Government & Politics
News
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
Barrasso Helps Pass Budget As Part Of War On “Wasteful Washington Spending”
Sen. John Barrasso helped the U.S. Senate pass a 10-year budget resolution 52-48 Friday after an all-night debate. He said he agrees with reining in wasteful spending, but is making sure the administration "understands how important it is to keep national parks, forests and federal lands adequately staffed."
Sean BarryFebruary 21, 2025
Wyoming Closer To Requiring ID To Verify Age To Access Porn Sites
The pornography industry did not show up to challenge a Wyoming bill that would require porn websites to verify ages with IDs before allowing access. After unanimously passing out of committee Thursday, the bill will be debated by the full Senate.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2025
Why Cheyenne Had To Give Up Putting Windshield Barnacles On Cars
With tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid parking tickets, Cheyenne started using the high-tech windshield Barnacle device on cars. Less than three years later, that’s been abandoned because too many Wyoming windshields are chipped or cracked.
Renée JeanFebruary 21, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 27
On the 27th day of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session, the Senate rejected the changes made to a major property tax cut bill. Also, a woman taunted a male legislator by calling him “madame” while testifying about the “What is a Woman Act.”
Leo WolfsonFebruary 21, 2025
Senate Rejects House Changes To Huge 50% Property Tax Cut
After the Wyoming House spent more than five hours debating 21 amendments before passing a huge 50% property tax bill Wednesday, the Senate took minutes to reject it Thursday. Now the two chambers will have to negotiate.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 21, 2025
'Clean Kill' For Predators Bill Advances — Without Wolf-Whacking Ban
A controversial “clean kill” for predators bill advanced Thursday. That it doesn’t include a ban running over wolves with snowmobiles — aka wolf whacking — remains a sticking point for many.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2025
Woman Calls Male Legislator 'Madame' During 'What Is A Woman Act' Debate
Debate grew tense Thursday when a woman insisted on calling a male legislator "Madame" at the beginning of her testimony against the "What is a Woman Act." The Wyoming Senate will debate the bill next.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2025
Wyoming Legislator Pushes Back On Claim Shooting Prairie Dogs Is “Psychopathic”
A retired professor told a Wyoming legislative committee Thursday that shooting prairie dogs is “psychopathic.” That raised the hackles of the sponsor of a bill to allow shooting the critters from vehicles. It’s about pest management, he says.
Mark HeinzFebruary 20, 2025
Wyoming Republicans Divided On How To Best Achieve Property Tax Relief
How to best achieve property tax relief has been the driving issue of the 2025 legislative session so far, and is dividing Wyoming Republicans. The main sticking points are whether to backfill deficits created by the cuts, and if so, how much.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 20, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 26
The 26th day of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session Wednesday featured more than five hours of discussion on a 50% property tax cut bill, which the House passed.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 20, 2025
After Marathon Debate, Wyoming House Passes Massive 50% Property Tax Cut
After a marathon debate that lasted into the night, the Wyoming House passed a massive 50% property tax cut. It’s a win for the Freedom Caucus but critics say it would drive Wyoming off a fiscal cliff.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 20, 2025
Senate To Hear Bill Banning Sexually Explicit Shows From Getting Public Money
The Wyoming Senate got a bill Wednesday that would ban public money going to support sexually explicit events and entertainment. The bill would also keep government buildings from hosting those events in their spaces.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2025
Snowmobilers About To Pay More To Ride Wyoming’s Premier Trials
A bill that hikes annual registration fees for snowmobilers to ride Wyoming’s premier trails has passed both the state House and Senate. Proponents say it’s needed to keep up with the growing costs of keeping those trails among the nation’s best.
