Senate Floor Session-Day 5, February 13, 2026-AM [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a roll call confirming the presence of 31 senators, followed by an opening prayer led by Reverend Christian Paul Basil. The journal from the previous day was approved without objections. Senator John Barrasso was welcomed back, sharing updates on his work in Washington, D.C., particularly regarding energy, agriculture, and rural healthcare, and highlighting the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which provides $500 million in tax relief for Wyoming over five years. Several senators recognized various individuals and groups, including First Lady Jenny Gordon and the Wyoming Youth Advisory Council. The doctors of the day were acknowledged, and a light-hearted moment celebrated Senator Dan Dockstader's birthday. A student page, Marlo Ellis, shared her experience at Wyoming Girls State, where she drafted a bill inspired by "Breaking Bad." A representative from the Girls State delegation expressed gratitude to the senators for their dedication to improving Wyoming. Legislative updates included reminders about second reading amendment requests and upcoming deadlines. Senator Rothfuss introduced guests from Casper Pride, Laramie PFLAG, and the Wyoming Equality Network to discuss equality issues. The Senate discussed several bills, all recommended to pass, including: 1. Senate File 45: Local approval for simulcasting. 2. Senate File 58: Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act Sunset Repeal. 3. Senate File 67: Wyoming State Guard Amendments. 4. Senate File 4: Medicaid Rate Increase for EMS Services. 5. Senate File 14: Literacy position for K-3 reading program. 6. Senate File 32: 911 funding. 7. Senate File 82: Duties of registered agents. A statement condemning the distribution of campaign contributions during the legislative session was read and signed by all senators. New bills introduced included: - Senate File 117: Zoning protest petition amendments. - Senate File 118: Eminent domain for water projects. - Senate File 119: Strategic Investments and Projects Account Repeal 2. Senator Hicks moved for the introduction of Senate File 119, which passed with a majority vote. Additional bills introduced included: - Senate File 120: K-12 school facilities major maintenance. - Senate File 121: Wyoming Pharmacy Act Amendment. - Senate File 122: Medical Necessity Standard Timeline Amendments. - Senate File 81: K-12 Public School Finance II. - Senate File 124: Economic development through a rodeo museum. - Senate File 125: Wyoming Business Council amendment. - Senate File 126: Wyoming-Ireland Trade Commission. - Senate Joint Resolution 9: Protecting public lands. Senator Olson requested the re-referral of Senate File 67 to the appropriations committee. During the second reading of Senate File 28, an amendment for public observation of voting machine tests was adopted after discussion. Senate Files 30 and 80 passed their second readings without objection. A consent list for third readings was presented, with several bills passing unanimously. Senator Case acknowledged an error regarding the amendment for public observers and suggested revisiting the number of observers. The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings, including discussions on various bills related to education, labor, health, social services, revenue, and appropriations. The Senate was motioned to recess until 2 p.m.