Government & Politics
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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
Cowboy State Daily Provides Most Comprehensive Legislative Coverage In History of Wyoming
Not only is Cowboy State Daily providing the most comprehensive legislative coverage of 2023, we will surpass any efforts in Wyoming history.
Jimmy OrrJanuary 16, 2023
Trump Says Barrasso Is McConnell’s ‘Flunky’ And Takes More Shots At Gordon In Radio Interview
During a Sheridan radio appearance on Saturday, former President Trump called Sen. John Barrasso a "flunky" of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and said Gov. Mark Gordon was "very liberal."
Leo WolfsonJanuary 15, 2023
Bill Would Make Drone ‘Trespassing’ In Wyoming A Crime, But Some Say It’s Too Lenient
Trespassing by drones in a growing problem in Wyoming, say proponents of a bill that would criminalize it. But some say legislation before the Senate Judiciary Committee is far too lenient and difficult to enforce.
Mark HeinzJanuary 14, 2023
Daddy Day Care From The Floor Of The Wyoming Senate
State Sen. Brian Boner, R-Douglas, was a champion multitasking at the Wyoming Capitol on Friday. Parenting duties unexpectedly came to him so he worked through the day with his 18-month-old son Martin.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 14, 2023
Deacon Says Extending Medicaid Not ‘Fiery Pit Of Socialism’ As Bill Moves Forward
Legislation extending Medicaid coverage for new mothers from 60 days to 12 months passed out of a state House committee by a 5-4 vote on Friday, but not without some passionate debate on both sides.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 13, 2023
Bill Would Give Schools In Wyoming’s Richest Counties More Money For Teachers
The bills proponents said Teton County and some surrounding areas are in desperate need of extra money to retain teachers and other staff as the cost of living has skyrocketed in the region.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 13, 2023
Bill Would Ban New Foreign Ownership Of Any Agricultural Land In Wyoming
A bill being considered in the Wyoming Legislature would limit foreign ownership of Cowboy State agriculture land. The bills sponsor, Rep. Dalton Banks is joining others like S.D. Gov. Kristi Noem in a growing concern about Chinese influence over Americas agriculture real estate.
January 13, 2023
No More Spanking In Wyoming Schools? Legislation Moves Forward To Crack Down On It
With only three school districts in Wyoming still allowing corporal punishment, Senate File 47 would allow civil or criminal action against any teachers and administrators who do use it.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 13, 2023
Bill Would Clarify Grazing Management On State Leased Lands
A pair of bills forwarded by the Wyoming House Agriculture Committee would make it easier for ranchers to make improvements on state land grazing leases without getting prior state approval.
Mark HeinzJanuary 13, 2023
Bill Would Establish $46 Million Trust For Wyoming Suicide Call Centers
Emotional testimony helped Wyoming lawmakers advance House Bill 65, which would provide a permanent steam of money to operate the states 24/7 suicide hotline call centers.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 13, 2023
New Effort Introduced To Strip Chuck Gray Of Election Oversight
State Rep. Ken Chestek has introduced legislation to take away all election oversight from Secretary of State Chuck Gray. Gray said the effort is "petty" and "unconstitutional"
Leo WolfsonJanuary 13, 2023
Convicted Murderer Suing Dept Of Corrections Because They Took Away His PlayStation
Convicted murderer John Hereford is suing Wyomings prisons system saying the confiscation of his PlayStation console following the discovery of mature-rated games is a punishment that does not fit the crime.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 13, 2023
Bill Protects Site Near Ghost Town Of Sunrise Connected to Wyoming’s Ancient Red Ocher Mine
A bill moving through the Wyoming Legislature would give the go-ahead to spend nearly $200,000 to secure and protect the Sutton site near the Powars II red ocher mine near the ghost town of Sunrise, which, at about 13,000 years old, is among the worlds oldest such mine.
Renée JeanJanuary 12, 2023