by Dustin Bleizeffer, WyoFile Lawmakers agreed Wednesday to change course on a raft of legislation that was hastily thrown together in recent weeks in hopes of heading off Rocky Mountain Power’s proposed 29.2% electricity rate increase. After hearing pleas to proceed with caution, a legislative committee agreed to set aside some of the draft bills, including […]
Legislature
Posted inWyoming
Agency that certifies Wyoming’s cops can’t access their files
by Tennessee Watson, WyoFile The state agency that certifies Wyoming’s law enforcement officers doesn’t have the authority it needs to effectively investigate misconduct violations, the agency’s top official says. The Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission has been repeatedly denied access to officers’ personnel records — including those belonging to controversial former Albany County sheriff’s deputy […]
Posted inWyoming
Delta-8 — AKA ‘diet weed’ — could be criminalized in Wyoming
Hemp-derived product creates similar, but often more mild, effects as marijuana. Its legality is tenuous, but it’s become a big business in Wyoming.
Posted inWyoming
Better signs, bigger penalties: Legislature, WYDOT take on blow-over crashes
Last winter’s higher-than-usual interstate closures and an increasing number of wind-blown wrecks have spurred lawmakers into action.
Posted inWyoming
Lawmakers punt on crossover-ban fix
Amid concerns that a new law inadvertently disenfranchises some voters, a legislative panel delayed a decision to an October meeting.
Posted inPolitics
Senate candidate announces town hall meetings for Casper
CASPER, Wyo. — Reid Rasner, a Republican candidate for United States Senate, announced today that he will be hosting weekly town hall meetings across Wyoming. This will kick off his “We The People” tour, where he will be bringing a message of strength and leadership to the people of Wyoming, according to a press release […]
Posted inCommunity
Gov. Mark Gordon celebrates 1st anniversary of Wyoming’s 988 Suicide Lifeline Service
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves, please call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text “WYO” to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line. CASPER, Wyo. — Gov. Mark Gordon says the 988 service […]
Posted inGovernment
Secretary of State’s Office seeks public comment on proposed amendments to require disclosure of ESG investing per Securities Rules
Secretary of State’s office opens public comment on proposed amendments.
Posted inGovernment
Secretary of State’s Office opens public comment period on digital asset registration rule
Public comments regarding the rules may be submitted by email
Posted inWyoming
Tribes, state look to improve Wyoming’s Indigenous child custody laws
A task force is discussing enhancements to Wyoming’s Indian Child Welfare Act that would bolster tribal involvement and authority.
Posted inWyoming
Governor Gordon appoints new public records ombudsman
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Governor Mark Gordon has announced the appointment of Charlotte Martinez to replace Darlena Potter as Wyoming’s public records ombudsman. The ombudsman position was created with the passage of Senate File 57 in 2019. The public records ombudsman serves as a resource for the public to resolve issues regarding public records requests submitted to […]
Posted inOutdoors
Wyoming BLM issues lease sale notice for over 95K acres of public land
The Bureau of Land Management Wyoming State Office issued the sale notice for a oil and gas lease sale offering 115 parcels covering 95,351.20 acres in Wyoming scheduled for September 6, 2023.
Posted inWyoming
Elk wars: Inflated herds spur committee duel, radical proposals
Two elk-related bills are poised to emerge from the Agriculture Committee, where lawmakers took on an unassigned topic because of dissatisfaction with another committee’s response.
Posted inOutdoors
Outdoor rec. stakeholders mull options, await next legislative action
Lawmakers established a key trust fund for developing recreational infrastructure, but not the rules for how it will be governed.
Posted inLegislature, Politics, State Politics, Statewide, Wyoming
Governor, AG oppose secretary of state’s request to join abortion ban defense
Defendants state Chuck Gray has ‘no legal authority’ to intervene. They don’t oppose other intervenors, but question the need for hearing or trial.
Posted inLegislature
Legislative committee requests bill draft to provide statewide forensic pathologist
Katie Roenigk, County 10 A legislative committee is moving forward with plans to possibly provide a statewide forensic pathologist to conduct autopsies in Wyoming. The Joint Judiciary Committee asked state staffers to draft a bill this week that would create two such positions. “I think it’s worthy of further conversation,” Wyoming Sen. Bill Landon, R-Casper, said. “I’d rather spend […]
Posted inLegislature, Politics, State Politics, Statewide, Wyoming
Embattled abortion medication remains legal, for now
Wyoming patients and providers can still legally access mifepristone and have other options if it becomes illegal.
Posted inWyoming
Hageman, state officials tout circumventing Endangered Species Act
Congress is attempting to delist populations of grizzly bears near Yellowstone and Glacier parks and wolves across their range in the Lower 48.
Posted inCommunity, Legislature, Legislature, Politics, State Politics, Wyoming
Far-right advances motivate ‘pro-Wyoming’ lawmakers to organize
Details of the so-called Wyoming Caucus are still scant, but movement is afoot to coalesce and support non-Freedom Caucus members of the Wyoming Legislature.
Posted inLegislature
Remote public testimony secured for legislative interim
After two committees declined to take remote testimony during the 2023 session, Management Council voted to guarantee its availability during interim meetings.
Posted inCommunity, Legislature, Legislature, Politics, State Politics, Wyoming
Republican lawmakers divided on scope of government
Conservative concepts like constitutionality and local control have long held sway at the Legislature, but this session Republicans butted heads over these ideals.
Posted inLatest News
Wyoming legislation recognizes 4-H as cocurricular program, allows excused absences
In Wyoming, 4-H is now considered a cocurricular activity, allowing members to obtain excused absences for participation in 4-H.
Posted inCommunity, Health, Legislature, Legislature, Politics, State Politics, Wyoming
Hearing to block new abortion ban likely in days
Governor says it’s probable the new near-total abortion-ban law will be tied up in court and should instead go to a popular vote.
