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Significant Property Tax Cuts Sailing Through Wyoming Legislature
The Wyoming Legislature has been advancing a series of property tax relief bills that will significantly cut tax bills for most residential property owners. Even so, legislators who support them still say they fall short of “real reform.”
Leo WolfsonJanuary 23, 2025
Wyoming Legislature Recap — Day 7
The seventh day of the 2025 Wyoming Legislature on Wednesday saw heated testimony on ballot drop boxes and property tax relief. Extending a ban on transgender sports participation through the college level also passed the Senate and to the House.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 23, 2025
Gray, County Clerks Accuse Each Other Of “Gaslighting” Over Ballot Drop Boxes
Emotions were high on Wednesday during a debate over the legality of ballot drop boxes, with Secretary of State Chuck Gray and some of Wyoming’s county clerks accusing each other of “gaslighting” the issue. A bill to ban the boxes passed a House committee 8-1.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 23, 2025
Inspired By ‘Little Siberia’ Schoolhouse, Support Grows For Rural Wyoming Schools
After the success of a one-room schoolhouse in remote north Albany County, Wyoming is poised for more across the state. A bill to create more rural schools passed the House Education Committee unanimously Wednesday.
Mark HeinzJanuary 23, 2025
Barrasso Promises Weekend Sessions If Dems Keep Holding Up Trump Cabinet Picks
Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, on Wednesday called Democrat efforts to hold up Trumps Cabinet picks “Shameful.” He promised to keep senators there through the weekend if they don’t move quickly to confirm.
Sean BarryJanuary 22, 2025
Committee OKs Bill Requiring Ultrasounds Before Giving Out Abortion Pills
A House committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would require women have ultrasounds no less than 48 hours before being prescribed abortion pills. House Bill 64 passed 7-1, but not before contentious testimony for and against it.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 22, 2025
Bill Requiring Wyoming Blood Banks To Store Donations Clears Committee
If it becomes law, House Bill 135 would require blood banks to transfer the blood people's loved ones donate to them for specific procedures. It cleared a Wyoming House committee Wednesday amid some safety and government overreach concerns.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 22, 2025
Hageman Blasts Feds For “Weaponized” Intimidation Of Ranch Family Over Fence
Harriet Hageman is calling out federal officials for an armed federal agent in tactical gear showing up on a South Dakota ranch over a fence line dispute. She condemns the “weaponized” response and wants the feds to explain themselves.
Mark HeinzJanuary 22, 2025
Wyoming Industries Applaud Trump’s “National Energy Emergency” Declaration
Wyoming’s energy industry is applauding President Donald Trump declaring a “national energy emergency.” They’re calling on Wyoming’s BLM office to immediately approve delayed permits and deferred lease sales.
Renée JeanJanuary 22, 2025
Wyoming Legislature Recap — Day 6
Day six of the Wyoming Legislature saw emotional debate on the floor of the House and a bill banning foreign adversaries owning Wyoming property advancing out of committee.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 22, 2025
Despite Trump Now In Office, Wyoming DEQ Wants To Double Emission Fees
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality is asking for a 108% hike in emission fees charged to energy producers. That’s despite President Donald Trump’s promises to reverse Biden’s energy policies.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 21, 2025
Trump’s Sweeping J6 Pardons Include At Least Two From Wyoming
At least two Wyoming men are included in President Donald Trump’s sweeping pardon of about 1,500 charged and prosecuted for the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. A police officer attacked by one of them calls the pardons “disappointing.”
Clair McFarlandJanuary 21, 2025
Montana Bill Would End Online Certificates For Emotional Support Animals Sight Unseen
A Montana state senator says it’s too easy to log online, pay a fee and get a certificate to have an emotional support animal. He says that’s unfair to landlords who are forced to accept these animals, whether or not they really serve a medical purpose.
David MadisonJanuary 21, 2025
Committee Advances Measure To Ban Foreign Adversaries Owning Wyoming Property
The House Agriculture committee gave a thumbs up to a constitutional measure that will ban foreign adversaries from owning Wyoming property. Deciding who those foreign adversaries are will be debated on the House floor.
Renée JeanJanuary 21, 2025
Bill Would Give Wyoming Political Parties More Say In Filling Vacancies
A Wyoming legislator wants to clear up what’s become a contentious process for filling political vacancies around Wyoming. Under a proposed bill, if a county commission or other elected body can’t pick from the local party’s finalists, the party will do it instead of a judge.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 21, 2025
Cowboy State Daily Legislative Roundup: House Speaker Chip Neiman
VIDEO: Cowboy State Daily's State Politics Reporter Leo Wolfson catches up with Wyoming House Speaker Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, the first in a series of legislative sit-downs during the 2025 legislative session.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 21, 2025
Wyoming Legislature Recap — Day 5
The fifth day of the Wyoming Legislature was marked by some of the most spirited debates seen so for on hot-button issues like private property rights.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 21, 2025
After Heated Debate, House OKs Bill Limiting Private Property Sales To Feds
The Wyoming House engaged in a heated discussion Monday before passing the second reading of a property rights bill. The proposal would limit private property owners from selling land to the federal government.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 21, 2025
Wyoming House Sends 'What Is A Woman Act' To State Senate
On the same day President Donald Trump proclaimed the United States will recognize “only two genders — male and female,” the Wyoming House passed the “What is a Woman Act” to the Senate. The bill defines a person’s gender by biology, not gender identity.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 21, 2025
Chuck Gray Wants $322K To Beef Up Office, But Legislators Say No On Split Vote
The Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office needs more people and resources to keep up with growth in the state’s business activity, Chuck Gray says. But the Joint Appropriations Committee on Monday rejected his $322,000 ask on a split vote.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 20, 2025
State Caught 3 North Korean Companies Trying Set Up In Wyoming Last Year
The state caught three North Korean companies last year filing fraudulent paperwork to set up in Wyoming to raise money for weapons of mass destruction. A House committee passed a bill Monday that aims to keep foreign adversaries out of Wyoming.
Renée JeanJanuary 20, 2025
Barrasso, Lummis And Hageman Squeeze In To See Trump Take Oath
Weather moved Donald Trump’s inauguration indoors at the Capitol on Monday, making it difficult to squeeze in all who wanted to attend. Wyoming’s delegation was there to see Trump take the oath.
Sean BarryJanuary 20, 2025
Bill Banning COVID-19 Mask, Vaccine Mandates In Wyoming Heads To House Floor
A Wyoming legislative bill would let people sue any publicly-funded business or agency for requiring them to wear a mask, be tested or get vaccinated for COVID-19. The proposal sailed through its first committee hearing Monday.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 20, 2025
Despite Opposition, Anti-ESG Bill Sails Through Committee After Changes
An anti-ESG Bill sailed over a wall of opposition from Wyoming investment fund managers and the state treasurer. It passed out of committee Monday after significant changes to address the criticism.
Renée JeanJanuary 20, 2025