Representative Andrew Byron Addresses Legislative Developments in Final Week of 2025 Session
Contact: Representative Andrew Byron, House District 22
Email: Andrew.Byron@wyoleg.gov
Phone: 307-690-2767
CHEYENNE, WY – As the 2025 legislative session is in its last week, Representative Andrew Byron (HD-22) addresses recent legislative developments in the Wyoming House and Senate, including the Governor's vetoes, the failure of the supplemental budget, updates in property tax reform, and the passage of a bill he sponsored regarding treatment of animals.
Governor's veto of HB 64 - Chemical Abortions Ultrasound Requirement
“I applaud Governor Gordon's veto of HB 64. The government should never force women, or any person, to receive a medical procedure, especially one as invasive as a transvaginal ultrasound. It's embarrassing that it has come to this. This is not conservative small government, this is a disgusting overreach of big government.”
Update on the Supplemental Budget
“The Senate’s decision to not pass the supplemental budget was a significant development,” said Representative Byron. “The freedom caucus modified the supplemental budget so significantly that I, and many of my colleagues in both chambers, could no longer support it. A supplemental budget should remain just that—supplemental. The more either body attempts to manipulate it, the more complicated it becomes.”
It is to Representative Byron’s dismay that the failure of this year’s supplemental budget will result in the loss of critical funding for vital state programs, including the state property tax refund program, child development centers, and funds essential to replenishing firefighting accounts depleted during last summer’s wildfire season.
The failure of the supplemental budget is yet another example of the freedom caucus playing political games at the expense of the needs of Wyoming’s people.
SF 69 - Homeowner Property Tax Exemption
Representative Byron highlighted that the House and Senate have resolved their differences in SF 69 and produced changes Representative Byron had hoped to see. “The joint conference committee has finalized a 25% exemption on the first $1,000,000 of the fair market value, including improvements and land, without a sunset provision,” he stated. “This is the final and most impactful property tax reform Wyoming will need in the coming years. Refund programs established last year include a 50% exemption for residents over 65 who have paid Wyoming property taxes for 25 years as well as a 4% cap. Now, the 68th Legislature will put money back into the pockets of our property tax payers, easing the tax burden for Wyoming residents.”
Continuing Concern Over Representative Engagement
Representative Byron commented on the spirited debates that took place within the house this week. “Over the past few days we have had passionate discussions, challenged one another, and ultimately advocated for Wyoming values. However, it was evident that while some members were fully engaged, others sat out and avoided the conversations. It is clear what legislators come prepared to engage and who are simply being told how to vote. I will continue to emphasize these concerns, as Wyoming deserves leaders who are independent thinkers and prepared to represent their constituents' needs, not representatives who simply follow directives from out-of-state interests.”
HB 275 - Treatment of Animals - A Major Legislative Victory
HB 275 has passed both chambers and has been signed by the Governor. Representative Byron, the bill’s primary sponsor, expressed his gratitude for the support from both the House and Senate that led to its passage. “Both Senators and Representatives have attested that this is one of the most important bills of the session; I am proud to get it across the finish line. It was an honor to collaborate with former Attorney General Pat Crank on this bill. All animals must be treated with the utmost respect in Wyoming, and this new piece of legislation is a critical step forward in preventing tragic incidents like the one that occurred in Sublette County last year.”
Representative Byron remains committed to fighting for Wyoming values and delivering results for the people of HD-22.