Zakary Sonntag for Cowboy State DailyFebruary 20, 2025
Homeschool Parents Closer To Not Having To Submit Plans To Local Districts
A bill that would mean Wyoming homeschool parents won’t have to submit their curricula to local school boards is sailing through the Legislature. Having already passed the house, the Wyoming Homeschool Freedom Act moved to the full Senate on Wednesday.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 19, 2025
Wyoming Anti-Squatter Bills Close To Becoming Law
A bill that would help law enforcement remove squatters passed the Wyoming House on Wednesday. If the Senate approves late changes to it, it will head to the governor's desk. Another bill targeting fake landlords is pending in the House.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2025
Change To Ballot Drop Box Ban Would Allow Drop Slots At Wyoming Courthouses
A significant change was made to a bill that would ban ballot drop boxes in Wyoming. It would allow for ballots to be deposited into courthouses from the outside, not unlike a safety deposit box or night depository at a bank.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 19, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 25
The 2025 Wyoming legislative session reached the 25-day mark Tuesday, advancing a bill that bans gun-free zones while a House member chastised his colleagues for not debating bills enough and taking “marching orders” from the Freedom Caucus.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 19, 2025
Landon Brown Blasts House Members For Taking “Marching Orders” From Freedom Caucus
State Rep. Landon Brown’s frustration boiled over Tuesday as he blasted some of his fellow state House members for not debating bills enough. He also chided them for taking “marching orders” on how to vote from Wyoming Freedom Caucus leadership.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 19, 2025
First 15 Bills Of 2025 Session Hit Governor’s Desk, 260 Other Bills Still Alive
The final stretch of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session is approaching with the first 15 bills hitting Gov. Mark Gordon’s desk for approval. There are still 260 bills remaining to be decided.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 19, 2025
Repeal of Wyoming’s Gun-Free Zones Clear Major Hurdle, Headed To Senate
A bill to repeal Wyoming’s gun-free zone was unanimously approved by a Wyoming Senate committee on Tuesday, and will head to the Senate Floor. Testimony included input from “More Guns, Less Crime” author John Lott.
Mark HeinzFebruary 19, 2025
Mike Gierau Is A True Wyoming Political Underdog — A Democrat From Jackson
State Sen. Mike Gierau is a good example of a political underdog in the Wyoming Legislature. He’s one of only two Democrats in the Senate — and he’s also from Jackson.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 18, 2025
Postmaster General, Who Gave Himself An “A” For Gutting Rural Mail Delivery, Is Quitting
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who gave himself an “A” for the controversial Delivery For America plan that gutted rural delivery, announced on Monday he is quitting. Wyoming leaders are thrilled.
Renée JeanFebruary 18, 2025
Full Senate To Debate Bill Banning Illegal Immigrants From Driving In Wyoming
A bill to ban illegal immigrants from driving in Wyoming easily passed a Senate committee Tuesday. But not before hearing some heated testimony from those who oppose it. Next stop for the bill is the full Senate for debate.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 18, 2025
Family Of Murdered Casper Man Says Wyoming Needs Missing Person Law
The family of a Casper man who went missing before finally being found murdered says Wyoming needs better protocols to handle cases like his. That’s why they support a new law to do that moving through the Legislature.
Jen KocherFebruary 18, 2025
Conversation With WYDOT Director Darin Westby
Jake Nichols had WYDOT Director Darin Westby on his program to discuss the latest on the Green River tunnel crash.
Jake NicholsFebruary 18, 2025
Wyoming Not Immune From Trump and Musk’s Downsizing Of Federal Government
Federal agencies in Wyoming like the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service aren’t immune from the sweeping downsizing President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are doing from Washington, D.C. Some probationary and seasonal workers have been cut.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 18, 2025
Trump Calls Bo Biteman A ‘Patriot’ For Universal School Vouchers Bill
President Donald Trump on Sunday called Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman a "patriot" for his efforts to pass the Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act, a bill that would bring universal school vouchers to Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 16, 2025
Wyoming Must 'Close The Door' On Running Over Wolves With Snowmobiles, Schmid Says
Though his bill to ban running predators over with snowmobiles failed, Wyoming Rep. Mike Schmid says he’s determined to “close the door” on the practice in Wyoming.
Mark HeinzFebruary 16, 2025
Wyoming Confirms First Human Case Of Bird Flu, 3rd Hospitalization In U.S.
Wyoming’s first human case of bird flu was caused by an infected poultry flock in Platte County. The person is hospitalized in another state, and is the nation’s third hospitalization.
Renée JeanFebruary 16, 2025
In Montana, If You Kill Someone In A Duel, You Have To Provide For His Family
Montana legislators are taking aim at an antiquated law that says if you kill or maim someone in a duel, you have to then provide for his family. That it’s still on the books elicited laughter from the Legislature when the bill to repeal the law was introduced.
