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Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 12
On Wednesday, the 12th day of the Wyoming legislative session, a bill giving parents $7,000 a child for universal school choice passed the House. Legislators also are exploring how to slash property taxes without gutting schools and local services.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 30, 2025
Legislature Explores How To Slash Taxes Without Gutting Schools, Local Services
The Wyoming Legislature is working through a number of bills that would slash property taxes. Legislators are also exploring how to do that without gutting local governments and schools.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 30, 2025
School Choice Bill Giving $7,000 Per Child Passes Wyoming House
The Wyoming House passed a bill Wednesday that will bring universal school choice to Wyoming, giving parents $7,000 per child to seek private education services. The proposal moves to the Senate for consideration.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 30, 2025
Legislators Say They Want To Protect Real Service Animals, Not “Fluffy Dog” Pets
A bill passed by a Senate committee Wednesday says people should be allowed to train their service dogs in public in Wyoming. It also calls for severe penalties for those who want allowances for their “fluffy dog” pets.
Mark HeinzJanuary 30, 2025
Barrasso Backs RFK As Committee Grills Nominee At Confirmation Hearing
Barrasso continues to back Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next head of the Department of Health and Human Services during a Wednesday confirmation hearing. The hearing was animated, including being disrupted by a protester.
Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 29, 2025
Senate Committee Narrowly Passes Bill To Save Oldest K-8 School In Wyoming
Despite its local school district and University of Wyoming lobbying hard against it, the Senate Education Committee narrowly passed a bill Wednesday to save the UW Lab School. It’s likely the oldest continuously existing K-8 school in Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 29, 2025
Senate Easily Passes Resolution For Wyoming To Be Part Of A Convention Of States
The state Senate easily passed a resolution Tuesday 22-7 for Wyoming to become part of a growing convention of states movement under the Constitution. In the meantime, a committee killed a bill that would have called for congressional term limits.
David MadisonJanuary 29, 2025
Bill Would Reverse Ban On Shooting Prairie Dogs From Your Truck
A Wyoming man told legislators that he and his friends were flabbergasted when a game warden confronted them about illegally shooting prairie dogs from a pickup. A House committee voted Tuesday for a bill that would make that legal.
Mark HeinzJanuary 29, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 11
Day 11 of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session saw a bill to ban forcing employees to use a coworker’s “preferred” pronouns advance, as well as a bill to outlaw torturing wolves and other predators.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 29, 2025
House Supports Bill Making Wyoming’s “Sore Loser” Election Law Obsolete
The House passed on first reading Tuesday a bill to move the date to file as an independent candidate in Wyoming to well before the primary election. That means people couldn’t run in a general election after losing a primary.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 29, 2025
Bill Would Ban Forcing Government Workers To Use “Preferred” Pronouns Of Coworkers
A bill prohibiting Wyoming state and local government agencies from forcing employees to use a coworker’s “preferred” pronoun passed the state House on Tuesday. Detractors call it murky, while supporters say it promotes truth and freedom.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 29, 2025
Some Say Legislative Response To Wyoming Wolf Torture Doesn’t Go Far Enough
Lawmakers unanimously advanced a bill that would outlaw torturing wolves and other predators Tuesday. But some Wyomingites say running animals over with snowmobiles should also be banned.
Mark HeinzJanuary 29, 2025
Gordon Has “Grave Concerns” About Wildfire Relief Through Loans Instead Of Grants
Gov. Mark Gordon wants $130 million in grants as relief for Wyoming ranchers and families impacted by the devastating 2024 wildfires. On Tuesday, he expressed “grave concerns” over a plan to scrap that in favor of $100 million in loans.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 28, 2025
Cowboy State Daily Coversations With Legislative Leaders: Bo Biteman
VIDEO: Cowboy State Daily's State Politics Reporter Leo Wolfson catches up with Senate President Bo Biteman, R-Ranchester, to learn more about his background and how he came to be Senate president.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 28, 2025
Trump Says Mystery Drones "Not The ‘Enemy"; Wyoming Sheriff Still Seeing Them
The mysterious drones that befuddled New Jersey residents last fall were authorized by the U.S. government, President Trump relayed Tuesday. Meanwhile, a Wyoming sheriff says he's still seeing them and wondering what they’re doing.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 28, 2025
Bill Would Bolster Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes And Other Wyoming Agritourism
More Wyoming farmers and ranchers are turning to pumpkin patches, corn mazes and other agrotourism to bolster their bottom lines. The state Legislature is considering a bill that would extend tourism liability coverage for these attractions.
