Senate Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-PM [Source] Translate

The meeting began with Senator Grew introducing a group from the Wyoming Travel and Hospitality Coalition, emphasizing their significance as the state's second-largest industry and inviting attendees to an evening event. The Senate moved on to the first readings and introductions of several House Bills, all assigned to various committees, including: - House Bill 157: Protection of parental rights (Judiciary Committee) - House Bill 102: Protection of children from deep fakes and exploitive images (Judiciary Committee) - House Bill 83: Legislative subpoena penalties (Judiciary Committee) - House Bill 92: Prohibition of sexual predators from holding public office (Judiciary Committee) - House Bill 130: Second Amendment Protection Act amendments (Revenue Committee) - House Bill 128: Enhanced oil recovery severance tax exemptions (Minerals Committee) - House Bill 75: Virtual currency kiosks (Minerals Committee) Reports from standing committees recommended passing several bills, including House Bill 45 on long-term homeowner tax exemption revisions, House Bill 5 on oil and gas bonding pool investments, and House Bill 4 on Medicaid coverage for birthing centers. Senator Olsen's motion to re-refer House Bill 117 to the Health Committee was approved without objection. Discussion then shifted to Senate File 25, which involved landowner license limits and limited quota hunting areas. An amendment to ensure at least 50% of hunting licenses in limited quota areas be available to the public was debated but ultimately failed. Senate File 25 passed with a majority vote. Senate File 50, concerning a state engineer's study on surface and groundwater, was introduced, and an amendment to expand the study's scope was adopted. Senators debated the bill, with concerns raised about water rights and property rights. Senator Love defended the bill, stating it was necessary for updating previous studies. The meeting continued with discussions and votes on Senate File 66, concerning donated hunting licenses, which passed after an amendment was adopted. Senate File 81, related to K-12 public school finance, was introduced with an amendment aimed at reducing spending. The amendment was rejected after significant debate, and subsequent amendments were proposed but withdrawn. Senators discussed the implications of proposed amendments regarding superintendent salary caps, with concerns about local control and the competitive nature of hiring school leaders. The discussion concluded with a vote on Third Reading Amendment Number 7, which failed. The meeting also covered budget allocations and funding adjustments across various departments, including discussions on House Bill 1 concerning General Government Appropriations, House Bill 4 directing Medicaid funds to birthing centers, and House Bill 5 on oil and gas bonding pool investments. Both House Bill 4 and House Bill 5 passed. The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and a scheduled caucus for the following morning, after which the Senate adjourned.