Government & Politics
News
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
Colorado Senate Passes Sweeping Ban On Semiautomatic Firearms
Colorado lawmakers are one step closer to passing a sweeping gun ban on semiautomatic rifles, shotguns and pistols. A Wyoming gun rights advocate called it one of the nation’s most restrictive gun laws.
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2025
Wyoming House Members Getting Antsy As Senate Holds Onto State Budget
The Wyoming House is starting to get a little antsy over how long the state Senate is holding onto the supplemental budget without taking any action on it. The Senate has had the $680 million plan for two weeks.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 22, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 28
The 28th day of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session Friday saw significant discussions about bills banning DEI programs and restricting abortion. The House also is getting impatient for the Senate to address the supplemental budget.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 22, 2025
Bill Proposes Massive Overhaul To Base Property Taxes On Home Price, Not Valuation
While the most attention has been on a proposed 50% property tax cut moving through the Wyoming Legislature, another bill proposes a much larger overhaul of the system. It would base property taxes on a home’s purchase price, similar to auto registrations.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 22, 2025
Repeal Of Gun-Free Zones Is Close To Gov. Gordon’s Desk — Will He Veto It Again?
For the second year in a row, the Wyoming Legislature is close to giving Gov. Mark Gordon a bill to eliminate gun-free zones in the state. Gordon vetoed it last year, but isn’t saying if he’ll sign, veto or let it pass without a signature this year.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2025
USPS Does About-Face, Now Won’t Move Mail Processing Out Of Cheyenne, Casper
The U.S. Post Office did an about-face Friday on its controversial plan to move local mail processing out of Wyoming’s main hubs. Cheyenne and Casper now won’t ship local mail to other states.
Renée JeanFebruary 21, 2025
Getting DEI Out Of Wyoming, UW “A Long Time In Coming,” Says Sponsor Of Ban
A bill to ban DEI programs and policies from Wyoming agencies — with exceptions for nonprofits that get public money — easily passed a House committee Friday. The bill’s sponsor says getting DEI out of Wyoming and UW has “been a long time in coming.”
Leo WolfsonFebruary 21, 2025