David MadisonFebruary 15, 2025
After DEI Fight With Legislature, University Of Wyoming Launches Image Makeover
After a very public and contentious DEI fight with the state Legislature, the University of Wyoming is launching an image makeover. They say their new “Wyoming First” agenda will focus on actively promoting its state-focused programs.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 15, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 24
The 24th day of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session Friday featured lively discussions on universal school vouchers, abortion bills and banning ballot drop boxes.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 15, 2025
Trump Order Might Help Wyoming Couple Get Back Guns Seized By ATF
Thanks to an executive order from President Donald Trump, a Sheridan couple who lost their guns in an ATF raid might get them back.
Mark HeinzFebruary 15, 2025
Government Overreach, Sloppy Drafting Kill 2 Of 3 Wyoming Immigration Bills
The Wyoming Legislature killed two of three immigration-related bills after critics said they were poorly written. They also say the bills included overreach to constricted law enforcement agencies already cooperative with federal immigration officials.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 14, 2025
Ban On Ballot Drop Boxes In Wyoming Slowly Moving Forward In Legislature
Although they didn’t take a vote on it on Friday, multiple members of a Wyoming Senate committee told Cowboy State Daily they plan to support a ban on ballot drop boxes in Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 14, 2025
Converse County Commissioner Lobbies Congress For Relief From Federal Road Regs
Converse County Commission Chair James Willox lobbied a congressional subcommittee Wednesday, asking for “flexible” transportation laws. He said rural Western counties especially need relief from burdensome federal regulations.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 14, 2025
Wyoming Delegation Applauds Elon Musk’s DOGE Downsizing Government
Wyoming’s congressional delegation is fully behind Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, applauding its dramatic downsizing of the federal government. It’s “too big and spends too much,” says Sen. John Barrasso.
Sean BarryFebruary 14, 2025
Freedom Caucus Texting People To Pressure Senators To Pass “Five and Dime” Bills
The campaign arm of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus has been sending out text messages urging people to pressure their state senators to pass the group’s “Five and Dime” slate of bills.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 14, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 23
Day 23 of the Wyoming legislative session Thursday featured important conversations about property tax relief and school choice bills. Also, a group of hunters and anglers rallied at the Capitol against what they call “bad bills.”
Leo WolfsonFebruary 14, 2025
Sportsmen Rally Against “Bad Bills” They Say Would Ruin Wyoming’s Outdoor Paradise
With what they call “bad bills” being considered by the Wyoming Legislature, a group of hunters and anglers rallied outside the Capitol on Thursday. They say average people need more political clout to keep Wyoming an outdoor paradise.
Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2025
With Repeal Of Wyoming’s Gun-Free Zones Likely, Opponents Ask For Exceptions
Even some opponents of a bill to repeal Wyoming’s gun-free zones seemed resigned to it likely passing during testimony before legislators Thursday. Now they’re asking for exceptions.
Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2025
Landmark Property Tax Bill Now Calls For 50% Cut Based On COVID-Era Valuations
A bill that started the day as a straight 50% property tax cut was dramatically changed on Thursday. The 50% cut is now based on a property’s COVID-era assessed value from 2019-2024.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025
Hageman’s Postal Service Investigations Find Denver Mail Being Processed In Cheyenne
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman has been investigating the U.S. Postal Service and found that Denver mail is being processed in Cheyenne. The Denver centers are so overwhelmed, they can’t keep up, yet plans are to transfer Wyoming mail there.
Renée JeanFebruary 13, 2025
Wyoming Would Buy $10 Million In Gold Under Plan Approved By Committee
Gold commodities have been skyrocketing, a trend that’s only continued since the election of President Donald Trump. Now the Wyoming Legislature is looking to get in on the action, proposing to buy $10 million worth of gold.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025
Wyoming’s Oil And Gas Industry Excited Over Trump's Pick To Head BLM
Leaders in Wyoming’s oil and gas sector are excited about Kathleen Sgamma, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management.
