Senate Floor Session-Day 8, February 18, 2026-PM [Source] Translate

The meeting began with the Senate recognizing three high school interns: Kristen Boyson, Clayton Fedor, and Taylor Peters. Senator Steinmetz introduced the Wyoming Federation of Republican Women and their chairwoman, Sherri Davis. Reports from standing committees included recommendations for several bills: 1. **Joint Resolution 5** (Convention of States) - Recommended to pass by Committee Number 1 (Judiciary). 2. **Senate File 72** (Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact) - Recommended to pass by Committee Number 4 (Education). 3. **Senate File 35** (School district cell phone and smart watch policies) - Recommended to pass as amended by Committee Number 4 (Education). 4. **Senate File 90** (School facilities use fees) - Recommended to pass as amended by Committee Number 4 (Education). 5. **Senate File 102** (Wyoming Energy Transmission Study) - Recommended to pass as amended by Committee Number 7 (Corporations, Elections, and Political Subdivisions). 6. **Senate File 22** (Unincorporated Nonprofit Associations Amendments) - Recommended to pass by Committee Number 9 (Minerals, Business, and Economic Development). 7. **Senate File 55** (Special Purpose Depository Institution Amendments) - Recommended to pass by Committee Number 9 (Minerals, Business, and Economic Development). 8. **Senate File 54** (State Banks and SPDI Conversions) - Recommended to pass by Committee Number 9 (Minerals, Business, and Economic Development). 9. **Senate File 117** (Zoning protest petition amendments) - Recommended to pass as amended by Committee Number 7 (Corporations, Elections, and Political Subdivisions). The Senate moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider bills on general file. **Senate File 71** (Wyoming Department of Homeland Security) was discussed, aiming to separate the Office of Homeland Security from the governor's budget for transparency. The bill was recommended to pass. **Senate File 126** (Wyoming-Ireland Trade Commission) was introduced to establish a trade commission to promote business between Wyoming and Ireland, recommended to pass. **Senate File 57** (Transparency in Hospital Service Pricing) was presented, requiring hospitals to disclose prices for services. An amendment for a sunset provision was proposed and adopted, and the bill was recommended to pass. A motion was made to adopt a standing committee amendment for Senate File 57, which was approved. One member abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest. **Senate File 122** (Medical Necessity Standard Timeline Amendments) was introduced to reduce the time for health insurers to determine medical necessity from 45 days to 21 days, which was recommended to pass. **Senate File 124** (Economic Development Rodeo Museum) was presented, with an amendment to update funding distribution timelines. The project aims to enhance tourism and preserve cowboy heritage, and the bill passed. **Senate File 20** (Data Privacy for Government Entities) was introduced to provide privacy protections for citizens regarding their data held by government entities. The bill was moved for a recommendation to pass. The meeting also discussed a bill regarding state agencies' data collection and retention policies, which included amendments for clarity and compliance timelines. **Senate File 27** was passed, allowing the use of leashed blood-trailing dogs to track black bears. **Senate File 39** (long-term homeowner tax exemption sunset repeal) was discussed, with amendments to streamline the application process and cap property value for the exemption. The bill passed. **Senate File 43** (Conservation District Supervisor Contracting) aimed to repeal a financial requirement for district supervisors, which passed. **Senate File 88** addressed residency restrictions for sex offenders near childcare facilities, with provisions for existing residents. The bill passed after discussions on enforcement. Senator Rothfuss raised concerns about a proposed registry related to childcare facilities. **Senate File 67** (Wyoming State Guard) was discussed, aiming to organize the State Guard with proposed amendments for clarity. The bill passed. **Senate File 107** aimed to create a new motor vehicle registration system, supported by county treasurers and YDOT, with an implementation date of July 1, 2028. The meeting concluded with discussions on skill-based gaming machines in grocery stores, leading to an amendment to shield these machines from minors. The amendment was adopted after a tie vote. Senator Grew expressed concerns about revoking rights from businesses, suggesting further review. The Committee of the Whole reported on several bills, recommending passage, and the meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming committee meetings. The Senate was adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 19th.