Renée JeanJanuary 28, 2025
Proposal To Triple State’s Part Of LaPrele Dam Rebuild To $90 Million Advances
A Wyoming House committee advanced a proposal Tuesday to triple the state’s contribution to the $182 million rebuild of crumbling LaPrele Dam to $90 million. The 115-year-old dam is close to failing.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 28, 2025
Barron Trump Incorporated Business In Wyoming, Then Dissolved It
The president’s 18-year-old son had a real-estate business incorporated in Wyoming last July, but dissolved it nine days after Donald Trump won the general election. His famous father has also been linked to businesses incorporated in the Cowboy State.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 28, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap - Day 10
The 10th day of the Wyoming Legislature featured passionate debates on hand-counted elections, making Wyoming’s school choice program universal, and restricting public school bathroom usage by biological sex.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 28, 2025
Bill To Make All Felony Voyeurs Register As Sex Offenders Heads To Wyoming Senate
A bill that would require all felony-level convicted voyeurs to register as sex offenders heads to the Wyoming Senate after a committee approved it 4-0. Currently, only Wyoming voyeurs with child victims have to register.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 28, 2025
Chuck Gray And Curt Meier Spar Over ESG Legislation, Policies
State Treasurer Curt Meier and Secretary of State Chuck Gray on Monday disagree over a bill that would restrict Wyoming’s investment managers from investing in any company that supports environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 28, 2025
House Advances Bill Allowing Hand-Counted Recounts Of Wyoming Elections
By a 6 -1 margin, the Wyoming House Appropriations Committee advanced a bill on Monday that would allow for recounting elections by hand. Currently, recounts can only be performed by election machines.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 27, 2025
Three More Wyoming Snowplow Trucks Wrecked After Drivers Slam Into Them Over Weekend
In three separate incidents, three WYDOT snowplow trucks covering the highways near Laramie were struck by vehicles and taken out of commission when they needed to be clearing ice and snow on critical stretches of I-80 and US 30/287.
Andrew RossiJanuary 27, 2025
Bill To Block Firing Of Doctors Who Prescribe Ivermectin For Covid Advances
A bill that would block Wyoming hospitals and clinics from firing doctors who prescribe drugs for off-label uses, such as Ivermectin for Covid, passed a state House committee on Monday.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 27, 2025
Lummis To Lead Digital Asset Subcommittee, Will Work With Trump On Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis has been named the nation's first chair of the Digital Asset Subcommittee. Known for her expertise in cryptocurrency, one of her first priorities is the passage of a bill to create a strategic bitcoin reserve.
Renée JeanJanuary 27, 2025
Despite Pardon, House Subcommittee Could Force Liz Cheney To Testify About Jan. 6
A new U.S. House subcommittee will investigate the events that took place before and after Jan. 6, 2021, which could involve requiring former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney to testify. "Buckle up," said U.S. Rep. William Timmons.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 27, 2025
Wyomingites Can Still Sue Cops For Negligence After Committee Lets Bill Die
A bill died in a Wyoming legislative committee that would have restricted criminal suspects from suing police officers for conducting negligent investigations. It was supposed to reverse a state court ruling that created the rare lawsuit mechanism.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 27, 2025
Casper Elementary School Is Only Public School In State To Offer Mandarin In Dual Language Immersion
Paradise Valley Elementary School in Casper is the only public school in Wyoming that offers Mandarin Chinese in a dual-language immersion setting where students spend half the day learning that language and the other half in English.
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 27, 2025
Elon Musk’s DOGE Is Trying To Kill Pennies, And Wyoming Has Mixed Reactions With That
Pennies cost more than 3 cents each to make, which has the little round Lincoln heads in the crosshairs of Elon Musk’s new Department of Government Efficiency. If pennies are on their way out, Wyoming citizens have mixed opinions on that.
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 26, 2025
REAL IDs Will Soon Be Needed To Fly In The U.S., How To Know If You Need One
A REAL ID will soon be needed to fly in the United States, but many Wyomingites have been carrying them around for years. Transplants, however, may need to book a DMV appointment to get a compliant ID before May.
