Posting up — Legislators staking out positions as session begins

The 68th Wyoming Legislature began its general session on Jan. 14 with the swearing in of newly elected members, including Rep. JD Williams, R-Lusk, and Speaker of the House Chip Neiman, and then both bodies got right to work.

Following the swearing in, committee work began before lawmakers took a break for the State of the State address from Gov. Mark Gordon, according to Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, R-Lingle.

“The 2024 General Session of the Wyoming State Legislature is building some momentum,” Williams said in his weekly update. “It remains to be seen if that is a good thing …, but things are certainly beginning to move. Bills are coming over from the Senate and we should have some House bills to send back to them by this afternoon (Monday).”

Bills of importance mentioned by Williams in his weekly update include HB 0080 —  Stop ESG-State Funds Fiduciary Duty Act. He stated that this bill is going through the committee process.

“Many of you saw this bill coming from a mile away and gave me the heads-up weeks ago. You pointed out that there seemed to be a disconnect between the writer of the bill and our situation in Wyoming, as the language in the bill was more political and the issue was more financial,” Williams said. “Oftentimes, that is the case when someone brings an out-of-state, feel-good bill and tries to convince Wyoming that it is just what we need.”

He also said that he predicted Wyoming State Treasurer Curt Meier would come out in opposition of the bill and that was exactly what happened.

“Of course, I received the most input from those of you whose retirement funds were put at risk. HB 0080 also threatens other State investments and municipal investments held with the State,” Williams said. “All of your observations were accurate.”

Testimony on this bill was taken by the Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee, he noted. Video of this testimony can be found on the Wyoming Legislature’s YouTube channel.

“It is very interesting (seriously), as the issues we have discussed over the last couple weeks are explained thoroughly. The videos are pretty interesting as everyone starts paying attention when the Legislature starts playing politics with folk’s retirement funds,” Williams said. “Will they amend it heavily, bring a replacement bill, table it, kill it? By the time this hits the paper, we will know.”

Another area of concern for Williams is HB 0102, a bill that proposes an election for attorney
general in Wyoming. According to Williams, for the past 135 years the governor has appointed the attorney general and the Senate confirms the selection.

“Currently, the AG serves as the chief law enforcement officer and chief legal counsel for the state, ensuring that the law is upheld without personal or political agenda,” Williams said. “If we cheapen the AG’s office by putting a politician behind the desk, we will enable the AG to ignore directives from the governor, leading to conflicts of interest and decisions driven by political motivations rather than the rule of law.”

He noted that this will diminish the quality of legal representation for the state and grow the government.

On the Senate side, Steinmetz said in her weekly update that her priorities include bills opposing mandatory electronic livestock identifications, advocating for country-of-origin labeling, challenging CO2’s pollutant status, addressing illegal immigration, defining health care and defunding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

“These proposals reflect my commitment to individual rights, agricultural interests, national security and conservative values.

According to her weekly update, SF 0064 — Wyoming Opposes Mandatory Electronic ID Devises-Livestock — would require the state veterinarian and all veterinarians practicing in the state to inform producers of their options regarding voluntary traceability forms of identification authorized by Wyoming law. She notes that in November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture mandated that breeding-age cattle, bison and all rodeo stock must have EID for disease traceability.

“The legislation also requires buyers in the receiving state that has chosen to follow the EID mandate are responsible for tagging upon receipt of the livestock,” she said.

Another focus of Steinmetz this year is SF 0092 — Make Carbon Dioxide Great Again.

“In a bold move, we are challenging the narrative that C02 is a pollutant as categorized by the EPA. This bill acknowledges the truth that C02 is plant food and the basic building block of all life on Earth,” she said. “SF 0092 repeals the low carbon emission standards passed in 2020.”

Steinmetz closed her update by reminding people that they can watch the session online, track bills, contact the Legislature and stay up to date on all happenings at wyoleg.gov.

“I will continue to update my social media and send out weekly updates during the session. I am always available, accessible and accountable to you, my constituents. Please feel free to reach out,” she said.