Government & Politics
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Legislature Still Hasnât Passed A Budget, But Gordon Already Makes Veto To It
The Wyoming Legislature goes into the last day of whatâs been a highly confrontational 2024 session Friday without having passed a budget, but that hasnât stopped Gov. Gordon from already vetoing part of it.
Leo WolfsonMarch 08, 2024
Only A Veto By Gov. Gordon Can Keep Wyomingâs Gun-Free Zones
A bill to eliminate Wyomingâs gun-free zones easily passed its final vote before the stateâs Senate Thursday, 28-8, and is headed to Gov. Mark Gordonâs desk where only his veto can stop it from becoming law.
Mark HeinzMarch 08, 2024
Wyoming Legislature Passes Bill To Ban Transgender Surgeries On Minors
The Wyoming legislature on Thursday passed a bill banning minors from receiving transgender treatments in the state. With the governorâs signature, Sen. Anthony Bouchardâs âChloeâs Lawâ legislation will take effect July 1.
Leo WolfsonMarch 08, 2024
Legislator Says Wyoming Freedom Caucus Is âWeaponizingâ House Roll Call Votes
State Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, said members of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus have been âweaponizingâ the legislative process through the calling of roll call votes.
Leo WolfsonMarch 07, 2024
Mixed Feelings In Wyoming Legislature About Budget âCompromiseâ
A budget proposal finalized Tuesday may face some serious pushback in the House and Senate when itâs presented to the full Legislature on Thursday afternoon.
Leo WolfsonMarch 07, 2024
First Property Tax Relief Bill Of The Wyoming Leg. Session Headed To Gordonâs Desk
The Wyoming Senate passed and sent the first property tax bill to come out of the 2024 session to Gov. Mark Gordonâs desk for approval Wednesday, a bill that will cut property taxes for long-term homeowners by 50%.
Leo WolfsonMarch 07, 2024
Schools Canât Keep Info. From Parents As Gordon Lets Law Pass Without Signature
Gov. Mark Gordon let a bill pass without his signature Tuesday requiring Wyoming schools to notify parents about changes to their childrenâs health status and get permission to teach about sexual orientation or gender identity.
Leo WolfsonMarch 07, 2024
Resurrected Gun-Free Zones Bill Advances, With Guns In Dorms And Hospitals Still OK
A bill that would eliminate Wyomingâs gun-free zones passed its second reading before the state Senate on Wednesday and is one vote away from heading to Gov. Mark Gordonâs desk.
Mark HeinzMarch 06, 2024
Wyoming Company Will Sue If Gordon Signs Ban On Altered Hemp Derivatives
A law that seeks to close a loophole that has some entrepreneurs adding THC additives like Delta-8 is on Gov. Mark Gordonâs desk for his signature. At least one Wyoming company says it will sue if the bill becomes law.
Renée JeanMarch 06, 2024
Changing Of The Guard? Infighting Sharply Divides Wyoming Senate
The rise of a faction opposing Senate President Ogden Driskillâs leadership has become a significant factor contributing to escalating infighting thatâs dividing the body.
Leo WolfsonMarch 06, 2024
Largest Crowd In Memory Turns Out To Protest Casper Mountain Gravel Pit
Natrona County commissioners said the overflow crowd that turned out Tuesday to protest a controversial gravel pit proposal on state-owned land at the base of Casper Mountain was the largest they could remember.
Dale KillingbeckMarch 06, 2024
Fremont County Library Board Votes 3-2 To Keep Controversial Books
In a lively debate on Wednesday, the Fremont County Library Board voted 3-2 to keep two controversial books in the young adult section of the library that contain subject matter on child molestation, group sex, anal sex, oral sex, filming of pornography, and other topics.
Clair McFarlandMarch 06, 2024
Day After Senate Shakeup, New Budget Finalized By Legislative Committee
It only took a day for a new Senate Joint Conference Committee of the Wyoming Legislature to strike a compromise with the House on the biennial budget after the previous Senate appointees had failed to strike an agreement after four days.
Leo WolfsonMarch 06, 2024
Driskill Calls Effort To Revive Gun-Free Zone Bill "Absolutely Idiocy"
Wyoming Senate President Ogden Driskill said Tuesdayâs move to override his ruling about reviving a bill to eliminate gun-free zones was âabsolute idiocyâ and the result of a âraw power struggle on the floor.â Sen. Dave Kinskey said it was nothing personal.
Leo WolfsonMarch 05, 2024
House Torches Bill To Add More Charter Schools In Wyoming
After a legislative committee killed a proposal to expand charter schools in Wyoming on Monday, the state House rejected an effort on Tuesday to resurrect it. Had it passed, the bill would have allowed a state commission to approve another charter school this year -- something proponents say is sorely needed.
Clair McFarlandMarch 05, 2024
Two Fremont County Library Books Challenged For Obscenity: Hereâs Whatâs In Them
The Fremont County Library Board will consider challenges of two books in its young-adult section, âSmokeâ and âTricks,â on claims they are obscene with graphic depictions of drug use and sex. Cowboy State Daily has read and reviewed both books. Hereâs whatâs in them.
Clair McFarlandMarch 05, 2024
Hageman Says Bidens Are "Most Corrupt Family In Position Of Power in U.S. History"
Rep. Harriet Hageman, who played a key role in interrogating Hunter Biden last week, said the presidentâs sonâs story doesn't add up. âYou donât pay a crackhead $1 million a year to be on a board in a foreign country unless youâre getting something for it.â
Leo WolfsonMarch 05, 2024
Wyoming State Senate Committee Kills Bill Eliminating Gun-Free Zones
After passionate testimony on both sides, the Wyoming Senate Judiciary Committee late Monday evening rejected a bill that would have eliminated the stateâs gun-free zones by a 3-2 margin. In stark contrast, the House passed the bill 57-4.
Mark HeinzMarch 05, 2024
Barrasso To Run For Whip, Not Leader
Though mentioned as one of the favorites to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell as Senate Republican leader, Wyoming's senior Sen. John Barrasso announced early Tuesday he's seeking the Republican whip position instead.
Clair McFarlandMarch 05, 2024
Chaos In Wyoming Senate After Driskill Boots Budget Team
Members of the Wyoming Senate reached a boiling point Monday night over failure to bridge a $1.1 billion gap in budget negotiations with the House. Senate President Ogden Driskill then fired his budget team and replaced them with new members.
Leo WolfsonMarch 05, 2024
Each Wyoming School District Could Get $10,000 To Store Guns, Train Staff
A bill moved to the Wyoming House floor Monday would give school districts $10,000 each to safely store firearms in schools, and also help pay to train staff how to use them.
Mark HeinzMarch 05, 2024
Wyoming House OKs Bill Allowing Power Companies To Charge For Carbon Capture
The Wyoming House on Monday passed a bill that would push back carbon-capture retrofits for power plants by three years, and for utilities to recoup the cost of it from customers.
Pat MaioMarch 05, 2024
Bill Targeting Deepfake AI Fraud Dies In Wyoming Committee
A bill that wouldâve given Wyoming the most expansive law in the nation targeting fraudulent deepfake artificial intelligence videos died in committee Monday.
Clair McFarlandMarch 05, 2024
Ban On Trans Treatments For Kids In Wyoming Close To Becoming Law
A bill that would prohibit doctors from performing gender transitioning treatments on minors in Wyoming is close to becoming law. Sen. Anthony Bouchard's legislation passed a House committee on Monday and is all but certain to pass the House.
Leo WolfsonMarch 05, 2024