Government & Politics
News
Casper Legislator’s Covid Bill Would Also Prohibit Required Vaccines For Polio, Measles, Mumps
Although Rep. Ward said her Covid bill which would also prohibit required vaccines for polio, measles, mumps and other infectious diseases is a way to prioritize the rights of individuals, physicians said it would put Wyoming "back a few centuries."
Leo WolfsonJanuary 18, 2023
State Sen. Says Mother Was ‘Severely Mistreated’ In Boarding School That Forcibly Assimilated Native Americans
State Sen. Affie Ellis told a committee on Wednesday morning that her mother was "severely mistreated" when attending a boarding school that sought to assimilate her into a non-native culture. Ellis' bill would uphold tribal sovereignty over child members.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 18, 2023
Wyoming Law Enforcement Says Steering Wheel With Keyboard Invention Is Horrible Idea
Wyoming law enforcement officials say a steering wheel with a keyboard attached is a horrible idea and recommend not using one. The inventor of the product tried to raise $10 million to produce but killed the effort after no one donated any money to it.
Greg JohnsonJanuary 18, 2023
Perhaps Largest Group Ever, Freshman Lawmakers May Hold Real Political Power In Wyoming
With 34 first-year members of the 67th Legislature nearly 37% of the 93-member body freshman legislators have potential to be the most influential first-term class in Wyoming history, but they will have to come together to make that happen.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 18, 2023
Bill Would Remove 75% – 25% Preference Point System For “Big 5” Trophy Game Species
Wyomings trophy species hunters sometimes wait decades before drawing a once-in-a-lifetime tag -- if they draw one at all. Senate File 88 would reform the drawing process and could give younger hunters a chance, proponents say.
Mark HeinzJanuary 18, 2023
Bill Empowering Game Wardens To Ticket For Criminal Trespass Advances To Senate Floor
Although there were concerns that a bill empowering Wyoming game wardens to bust trespassers was an attempt to "back-door"restrictions on corner crossing, those fears appear to have been alleviated as Senate File 56 was passed out of committee to the senate floor on Tuesday.
Mark HeinzJanuary 18, 2023
Former Deputy Sec Of State Karen Wheeler Ain’t Done Yet, Joins Superintendent’s Office
Former Deputy Secretary of State Karen Wheeler is joining the Superintendent of Public Instruction's office. Wheeler, an icon in state government had worked at the secretary of state's office for 37 years.
Jimmy OrrJanuary 18, 2023
Ambiguous Federal Regs On Digital An Opportunity For Wyoming, Says State Senator
Nearly 500 decentralized autonomous organizations have registered in the Cowboy State since Wyoming rolled out the red carpet for digital asset companies. They are providing revenue to the state and more opportunity, according to Sen. Chris Rothfuss.
Renée JeanJanuary 17, 2023
Fremont County GOP Unsuccessful In Censuring Lummis Over Same-Sex Marriage Vote
A movement by some Fremont County Republican Party leaders to publicly condemn U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis for supporting same-sex marriage legislation failed Saturday, as did two votes to send her strongly worded letters.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 17, 2023
Wyoming House To Vote On Bill Forbidding Marriage For Teens 15 And Younger
Wyoming is one of eight states with no minimum marriage age. Some in the Wyoming Legislature are trying to change that with a bill that would forbid people younger than 16 from marrying altogether, and would require a guardians permission for minors ages 16 and 17.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 17, 2023
Rick Santorum Pushes Convention Of U.S. States While In Wyoming, Says Trump No Longer Strong
Former U.S. Sen Rick Santorum was in Wyoming on Monday to advocate for a "convention of the states." He said if there are 38 states in the convention, they can pass amendments that are legally binding.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 17, 2023
From Chicken-Roping To Ax-Throwing, Lawmakers Debate New Class Of Liquor License For Wyoming
Senate File 12 would create a new kind of liquor license in Wyoming for businesses that want to provide alcohol along with entertainment activities like chicken-roping and ax-throwing.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 17, 2023
Proposed Law Would Expand Alert System For Adults, Similar To AMBER Alert
Wyoming legislators are looking at implementing an alert-system for adults similar to the AMBER Alert. The system would dispatch alerts for missing adults in risky scenarios or for those suffering from cognitive issues or disabilities.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 17, 2023
Cigar Tax War In The Wyoming Senate; Bill Moves Forward
Senators voted down an amendment that would have removed a 30-cent cap on the states cigar taxes from SF 42. The amendment would have gutted a bill that lawmakers say restores fairness for small, mom-and-pop shops that sell premium cigars.
Renée JeanJanuary 17, 2023
Wyoming Senate OKs $200,000 For Little-Known Archaeological Site Near Ghost Town
Wyoming senators gave a thumbs up to 10 bills Monday, including one that protects a little-known archaeology site adjacent to the Powars II red ocher mine outside of the ghost town of Sunrise, Wyoming.
Renée JeanJanuary 17, 2023
Far Right And Moderate Republicans Reach Compromise On Wyoming House Rule
Elevating from a simple majority to two-thirds vote to overrule House speaker or majority floor leader, some Republicans say factions are finding middle ground. Others, however, say theyve instead installed the king and his count.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 17, 2023
Wyoming Legislators Introduce Education Bill That Mirrors Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Law
Wyoming lawmakers are proposing a Parental Rights In Education bill which mirrors Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law passed last year. It would forbid teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation to school children.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 17, 2023
Bill Outlawing Flying Drones Over Prisons Soars Through Wyoming Senate
Wyoming has had only two incidents involving delivery of contraband into prisons by drone, but the Department of Corrections says its growing across the country. A passed out of the Senate on Monday would make it illegal to fly drones over penal institutions.
January 17, 2023
Wyoming Doc Defends California Law Punishing Doctors Who Advise Against Covid Vax
Physicians should not advise patients against COVID-19 vaccines nor promote Ivermectin, a retired doctor told Cowboy State Daily on Monday. Dr. Jim McEvoy said the new California law which would penalize doctors for advise against COVID vaccines is acceptable because it protects the patient.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 16, 2023
Families Of Wyoming Law Officers Who Die On Job Get Much Less Than Other States; Bill Would Change That
Senate File 18 would bring Highway Patrol troopers, as well as Game and Fish wardens and criminal investigators death benefits to a level equal to other law enforcement officers in the state.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 16, 2023
Facing ‘Clear And Present Danger’ From Anti-Coal Policies, Wyoming Lawmakers OK More Money To Sue
The Wyoming Legislature had appropriated $1.2 million for Wyoming to sue other states that have regulations that harm Wyomings coal industry. A committee Monday approved a bill allowing the governor more broad authority to spend the money.
January 16, 2023
Child Support Payments Would Increase 12% Under Proposed Legislation
The House Judiciary Committee advanced a bill on Monday that adjusts the states child support payment formula for the first time in nearly 10 years and would raise payments by roughly 12%.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 16, 2023
Who Pays For Court Filing Fees? Rep. Oakley Says “Pay Your Own Way”
Rep. Ember Oakley says a debate over how much people should pay for court services boils down to taking responsibility for yourself. "We believe in paying your way in Wyoming, right?"
Clair McFarlandJanuary 16, 2023
High Schoolers Lobby Legislature Against Substance That Put 6 Classmates In Emergency Room
Six high school students from Cody have had to go to the emergency room after ingesting a psychoactive substance called Delta-8. Students from Cody lobbied the Legislature on Monday to make it restricted.
Wendy CorrJanuary 16, 2023