House Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-AM [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a roll call showing 59 members present and three excused. Pastor Marty Crump led a prayer focusing on wisdom and strength for the representatives. Representative Bratton acknowledged Wyoming School Board's Appreciation Week, urging recognition of local school board members' contributions to education. The journal from February 21, 2026, was approved, and Dr. Matthew Strang was introduced as the doctor of the day. Senate files were introduced, including Senate File 1 on General Government Appropriations, which was referred to the Appropriations Committee. Other Senate files discussed included topics such as black bear tracking, long-term homeowner tax exemptions, and hospital service pricing transparency. Messages from the Senate included the passage of Senate File 1 and the indefinite postponement of Senate File 118 regarding eminent domain for water projects. Representative Baer provided an update on the budget, noting significant differences between House and Senate proposals, particularly in general funds, but expressed optimism about reaching an agreement. The meeting then moved to the second reading of House Bill 103, the Wyoming First Amendment Protection Act. An amendment was proposed to create an exception for defamation, aiming to clarify that knowingly false statements are not protected under the First Amendment. The discussion included various perspectives on the implications of the amendment, with some representatives supporting it for constitutional clarity, while others opposed it, arguing it undermined essential protections. The conversation then shifted to House Bill 126, which proposes a ban on abortions after a detectable heartbeat. An amendment was introduced to replace the heartbeat standard with a viability standard, with arguments made for both sides regarding the implications for women's health care rights and the clarity of the law. Ultimately, the first amendment to House Bill 103 was not adopted, while the second amendment was approved. Further discussions included a proposed constitutional amendment related to personal freedoms, with concerns raised about its implications and the need for clarity. Speaker Nyman commented on provisions regarding pregnancies resulting from rape and incest, while Minority Floor Leader Yuen emphasized the importance of the viability standard. An amendment to House Bill 126 regarding penalties for pharmacists filling abortion-related prescriptions was proposed but later withdrawn for further discussion. The meeting also included discussions on House Bill 159, which aims to safeguard personal expression in K-12 schools, and House Bill 39, which relates to firearms rights restoration, with an amendment clarifying its scope being adopted. House Bill 52, concerning hand counting ballots for elections, was introduced, with representatives expressing various views on its feasibility and implications for election integrity. Concerns were raised about the practicality of hand counting in larger counties and the potential for delays in results. The discussion highlighted a divide between those advocating for hand counting and those worried about its practical implications. The meeting concluded with a vote on the amendment related to House Bill 52, which was not adopted. The House then recessed until 2 p.m., with several committee announcements made for upcoming meetings on various topics.