Zakary Sonntag for Cowboy State DailyFebruary 13, 2025
Wyoming Firefighters, Law Officers Fill The Capitol To Protest Proposed Tax Cut
A group of Wyoming firefighters and law enforcement officers filled the state Capitol in Cheyenne on Wednesday to protest a proposed 50% property tax cut. They say it could gut the budgets of their local departments.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 22
Debate over a 50% property tax cut went into the late hours of the Legislature on Wednesday night after firefighters and law enforcement officers rallied against it at the Capitol earlier in the day.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 13, 2025
Montana Legislature Requires Public Bathroom Use Determined By Birth Sex
A law requiring bathroom use to correspond with a person’s sex organs at birth passed the Montana Legislature on Monday. Supporters say it will protect women and girls, while detractors worry it will only cause confusion.
David MadisonFebruary 13, 2025
Wyoming School Board Races A Step Closer To Becoming Partisan
A legislative committee easily passed a bill to the House floor Wednesday that would change local school board elections in Wyoming. Now nonpartisan, if Senate File 98 passes candidates will have to declare their political affiliations.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025
Lander Mayor Monte Richardson Dies Unexpectedly
Lander Mayor Monte Richardson died unexpectedly Wednesday. He had served as mayor since 2019. The City Council will meet Tuesday to appoint an interim mayor.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2025
Bill To Give Parents More School Choice, $7K Per Kid Vouchers Advances — Barely
The Senate Education Committee advanced a school choice bill Wednesday that would give parents $7,000 per child vouchers, but just barely. The 3-2 vote means the Senate will debate allowing parents to have public money to seek private education.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025
Wyoming’s Influence In Trump’s Energy Plan Grows With Lummis As Western Caucus Chair
A GOP-controlled Congress and Trump administration is paving the way for expanded fossil fuel and energy production. It also paves the way for Wyoming’s influence to grow with U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis chairing the Senate Western Caucus.
Sean BarryFebruary 12, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 21
The 21st day of the 2025 Wyoming legislative session featured animated discussions on making significant changes to the state’s elections and important decisions regarding the supplemental budget.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025
Bill Would Create Runoff Elections In Wyoming, Including For Governor
The Wyoming House passed a bill on second reading Tuesday that would create separate runoff elections for the state’s highest elected officials, including governor. A runoff would be triggered if no candidate gets 50% or more of the vote in a primary.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025
Legislators: If State’s Paying $90M For New La Prele Dam, Public Needs Access
If $90 million of Wyoming taxpayer money is going toward rebuilding the LaPrele Dam near Douglas, the public should have recreational access to the reservoir, legislators say.
Mark HeinzFebruary 11, 2025
Gordon Says “Never Say Never” About Political Future After Second Term
During an interview with Cowboy State Daily on Monday, Gov. Mark Gordon said he’d “never say never” about what his political future may hold after finishing his second term in 2026.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 11, 2025
Lifting Protection For Otters Expanded To Other Species By Senate Committee
A bill that would lift the protected status of Wyoming otters was expanded and advanced Tuesday by a state Senate committee. The new proposal would remove protections for other species, like the black-footed ferret and wolverines.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 11, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap: Day 20
Monday was the deadline for bills to get their first reading in the Legislature, which paved the way for some lengthy and colorful floor discussions.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 11, 2025
Legislator Concerned Property Tax Cuts Will Hurt Wyoming’s Future Generations
State Rep. J.D. Williams, R-Lusk, says he's concerned that his fellow lawmakers aren’t considering Wyoming’s future generations with the way they’re making property tax cuts in this year’s legislative session.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 11, 2025
State House Dumps Wyoming Cloud Seeding Program
Citing a lack of evidence that it works, the Wyoming House slashed all funding for the state’s cloud-seeding program on Monday.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 10, 2025
Postal Regulatory Commission Says Rural Populations Will Suffer Under ‘Delivering For America’ Plan
The Postal Regulatory Commission has issued an advisory opinion that is very critical of the Delivering for America Plan. Rural populations, in particular, won’t be receiving first-class mail for six or more days under the plan, the commission says.
Renée JeanFebruary 10, 2025
Barrasso Says Crowd Loved President Trump At Super Bowl; Taylor Swift -- Not So Much
Sen. John Barrasso went to the Super Bowl with President Trump on Sunday. “One of the highlights was when they showed President Trump on the screen and people cheered, and then they showed Taylor Swift on the screen and people booed," Barrasso told Cowboy State Daily.
