Government & Politics
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Wyoming Senate Drops Bombshell, Refuses To Pass Supplemental Budget
The Wyoming Senate dropped a bombshell Wednesday evening announcing that it won’t pass a supplemental budget this year. It could be the first time either the Senate or House has ever made such a move.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 27, 2025
Anti-Wolf Torture Bill Clears The Legislature, Headed To Gordon’s Desk
A bill calling for possible felony charges against people who torture predators cleared the Legislature on Wednesday and is headed to Gov. Mark Gordon’s desk.
Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2025
Forest Service Chief’s Departure Fine By Us, Says Wyoming Delegation
Wyoming’s congressional delegation say they’re just fine with Wednesday’s surprise announcement that U.S. Forest Service chief Randy Moore is quitting. Rep. Harriet Hageman said it was welcome news as he mismanaged the agency.
Sean Barry & Mark HeinzFebruary 27, 2025
Out-Of-State Group Texting Residents To Influence Wyoming Legislature
Texas-based American Action Fund has been sending out a large number of text messages and mailers to Wyoming residents. The messages urge people to pressure legislators on bills such as school choice.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 27, 2025
Montana Bill Would Charge Women With 'Abortion Trafficking' For Going Out Of State
A Montana bill would charge women with abortion trafficking for seeking abortions in other states. Opponents flooded a Wednesday hearing claiming overreach, supporters say it's needed to keep minors from being taken for secret abortions.
David MadisonFebruary 26, 2025
Wyoming Closer To Separate Primaries, Run-Offs For Top Offices, Including Gov.
A Senate committee passed a bill Wednesday that would create separate primary and run-off elections for the state’s top elected offices, including governor. A run-off would be triggered if nobody gets more than 50% of the primary vote.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 26, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 30
The 30th day of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session Tuesday featured a broken deal on a property tax cut bill and heated discussion about new non-citizen state IDs.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 26, 2025
Degenfelder Says Blocking Trans Participation In Female Sports Is About Safety
Megan Defenfelder, Wyoming’s top education official, says blocking transgender participation in female sports isn’t about disrespect. It’s about ensuring the safety of female athletes.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 26, 2025
Wyoming Delegation Pushes To Halt Federal Money For Sanctuary Cities
A bill introduced in Congress on Tuesday would block federal money going to sanctuary cities. Wyoming’s delegation, along with those from four bordering states, are pushing to pass the bill.
Sean BarryFebruary 26, 2025
Lummis, Barrasso Not Happy With iPhone Voice To Text That Replaces ‘Racist’ With ‘Trump’
When some iPhone users tried to voice-dictate the word “racist” on Tuesday, the word “Trump” appeared momentarily. U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis said the apparent software issue “sets a dangerous precedent" and Sen. John Barrasso called it "appalling."
Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2025
Non-Citizen Status Will Be On Back, Not Front, Of Wyoming Licenses And IDs
Wyoming driver’s licenses and IDs will have a person’s non-U.S. citizen status printed on them under a new bill sent to the governor’s desk Tuesday. In a change to the original proposal, it will be in black on the back, not in color on the front.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 26, 2025
Legislature Making It Harder For Power Companies To Take Land For Power Lines
A bill landed on Gov. Mark Gordon's desk Tuesday that makes it harder for power companies to use eminent domain in Wyoming to take land to build power lines. Legislators say the goal is to protect property rights while preserving energy production.
David MadisonFebruary 25, 2025
Bill Aims To Protect Wyoming Rodeo From Animal Activists
Cody Republican Rachel Rodriguez-Williams says Wyoming’s rodeos need protection from animal rights activists. Her bill to protect rodeo passed out of committee Tuesday, while detractors claim it could open the door to puppy mills and dog fighting.
Mark HeinzFebruary 25, 2025
‘Hugely Disappointing’: House, Senate Can’t Agree On Deal To Cut Property Taxes
Members of the Wyoming Senate and House couldn’t agree over a proposed property tax cut Tuesday that has fluctuated between 25% and 50%. Thinking a deal had been struck at 25%, one state senator says House members backing off is “hugely disappointing.”
Leo WolfsonFebruary 25, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 29
The 29th day of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session Monday featured a die-in protest on the floor of the Capitol rotunda and passionate debate over property taxes and abortion.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 25, 2025
Protesters Stage 'Die-In' On Capitol Floor Over Banning Gun-Free Zones
About 20 protesters made up to resemble shooting victims lay on the floor of the Wyoming Capitol on Monday afternoon over a bill that would ban gun-free zones.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 25, 2025
Hageman Doesn’t Trust USPS, Wants More Protection For Rural Post Offices
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman doesn’t trust the U.S. Postal Service’s latest promise to not take away as much mail processing from the Cheyenne and Casper post offices. She’s filed a bill that would protect rural post offices.
Renée JeanFebruary 25, 2025
New Trigger Bill Would Ban Abortion If Wyoming’s Earlier Ban Rejected In Court
A new trigger bill moving its way through the Wyoming Legislature aims to ban abortion in the event the Wyoming Supreme Court rules against the state’s 2023 law banning it. Abortion remains legal in the state as the ban is challenged in court.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 25, 2025
Bill That Attempts To Stop Mystery Drones From Flying Over Sensitive Areas Moves Forward
A bill that would attempt to stop mystery drones from flying over sensitive areas around Wyoming is nearing the finish line. Meanwhile, a state House committee heard Monday that giant SUV-sized drones are still being spotted.
Renée JeanFebruary 24, 2025
Bill To Regulate Fishing Guides In Wyoming Clears State Senate
Fishing guides on both sides of the Wyoming-Colorado state line voiced support for a bill that could prevent the mobbing of Wyoming’s prized trout waters. The bill to regulate fishing guides cleared the Senate on Monday.
Mark HeinzFebruary 24, 2025
Gov. Gets Bill To Free Homeschool Parents From Submitting Plans To School Districts
A bill that would lift a requirement that homeschool parents submit curricula to local school districts easily passed the Wyoming Senate 28-2 on Monday. The bill moves on to Gov. Mark Gordon’s desk.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 24, 2025
Senate Committee Rejects Proposal To Make UW Trustees Elected, Not Appointed
The Senate Education Committee rejected a proposal Monday that would have required University of Wyoming trustees be elected instead of appointed. Those recommending “do not pass” say they think it would be unconstitutional.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 24, 2025
Wyoming Veterans Hopeful Hegseth Will Make U.S. Military Great Again
Wyoming veterans told Cowboy State Daily that years of social programs and diversity initiatives have weakened the military and they hope that’s over. They want to see the return of high standards, greater access to mental healthcare and more help transitioning veterans post-service.
Jen KocherFebruary 23, 2025
Hageman Receives Hero's Welcome At Conservative Political Action Conference
Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman received a standing ovation Saturday speaking at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, D.C. The crowd roared when she mentioned Liz Cheney was nowhere to be found in Wyoming.
Jimmy OrrFebruary 22, 2025