Capitol Dispatches Archives - Page 2 of 20

Session recap: WTF is going on with abortion in Wyoming?

The Legislature ditched the “trigger ban” it passed in 2022 in favor of two new bans—all of which are or will be tied up in court. Abortion remains legal until a ruling comes down from the Wyoming Supreme Court about whether abortion is “healthcare” protected by the state constitution. Meanwhile, the governor and others increasingly believe the issue will be decided eventually at the ballot.

Session recap: WTF is going on with abortion in Wyoming? Read More »

2023 General Session, Capitol Dispatches, FEATURED, Healthcare

Session recap: You gotta fight for your right … to marry children

Religious fundamentalists in the Wyoming Freedom Caucus and the Wyoming State GOP fought tooth and nail for the “freedom” to continue marrying children. Fortunately, this was one of many fights that they lost in 2023, as the Legislature passed its first law prohibiting marriage for children under 16.

Session recap: You gotta fight for your right … to marry children Read More »

2023 General Session, Capitol Dispatches, FEATURED

“Florida Bills” (mostly) fail at the Wyoming Legislature

Wyoming and Florida are worlds apart by most standards. But a raft of bills inspired by laws in the Sunshine State have come forth during the 2023 session, as so-called “Freedom Caucus” members seek to fight Critical Race Theory, transgender athletes, and other non-issues in Wyoming.

“Florida Bills” (mostly) fail at the Wyoming Legislature Read More »

2023 General Session, Capitol Dispatches, FEATURED

Lawmakers defeat bills targeting Wyo. public schools and libraries

Proposals brought by the so-called “Freedom Caucus” to divert public money to private and religious schools and to criminalize librarians for “obscene” books have all failed this session.

Lawmakers defeat bills targeting Wyo. public schools and libraries Read More »

2023 General Session, Capitol Dispatches, Education Funding, FEATURED

All the Wyo. Legislature’s unconstitutional abortion bans

Two bills poised to pass the Wyoming Legislature in 2023 double down on last year’s “trigger ban” by adding further restrictions, including removing exceptions for incest and rape and banning pharmaceutical abortion. But both new laws will certainly be challenged in court and they likely will not stand.

All the Wyo. Legislature’s unconstitutional abortion bans Read More »

2023 General Session, Capitol Dispatches, FEATURED

Wyo Legislature once again looks to restrict primary voting

A Wyoming Senate Committee that has already killed one “crossover voting” ban during the 2023 legislative session is set to hear another—the last one standing. But party purists in years past have gone to great (and shady) lengths to restrict primary voting, so it’s anyone’s guess what will happen.

Wyo Legislature once again looks to restrict primary voting Read More »

2023 General Session, Capitol Dispatches, FEATURED, Voting

Freedom Caucus bill would prosecute Wyoming librarians as child pornographers

The bill would remove protections for librarians against overzealous government censorship, opening them up to prosecution for child pornography and obscenity. Fortunately, some in Wyoming are fighting back against banning books and demonizing librarians.

Freedom Caucus bill would prosecute Wyoming librarians as child pornographers Read More »

2023 General Session, Capitol Dispatches, FEATURED

Will the Wyo. “Freedom Caucus” kill health coverage for new moms?

A bill to stop the rollback of Wyoming Medicaid coverage for uninsured new moms has broad support. Advocates for HB-4 say it will ensure the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies. But Freedom Caucus member Rep. Chip Neiman, who as House Majority Floor Leader can unilaterally kill any bill he wants, might not let it see the light of day.

Will the Wyo. “Freedom Caucus” kill health coverage for new moms? Read More »

2023 General Session, Capitol Dispatches, FEATURED, Healthcare

Save the politicians, screw the people: “Redistricting” showed the bald self interest that drives the Wyoming Legislature

Members of the public made clear their wishes for better representation during the Wyoming Legislature’s 2022 “redistricting” process. But in the end, the chaotic ordeal confirmed that most lawmakers’ number one priority is protecting their own political interests.

Save the politicians, screw the people: “Redistricting” showed the bald self interest that drives the Wyoming Legislature Read More »

2022 Budget Sesssion, Capitol Dispatches, FEATURED, Voting

Wyoming Legislature passes law to ban abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned

The Equality State will become the 13th in the nation with this kind of “trigger law,” which would put a ban into effect if the U.S. Supreme Court reverses its landmark reproductive rights decision.

Wyoming Legislature passes law to ban abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned Read More »

Capitol Dispatches, FEATURED