gun, Civil Rights To Nonviolent Felons
The Wyoming House of Representatives on Monday advanced legislation that would restore nonviolent felons' gun and civil rights, but bill opponents worried about a provision that would take away those same rights under state law.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 28, 2023
House Freedom Caucus Votes With Democrats To End Voting – Killing Chloe’s Law
The Wyoming House Freedom Caucus on Monday voted to end first-reading debate on bills just hours before the deadline, killing multiple bills with the decision, including Chloe's Law, which child transgender treatments.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 28, 2023
House Votes Yes On Law To Keep Indian Children Out Of Non-Native Foster Homes
The state House approved its first reading of the Indian Child Welfare Act. Opponents argued that the law is racist against native children and causes them permanency problems. Proponents said it's necessary to preserve sovereign interests of American Indian tribes.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 28, 2023
Harriet Hageman Calls Out Another State Legislator; Second Time In Three Days
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman made state Rep. Landon Brown, R-Cheyenne, her target on Monday after he called her out for criticizing Wyoming House Speaker Albert Sommers.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 28, 2023
Property Tax Relief? Not Really. Legislature Has Passed 1 Property Tax Bill Out Of 21 Introduced
House Bill 99 is the only bill for property tax reform to make it across the finish line in the 67th legislative session so far. That's despite there being a huge financial surplus in the state and legislators saying it was a "top priority."
Renée JeanFebruary 28, 2023
Wyoming LGBTQ Advocacy Group Holds Protest In Opposition To Transgender Sports Bill
Opponents of a bill that would ban biological males from competing in girls public-school sports said they accept that their battle may be a losing one as the bill continues to steamroll forward.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 28, 2023
$10 Million Shooting Sports Complex One Step Closer As Bill Moves To Gordon’s Desk
Those who argued that a multi-million dollar shooting sports complex would be a big shot in the arm for Wyoming tourism are closer to getting their wishes, as a bill that could lay the groundwork for the facility is headed for Gov. Mark Gordons desk.
Mark HeinzFebruary 28, 2023
Chemical Abortion Ban Clears First House Vote After Lengthy Debate
The Wyoming House of Representatives on Monday approved the first reading of a bill outlawing chemical abortions. Senate File 109 would make it a misdemeanor to prescribe or dispense abortion drugs in Wyoming, except in cases of rape, incest, or severe health risks.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 27, 2023
Wyoming House Committee Advances Ban On Biological Boys In Girls’ School Sports
A committee of Wyoming lawmakers on Monday advanced a bill that would prohibit biological males from participating in girls school sports in Wyoming.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 27, 2023
Ethics Complaint Filed Against Sen. Anthony Bouchard After He Calls Person “F**king Idiot”
A Green River woman filed a complaint with the Legislative Management Council Sunday after she said Cheyenne state Sen. Anthony Bouchard cursed at her over a dispute on his "Chloe's Law" bill in a private text message on Saturday night.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 27, 2023
“Shame On You!” Legislator Says Technique To Substitute Bill Thwarted Will Of People
State Sen. Bo Biteman lashed out at the House Appropriations Committee for substituting a bill rather than offering amendments. Just vote it up or vote it down but to do this after hearing all the testimony and pull this on a fellow legislator, its not OK and its not how we do business around here.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 26, 2023
Hageman Nudges Sommers To Quit Sitting On Bills: “This Is About Protecting Our Children”
Congresswoman Harriet Hageman on Saturday urged Speaker of the House Albert Sommers to take action on bills addressing gender identity, gender surgeries, and school vouchers. "This is about protecting our children. In Congress, Im fighting for these very issues. I hope the Wyoming legislature will do the same," she said.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 26, 2023
Laramie County GOP Calls On Wyo Dems To Return Bankman-Fried Donation One Month After Dems Returned It
The Laramie County Republican Party this week called upon the Wyoming Democratic Party to give back nearly $10,000 in donations from accused fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried. But the Dems gave it back more than a month ago.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2023
End To Crossover Voting Bill Close To Hitting Gordon’s Desk, But Will He Sign It?
A bill that will restrict voters from changing party affiliation to influence the results of other parties primary elections has reached its farthest point in the Wyoming Legislature. But Gov. Mark Gordon has so far been noncommittal on whether hed sign, veto or let it pass unsigned.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 25, 2023
Another Attempt To Override Wyoming House Speaker Defeated
Staunch conservatives have been trying every trick in the book to get past Wyoming House Speaker Albert Sommers, who is blocking some bills from being heard or assigned to a committee. None have worked so far.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 24, 2023
More Wyoming Ranchers Could Get Money For Wolf Losses If Gordon Signs Bill
Compensation for livestock animals killed by wolves has been available only to ranchers adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, but a bill sent to Gov. Mark Gordons desk would extend that across Wyoming.
Mark HeinzFebruary 24, 2023
House Considers ‘Big Three’ Drug Bill That Would Allow Homicide Charge For Dealers In Overdose Deaths
The Wyoming House of Representatives is considering a bill imposing a homicide charge on drug dealers whose customers die of fentanyl, heroin or methamphetamine overdose.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2023
Bill Banning Transgender Students From Girls School Sports Clears Committee
After more than two hours of debate and a few tears shed, the House Education Committee has advanced a bill banning biological males from competing in girls' school sports in Wyoming.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2023
Wyoming Legislators OK First Per Diem Rate Increase Since 2005
A joint conference committee of the Wyoming Legislature voted Friday to support increasing the per diem rate paid to state lawmakers and other officials citing concerns that people may be dissuaded from public service because they may fear it would be a financial drain.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 24, 2023