Senate Floor Session-Day 14, February 25, 2026-PM [Source] Translate

The Senate reconvened to discuss messages from the House, including several bills that passed on third reading, notably Senate File 5 on hospital bankruptcy proceedings, Senate File 7 on theft amendments, and Senate File 30 on voter registration revisions, all receiving significant support. Several House bills were introduced, including House Bill 103, the Wyoming First Amendment Protection Act, and House Bill 141, the Fifth Amendment Protection Act, assigned to respective committees. Other bills included House Bill 98, addressing penalties related to red flag gun seizure, and House Bill 56, proposing the repeal of a carbon capture mandate. Reports from standing committees recommended passing House Bill 36, concerning wildland fire modules, and House Bill 122, related to the Wyoming Rural Health Transformation Program. House Bill 78, regarding a forest health grant program, was reported back with amendments. In the Committee of the Whole, House Bill 111, concerning state-funded capital construction, was presented by Senator Grew, detailing various projects and funding sources, including a significant allocation for the Veterans Home remodel. An amendment clarifying technical aspects of the funding was adopted. Senators expressed concerns about the Veterans Home project, debating the urgency and necessity of the proposed expenditure versus potential federal funding. A senator raised concerns about completing only three cottages at a facility in 2023, questioning the investment and the lack of simultaneous construction on an aging building nearby. Another senator acknowledged the increased costs of the project and reported that 57 veterans currently reside in the facility, emphasizing the need for improvements, including ADA compliance. Discussion included the federal government's responsibility for veteran care, with concerns about inadequate federal contributions and the overall financial implications of multiple large expenditures. Amendments related to the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy were proposed, focusing on improvements to training facilities. An amendment was introduced to secure additional funding for the Central Wyoming College Jackson Outreach Center, which had local support, aiming to cover potential future costs. The committee voted on Committee of the Whole Amendment Number 3, which was adopted. Senator Driscoll introduced Committee of the Whole Amendment Number 4 to House Bill 111, proposing a $16 million appropriation for Gillette College for the new Enzi building, which was discussed but not adopted. Senator Grew noted that $2,933,447 had been reverted from the Powell Community College project. House Bill 111 passed with a recommendation. House Bill 26, concerning vehicle registration fees for tribal governments, was introduced and passed without amendments. House Bill 32, relating to English proficiency for commercial motor vehicle drivers, was discussed and passed, addressing safety concerns and aligning with federal guidelines. House Bill 36, concerning the Forestry Division's Wildland Fire Modules, was introduced, aiming to establish two modules of firefighters for fire prevention and response efforts, projected to cost $5,144,000 for the biennium. After discussion, the bill passed with an adopted amendment. House Bill 106, concerning Smoke Buster Module Leaders, was introduced, creating two full-time positions for managing inmate crews for post-fire cleanup, expected to cost $499,709 and take effect in 2026. The bill passed. The Majority Floor Leader moved for the Committee of the Whole to rise and report, which was approved. The report recommended the passage of several bills, including House Bill 8, House Bill 9 (engrossed, amended), House Bill 112, House Bill 111 (engrossed, amended), House Bill 26 (engrossed), House Bill 32 (engrossed), House Bill 36 (engrossed, amended), and House Bill 106. The signing of enrolled acts followed, with several Senate Enrolled Acts signed, including those related to K-12 school enrollment, the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act, and various amendments regarding voter registration, criminal offenses, and medical assistance. Senator Pappas requested the re-referral of House Bill 145, which removes triple taxation for resident electric vehicle drivers, from the Revenue Committee to the Transportation Committee, which was approved. Reports from standing committees recommended passage for House Bill 117, House Bill 128, and House Bill 75. The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and an invitation to a dinner event hosted by the Wyoming Women's Legislative Caucus. The meeting adjourned until 10 a.m. the following day.