Sean BarryFebruary 10, 2025
Steve Harshman Calls Out John Bear For Labeling Legislators as "Lobbyists"
Rep. Steve Harshman criticized fellow lawmaker Rep. John Bear on Monday for an op-ed where Bear labeled some legislators as "lobbyists." Harshman said it was a "reprehensible" accusation and could file a formal complaint.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 10, 2025
Special Op Is Being Planned To Rescue An 1893 Tree That’s Part Of Wyoming History
Deep in the most remote area of the Shoshone National Forest is a unique piece of 1893 history, inscribed on a beetle-killed tree and it's is in danger of being lost. A rescue mission is being attempted, but some money might be needed for a helicopter to sling the artifact out.
Renée JeanFebruary 09, 2025
The Best Mustaches Of The Wyoming Legislature
There are a number of state legislators who have some scruff above their upper lip in the 68th Wyoming Legislature. Two magnificent mustaches, however, rise above the fold.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 09, 2025
Wyoming Senate Outspends House By $109 Million In Supplemental Budget
The Wyoming Senate and House wrapped up their supplemental budgets on Friday night, with the Senate outspending the lower chamber by $109 million. Both added some support for local governments and schools in the event that a major property tax relief bill passes into law
Leo WolfsonFebruary 08, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap: Day 19
Supplemental budget discussions took up most of Day 19 at the Wyoming Legislature, while some critical bills were also killed in committee hearings.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 08, 2025
Wyoming Committee Kills 'Sweeping And Almost Vindictive' Anti-Obscenity Law
A Wyoming Legislative committee killed a broad anti-obscenity bill on Friday. Republican Rep. Tom Kelly said lawmakers shouldn't lose sight of the real problem of sexually-graphic books in kids' library sections, but the solution isn't to advance a “sweeping and almost vindictive law."
Clair McFarlandFebruary 08, 2025
Appropriations Committee Advances Sweeping Immigration Bill That Would Make It Felony To Harbor Illegals
A Wyoming immigration bill that would levy state-level felony charges against people who harbor or transport illegal immigrants kept its $1 million price tag Friday, when the Senate Appropriations Committee approved it. The state Senate will debate the bill next.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 07, 2025
Feds Will Listen To Wyoming This Time About BLM Rock Springs Plan, Former Trump Interior Official Says
A former high-ranking Dept of Interior official told Cowboy State Daily that the BLM's Rock Springs area plan will likely be heavily revised toward Wyoming’s liking and will be "very respectful" of Gov. Mark Gordon's recommendations.
Mark HeinzFebruary 07, 2025
Bill Would Give Wyoming Strongest Laws In Country To Fight Frivolous Defamation Lawsuits
A Wyoming legislative committee advanced a bill on Friday that legal experts say would give Wyoming the toughest laws in the country to prevent the filing of frivolous defamation lawsuits.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 07, 2025
Sidelined By Open-Heart Surgery, Casper Rep. J.R. Riggins Hopes To Return By Last Week Of Session
Casper. Rep. J.R. Riggins, elected to the legislature in November, spent one week on the job before open heart surgery. He hopes to return the last week of the session.
Dale KillingbeckFebruary 07, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap: Day 18
Tensions flared on Day 18 of the Wyoming Legislature as lawmakers sparred over the supplemental budget and parental choice.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 07, 2025
House Advances Bill To Create New State Monument, Mount Rushmore-Sized Optional
A legislative committee advanced a bill on Thursday that would create a group to study building a "Monument to America" in Wyoming. The amended bill removes the requirement the statue be as large as Mount Rushmore, however.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 07, 2025
University of Wyoming 'Will Have No Problem Complying' With NCAA Transgender Sports Ban
The NCAA on Thursday barred males from participating in women's sports. The University of Wyoming, which forfeited two women's volleyball matches last fall against a team with a trans player, said it will have “no problem complying.”
