Steinmetz update Feb. 23

CHEYENNE – American and Wyoming citizens have sent a resounding message: they want a return to conservative Republican values in how Wyoming and America are governed. Many times, this demand to change how our government operates reverberates to the local level and creates discomfort as established systems are questioned and laws are changed. However, regardless of how unsettling the transition may feel, we are stewards of an elected constitutional republic. It is our job to represent the people. The Wyoming Constitution says it well in Article 1, Section 1: “All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness; for the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper.”

Bold moves at the national level have set the stage for a transformative period in American history. President Trump has made headlines with his uncompromising approach to illegal immigration, the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, a renewed focus on election integrity, and a vigorous opposition to expansive green energy programs reminiscent of the Green New Deal. These policies - designed to reassert national sovereignty and prioritize American interests - have sparked a broader debate about the proper balance between federal and local control. Energized by these bold measures, voters granted their elected representatives a mandate to act and follow through on promises of reform and accountability.

Nowhere is this mandate more evident than in the 2025 Wyoming legislative session, where Senator Cheri Steinmetz is leading a series of decisive actions that mirror the national shift toward conservative Republican values. Below is an update on her sponsored legislation and related legislative efforts:

Update on Senator Steinmetz’s Sponsored Legislation
Public testimony is available in person or via Zoom.

• SF0084 – Country of Origin Label – USA Beef:
  PASSED in the Senate and the House; the bill will now go to a conference committee to work out differences between the chambers. It requires beef to be clearly labeled as “USA” or “local” if the beef is born, raised, slaughtered, and processed exclusively in the United States.
• SF0064 – Wyoming Opposes Mandatory ID Devices for Livestock:
  PASSED in both the House and Senate awaiting signature from the Governor. This legislation will formalize Wyoming’s opposition to mandatory Electronic Identification Devices (EID) and require the Livestock Board to inform livestock owners of their rights regarding voluntary identification.
• SF0103 – Terminating and Defunding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
  HEADING FOR THE HOUSE FLOOR after passing the House Labor Health Committee. It proposes to prohibit the use of funds for DEI initiatives across all levels of government, state agencies, the University of Wyoming, and community colleges.
• SF0083 – Large Energy Project Funding – Legislative Approval:
  FAILED for lack of a motion in the Senate Minerals Committee. This bill aimed to reassert legislative authority by requiring that large energy projects receive legislative approval rather than being determined solely by the Governor and his agencies.
• SF0092 – Make Carbon Dioxide Great Again: No Net Zero:
  FAILED for lack of a motion in the Senate Minerals Committee. This bill would have mandated that CO₂ be managed as a resource rather than as a contaminant or pollutant, calling for the repeal of Wyoming’s low carbon emission standards.
• SF0124 – Illegal Immigration: Identify, Report, Detain, and Deport:
  FAILED. This bill addressed aiding and abetting illegal immigrants, restricting public benefits and employment, and included proposed amendments to allocate $1 million to reimburse local law enforcement for potential funding gaps and anti-terrorism training.

Additional Legislative Efforts in the Session

• HB0131 – Ballot Drop Boxes Prohibition:
  Designed to prohibit ballot drop boxes outside, the bill was amended to permit drop boxes inside a county courthouse or other government building. An amendment was also included to fund these boxes from the Secretary of State’s election funds, preventing an unfunded mandate on county clerks.
• HB0154 – False Voting Amendments:
  This clean-up bill makes clear that a voter cannot cast more than one vote or vote in another state and then in Wyoming, thereby ensuring election integrity through statutory clarification.
• HB0156 – Proof of Voter Residency Registration Qualifications:
  Outlines the process for voters to prove residency and includes a provision requiring proof of citizenship. This is an important measure for maintaining election integrity.
• HB0173 – Independent Candidates Requirements:
  Aligns the filing deadlines for independent candidates with those for major or minor political parties, creating a fairer election process.
• HB0238 – Ballot Harvesting Prohibition:
  Prohibits individuals from collecting large numbers of ballots and delivering them to the courthouse on behalf of voters they do not personally know, a measure aimed at preventing potential election abuses.

At noon on Friday, Senator Steinmetz joined Chief Johnson from the Torrington Police Department and Representative Scott Smith to present HB0111 – Hit and Run Responsibility and Penalties, designed to enhance penalties for hit-and-run incidents causing bodily injury in Goshen County. Although the bill did not pass the Judiciary Committee - deemed overly broad - a commitment has been made to refine the proposal for the next session.

On Wednesday, Senator Steinmetz presented two key bills on the Senate floor as the prime lead sponsor:

• HB0064 – Chemical Abortions Ultrasound Requirement:
  Requires an ultrasound before chemical abortion pills can be prescribed by a healthcare provider. This bill aims to ensure the safety of women seeking chemical abortions, especially in light of the ongoing implications of the pending Supreme Court case concerning the Life is a Human Right Act.
• HB0172 – Repeal of Gun-Free Zones:
  Seeks to repeal gun-free zones in government buildings, legislative sessions, and public buildings (excluding educational facilities, where a Wyoming conceal carry permit is required). The bill includes parameters for colleges and K-12 institutions - no students may carry, but law-abiding conceal carry permit holders are permitted under defined conditions.

Additional successful measures include:

• HB0042 – Regulation of Surgical Abortions:
  Passed to establish parameters for surgical abortion clinics, ensuring they are located near a hospital, have admitting privileges, and operate under regulated conditions similar to a surgery center.
• HB0199 – Wyoming Freedom Scholarship:
  Passed in the Senate, this bill provides a $7,000 voucher per student for education from preschool through K-12, with recent amendments extending benefits to preschool education.

Together, these legislative efforts underscore a renewed focus on local priorities and the conviction that bold federal policies must be met with robust local action. As Wyoming navigates economic and administrative challenges, the work in the state legislature stands as a testament to the voters’ call for meaningful reform and accountable governance.

The Wyoming Legislature and the Legislative Process:
The Wyoming State Legislature is a citizen-run government body that meets annually to address state policy and budget matters. The legislature consists of a Senate with 31 members and a House of Representatives with 62 members, all dedicated to representing the interests of Wyoming’s citizens.

Wyoming's legislative process is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and public participation. The Legislature meets annually, with a 40-day general session held in even-numbered years and a 20-day budget session in odd-numbered years. Bills are introduced in either the Senate or House, each bill is assigned to a committee for detailed review and public testimony. Then the bill returns to the floor for debate and potential amendments. If passed in one chamber, it moves to the other chamber for the same process.

Once both chambers pass a bill, any differences are reconciled before the final version is sent to the Governor for approval, veto or going into law without his signature.

Stay Informed

Wyoming citizens are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with the legislative process by tracking bills, contacting your legislators and watching live sessions at wyoleg.gov.

About Senator Cheri Steinmetz:
Senator Cheri Steinmetz serves Senate District 3 and is committed to advocating for agriculture, water rights, and rural development issues. Senator Steinmetz represents Goshen, Niobrara and Weston Counties.