Legislation watch: 2/18/22

Date: February 18, 2022
Categories: Local / State Government Watch, News, Promoting Participation In Government

Democracy: Use It or Lose It

The first week of the Wyoming Legislative Session is drawing to a close with many bills under consideration, here are a few that concern us.
PLEASE participate in our Democracy! Comment on bills, write/call your legislators. Check out our Guide to the Wyoming Legislative Budget Session for ways to be an active citizen. Use it or lose it.

Bills we are opposed to:

SENATE FILE NO. SF0103 – Education-limitations on teaching critical race history-2. This would prohibit any teaching of history that “inflames divisions: or harms the well-being of Wyoming residents.” Could be used to outlaw teaching of the genocidal wars waged against Native Americans and Jews. It could prohibit teaching about campaigns of racial hatred carried out against Blacks, Hispanics, Asians. The text of the bill reads  “American institution and ideals” shall not include divisive tenets often described as “critical race theory” or a social philosophy of “critical theory” that inflames divisions on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin or other criteria in ways contrary to the unity of the nation and the well-being of the state of Wyoming and its residents.
HOUSE BILL NO. HB0092 – Abortion prohibition-supreme court decision. Called a “trigger law” that will take effect when/if the supreme court of the United States overrules Roe v. Wade, this bill would outlaw all abortions in Wyoming even those that are now legal in Wyoming: when a pregnancy substantially endangers her life or health or when the pregnancy is the result of incest or sexual assault.

SENATE FILE NO. SF0097 – Change in party affiliation. Would make it more difficult to change party affiliation in order to vote in the Primary. We oppose this because, in Wyoming, there are so few choices on non-partisan or Democrat ballots. It would make it harder for people to participate in choosing their County Commissioners and other local elected officials.

House JOINT RESOLUTION NO. HJ0002 – Calling for a convention of States for the purpose of amending the U.S. Constitution. UPDATE: THIS BILL FAILED TO PASS ON 2/16/22.

Bills we support:

HOUSE BILL NO. HB0068 – Broadband and telehealth access projects. An act relating to the support of broadband internet and telehealth access; appropriating federal funds for broadband access projects and telehealth access projects as specified;

HOUSE BILL NO. HB0020 – Medical treatment opportunity act. An act relating to Medicaid; providing for the expansion of Medicaid eligibility; limiting the continued expansion of Medicaid eligibility as specified; repealing prior authorizations; and providing for an effective date.
Engaging with the Legislature
Call:
Senate Receptionist: 307.777.7711 (messages for Senators)
House Receptionist: 307.777.7852 (messages for Representatives)
Telephone Hotline: 866.996.8683. Use to recommend a vote for/against pending legislation or to obtain the status of a bill in process. Available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days the Legislature is in session.

Submit Online Form:
Online Hotline: During the legislative session, you can recommend support, opposition or leave a comment on legislation using the Online Hotline.

Testify:
Make a big impact by giving public comment. Wyoming residents can testify during a committee meeting. In order to testify via Zoom, you need to sign up:

  • Go to the online calendar (check back often for updates or sign up for email notices)
  • Find the meeting with the bill you’re interested in, click “testify” and fill out the form
  • You’ll receive an email with login information for the Zoom meeting During the public comment segment of the meeting you’ll have a chance to speak

Email:
Northwest Wyoming Legislators

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