CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Legislature’s 2021 General Session will initially convene on Jan. 12, 2021 but may delay the working days of the session until a later date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leadership are evaluating the pandemic situation and will “determine the best course of action for the continuation of the 2021 General Session and develop session dates and calendars accordingly,” a motion adopted by the Management Council in November explains.
Legislative Service Office (LSO) staff said on Thursday that it remains unknown when the working dates of the session will occur.
In the meantime, the Joint Appropriations Committee have been holding virtual meetings in December in preparation of the 2021 General Session. That includes budget hearings and discussion surrounding legislation that the legislature will consider during the session.
LSO staff will work with the judicial branch to have members of the legislature sworn in during the week of Jan. 4, 2021.
“All newly elected members of the 66th Wyoming Legislature be offered the option of being sworn in on January 12 in the chambers to which they are elected,” the motion from the Management Council adds.
Each new member will be allowed to invite up to four guests to attend the swearing in ceremony on Jan. 12. Guests will be required to comply with public health orders such as wearing of face coverings, if those public health orders are still in effect.
Legislators themselves are strongly encouraged, but not required to comply with the face covering mandate, according to the Management Council motion.
The legislature will convene virtually “while anchored at the seat of government in the State Capitol in Cheyenne” starting at noon on Jan. 12, 2021 to commence the 2021 General Session.
Initial business which will be conducted on that date will include the following:
- A. Election of Legislative Leadership
- B. Adopt Rules for the 66th Legislature
- C. Receiving an address from Governor Gordon
- D. Consideration of bills
- E. Introduction and assign committee bills
- F. Assignment of gubernatorial appointees, if submitted at that time, to Senate Standing Committees for consideration
The Management Council’s motion notes that the legislature may conduct other business in addition to what is listed above.