Anna-Louise Jackson for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 25, 2025
Wyoming Legislature Recap — Day 9
The ninth day of the Wyoming Legislature on Friday saw the Freedom Caucus meet its “Five and Dime” plan goal, biological sex bathroom bills pass and legislators killing an immigration bill Wyoming sheriffs hated.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 25, 2025
Freedom Caucus Bills Breezing Through House As “Five And Dime” Plan Done Early
Wyoming Freedom Caucus bills are breezing through the state House so far this session. The group’s touted “Five and Dime” plan of passing five core pieces of legislation in the first 10 days has been realized early.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 25, 2025
Bills To Keep Boys Out Of Girls’ Bathrooms, Locker Rooms Headed To Floor Debate
A pair of bills that would separate the use of public bathrooms, showers and locker rooms by biological sex cleared committees Friday in the Wyoming House and Senate. One bill focuses just on schools, while the other is for all public spaces.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 25, 2025
Wyoming Delegation Shows Out To Support National March For Life
Wyoming’s congressional delegation expressed support for the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Friday, vowing to continue the fight to end abortion. Barrasso thanked the thousands of marchers for their “remarkable dedication.”
Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 25, 2025
Sanctuary Cities One Step Closer To Being Banned In Wyoming
There are no designated “sanctuary cities” to protect illegal immigrants in Wyoming, and it will stay that way if a bill banning them in the state passes into law. It took a step closer to that when it passed a House committee 7-1 Friday.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 24, 2025
Committee Kills Bill That Would Have Forced Sheriffs Into Immigration Contracts
After vocal opposition from sheriffs around Wyoming, a legislative committee Friday killed a bill that would have required every sheriff in the state to enter into federal immigration contracts. Another, similar bill is still pending in the Legislature.
Clair McFarlandJanuary 24, 2025
Bill To Keep Abortion Drugs Out Of Water Supply Passes House Committee
A bill requiring testing of Wyoming water supplies for the presence of abortion drugs passed a House committee Friday. Rep. John Bear, the bill’s sponsor, says it’s to protect women, while opponents say it’s to shame them.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 24, 2025
Even Sheriffs Who Work With ICE Hate Legislation To Make Them Work With ICE
Wyoming sheriffs who work well with immigration authorities on Thursday torched two bills that would force them to sign federal immigration contracts. They characterized the bills as government overreach and short-sighted.
Clair McFarland & Leo WolfsonJanuary 24, 2025
Wyoming Legislature Recap — Day 8
On Day 8 of the legislative session, the Joint Appropriations Committee has slashed $195 million so far from the budget, banning gun-free zones advanced out of the House and Wyoming sheriffs bristled over immigration bills.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 24, 2025
Bill Banning Gun-Free Zones Blasts Through Wyoming House
A bill that would eliminate gun-free zones in places such as the Wyoming Capitol building, K-12 schools and on the University of Wyoming campus blasted through the House on third reading Thursday by a 50-10 vote.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 24, 2025
Senate Confirms Ratcliffe for CIA As Democrats Still Holding Up Noem, Hegseth
The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed President Donald Trump’s choice of John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA, but Democrats continued to draw out Trump’s nominations of Pete Hegseth to run the Pentagon and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head up the Department of Homeland Security.
Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 23, 2025
Bill Allowing Wyoming Homeschool Parents More Freedom Heads To Senate
The Wyoming House overwhelmingly passed the “Homeschool Freedom Act” over to the state Senate for discussion. The bill would eliminate requirements for homeschool parents to check in with their local school districts.
Dale KillingbeckJanuary 23, 2025
Freedom Caucus Chair Blasts Fellow Republican For Leaking Vote Stance Spreadsheet
State Rep. J.D. Williams says he made a mistake leaking a Moms For Liberty and Honor Wyoming voting stance spreadsheet to Democrats and county commissioners on Thursday. But that’s not enough for the leader of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, who blasted him as “untrustworthy.”
Leo WolfsonJanuary 23, 2025
Freedom Caucus Making Good On Promises Of Cuts, Has Slashed $195M From Budget
The Joint Appropriations Committee has slashed $195 million from Wyoming’s supplemental budget, cutting energy projects, state employees and raises. Made up of Freedom Caucus members, the committee is making good on campaign promises to cut spending.
Leo WolfsonJanuary 23, 2025
Wyoming Legislators Unanimous On Closing Protection Order Loopholes
Protection orders are getting a makeover by the Wyoming Legislature this session. Sailing through are bills to close loopholes that can leave victims unprotected and allow for permanent protection orders.
Jen KocherJanuary 23, 2025
Barrasso, Lummis Help Advance Trump Picks on Energy, Interior and EPA
Wyoming U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis helped push through a group of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks Thursday. Nominees to for the Departments of Energy, Interior and EPA sailed through their committees.
Sean Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 23, 2025
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 Barry for Cowboy State DailyJanuary 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