Clair McFarlandFebruary 07, 2025
Senate Saves Resolution Calling On Congress To Give Wyoming All Public Lands Except Yellowstone
On a razor thin 16 - 15 vote, the Wyoming Senate revived a bill on Thursday calling on Congress to hand over all public lands to the state, except Yellowstone. The bill had been rejected earlier in the day on a 16-14 vote.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 06, 2025
Without Stiffer Trespass Law, There Could Be Gunfights, ‘Blood On The Prairie,’ Lawmaker Says
A bill that would have stiffened Wyoming’s hunting trespass penalties died in committee on Thursday. The bill’s sponsor warned of violence if more isn’t done to curb trespassing. "I fear there will be shootouts and blood on the prairie,” Rep. Allemand said
Mark HeinzFebruary 06, 2025
Fremont County Library Director Publicly Scolded After Speaking Against Obscenity Bill
The library director for Fremont County was scolded Thursday for not clarifying she was speaking personally, when she criticized a proposed state law seeking to punish librarians for exposing kids to obscenity. Anita Marple said she'd clarify her position, and learn from the experience.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 06, 2025
House Advances Bill Giving Political Parties More Say In Filling Vacancies
The House Appropriations Committee, by a 6 - 1 margin, advanced a bill on Thursday that would give local and state political parties more power in filling political vacancies in Wyoming
Leo WolfsonFebruary 06, 2025
Bills To Ban Voting Machines Killed In Committee
Two bills that would’ve banned voting machines and mandate hand count elections in Wyoming were rejected by Senate and House committees on Wednesday night. Legislators cited costs and vulnerabilities as reasons for striking the bills down.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 06, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap - Day 17
Discussion of the supplemental budget was a major focus of the Wyoming Legislature on Wednesday, as were two bills that could ban abortion in Wyoming.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 06, 2025
Halfway Point: New Conservative Majority vs Old Guard Minority In 2025 Legislative Session
The 2025 Wyoming legislative session will reach its halfway mark on Thursday. The session looks and feels distinctly different from years’ past, with a majority made of Freedom Caucus Republicans, wielding power in the House for the first time.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 06, 2025
Wyoming Republicans Taking New Approach To Trying To Ban Abortion
The Wyoming Legislature considered two different bills on Wednesday that take new approaches in trying to ban abortions. The Legislature passed two separate bans on most forms of abortion in 2022 and 2023 but both are currently being held up in court.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 06, 2025
Wyoming Delegation Applauds Trump's Trans Athlete Ban
Wyoming's congressional delegation cheered President Donald Trump's Wednesday executive order defunding schools that let males play female-only sports. ”The far left’s attack on female athletes is the women’s rights issue of our time,” Sen. Lummis said.
Sean Barry & Clair McFarlandFebruary 05, 2025
Huge Immigration Bill Gets A Makeover; Wyoming Sheriffs Still Hesitant
A Senate committee proposed changes Tuesday to a massive Wyoming immigration bill that would make sheltering or transporting illegal immigrant a felony, among other mandates. The state's law enforcers can work within the new version, but they'd "hesitate" to say they support it, their lobbyist said.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 05, 2025
House Advances Bill To Make Wyoming Attorney General An Elected Position
The House Judiciary Committee advanced a bill on Wednesday, by a 6 - 3 margin, that would make the Wyoming Attorney General an elected position. Supporters of the bill have criticized Wyoming AG Bridget Hill for either taking too long to file lawsuits or not filing enough.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 05, 2025
Wyoming Legislative Recap — Day 16
Day 16 of the 2025 Wyoming Legislature on Tuesday featured passionate debates on Second Amendment protections and state license plates. It also saw the Senate pass a 50% cut to property taxes.
Leo WolfsonFebruary 05, 2025
Degenfelder Hopes Trump Will Eliminate U.S. Dept Of Education
Wyoming Superintendent Of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder told Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday that she hopes President Trump eliminates the U.S. Dept of Education. States should determine their own rules for federal funding, she said.
Clair McFarlandFebruary 05, 2025
Wyoming License Plates Would Be Mailed, Not Redone Every 8 Years Under Proposal
State legislators are considering a bill that would not require a redesign of license plates every eight years. That means you can keep your plates until they wear out. Also, people would get them via mail, not their county treasurers.
Renée JeanFebruary 05, 2025
Hageman Supports Trump’s Crackdown On “Insidious Organization” USAID
Rep. Harriet Hageman says she supports President Trump’s crackdown to cut the fund for the U.S. Agency for International Development. She calls USAID an “insidious organization” that has supported terrorism.
Sean BarryFebruary 05, 2025