Freedom Index

A Legislative Scorecard Based on the Principles of the U.S. Constitution

Votes


Large Project Funding  |  SF0106

SF106 spends $5.5 million to fund nine new projects for the purposes of supporting wildlife highway crossings, conservation easements, river and fish passage restoration, and wild horse removal for rangeland improvement.

The Wyoming State Senate passed SF106 on January 25, 2023 by a vote of 21 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill expands and perpetuates state control over land and water. State ownership of land is an expansion of government and prevents private individuals and businesses from being able to own the property — limiting private-property rights. There are heavy restrictions on taxpayer-owned land. These projects are unnecessary, and the people of Wyoming should question whether they represent a good use of taxpayer money.

Large Project Funding  |  SF0106

SF106 spends $5.5 million to fund nine new projects for the purposes of supporting wildlife highway crossings, conservation easements, river and fish passage restoration, and wild horse removal for rangeland improvement.

The Wyoming State House of Representatives passed SF106 on February 21, 2023 by a vote of 50 to 12. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill expands and perpetuates state control over land and water. State ownership of land is an expansion of government and prevents private individuals and businesses from being able to own the property — limiting private-property rights. There are heavy restrictions on taxpayer-owned land. These projects are unnecessary, and the people of Wyoming should question whether they represent a good use of taxpayer money.

Con-Con  |  SJ0011

SJ11 applies to Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the U.S. Constitution, to call for a “Convention of the States limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.”

The Wyoming State House of Representatives rejected SJ11 on February 27, 2023 by a vote of 21 to 41. We have assigned pluses to the nays because a so-called “Convention of the States” would not be of “limited” purpose. The vague and contradictory text contained in this joint resolution dangerously permits what Article V of the U.S. Constitution describes as a “Convention for proposing Amendments” or second constitutional convention. Notably, Article V of the U.S. Constitution was designed to correct structural deficiencies in the federal government, not the behavior of its elected officials. SJ11 should be opposed in favor of less risky, more precise, and immediate solutions that would restore power back to the states and to the people, such as clear-cut proposals in Congress to repeal bad amendments or state nullification of specific unauthorized federal laws.

Health Mandate Jurisdiction  |  HB0143

HB143 prohibits health mandates and requirements by federal and nongovernmental health organizations, including the CDC and WHO.

The Wyoming State House of Representatives rejected HB143 on February 8, 2023 by a vote of 29 to 32. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the CDC and WHO have no constitutional governmental authority over Americans. The Center for Disease Control is an unconstitutional arm of the federal government, and the federal government is unconstitutionally involved in the World Health Organization — an organization that embraces one-world government.

Wyoming Sovereignty  |  HB0212

HB212 creates standing committees on federal review. These committees would review all federal actions — including “all new and existing federal laws, resolutions, rules, regulations, decrees, orders, mandates, executive orders and any other federal dictate having the force and effect of law” — to assess their constitutionality and effect on Wyoming state sovereignty, including past rules and laws.

The Wyoming State House rejected HB212 on February 6, 2023 by a vote of 27 to 35. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because under Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and every state is bound by oath to support it. Ultimately, states have a duty to nullify any infringements by the federal government. Article 1, Section 8, of the Constitution gives Congress specific powers, and if Congress exceeds those limited powers, then states are obligated to not comply.

Food Freedom Act  |  SF0102

SF102 removes more government restrictions on the sale of food products, including allowing middlemen to help sell food and beverage products, and allowing eggs and dairy products to be sold at farmer’s markets. 

The Wyoming State House of Representatives passed SB102 on February 21, 2023 by a vote of 62 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because government’s role is not to interfere with commerce. Government interference in entrepreneurship and private business is in violation of the belief of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Eminent Domain  |  HB0106

HB106 reintroduces a moratorium on the utilization of eminent domain for wind energy collector systems and forbids independent power producers from employing eminent domain to construct transmission lines through private property for connecting their wind farms to the power grid.

The Wyoming State House of Representatives failed to override the governor’s veto on HB106 on February 27, 2023 by a vote of 38 to 24. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states, “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” The government cannot constitutionally take property from someone and trust that the government will compensate properly. Additionally, much of the country’s wind energy companies are heavily subsidized, which plays into the Marxist green agenda.

Con-Con  |  SJ0011

SJ11 applies to Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the U.S. Constitution, to call for a “Convention of the States limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.”

The Wyoming State Senate passed SJ11 on February 6, 2023 by a vote of 17 to 13. We have assigned pluses to the nays because a so-called “Convention of the States” would not be of “limited” purpose. The vague and contradictory text contained in this joint resolution dangerously permits what Article V of the U.S. Constitution describes as a “Convention for proposing Amendments” or second constitutional convention. Notably, Article V of the U.S. Constitution was designed to correct structural deficiencies in the federal government, not the behavior of its elected officials. SJ11 should be opposed in favor of less risky, more precise, and immediate solutions that would restore power back to the states and to the people, such as clear-cut proposals in Congress to repeal bad amendments or state nullification of specific unauthorized federal laws.

Legal Tender Act  |  SF0101

SF101 requires the state treasurer to provide for the payment of taxes with gold and silver, strengthening Wyoming’s financial independence.

The Wyoming State Senate passed SB101 on February 2, 2023 by a vote of 16 to 15. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this brings us one step closer to restoring the gold standard.

Food Freedom Act  |  SF0102

SF102 removes more government restrictions on the sale of food products, including allowing middlemen to help sell food and beverage products, and allowing eggs and dairy products to be sold at farmer’s markets.

The Wyoming State Senate passed SB102 on February 22, 2023 by a vote of 30 to 1. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because government’s role is not to interfere with commerce. Government interference in entrepreneurship and private business is in violation of the belief of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Eminent Domain  |  HB0106

HB106 reintroduces a moratorium on the utilization of eminent domain for wind energy collector systems and forbids independent power producers from employing eminent domain to construct transmission lines through private property for connecting their wind farms to the power grid.

The Wyoming State Senate passed HB106 on February 16, 2023 by a vote of 18 to 12. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states, “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” The government cannot constitutionally take property from someone and trust that the government will compensate properly. Additionally, much of the country’s wind energy companies are heavily subsidized, which plays into the Marxist green agenda.

Sex Changes for Minors  |  SF0111

SF111 criminalizes what the Left euphemistically labels as “gender-affirming medical care,” encompassing the provision or assistance of hormone blockers, hormone therapy, or “gender-affirming” surgery to a minor. This act would be classified as a severe offense of child abuse, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.

The Wyoming State Senate passed SB111 on February 2, 2023 by a vote of 22 to 9. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because woke culture is trying to normalize the belief that a parent or child can decide which gender they are. This belief is rooted in Marxism, which goes against everything we believe in as a constitutional republic.

Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding  |  SF0118

SB118 allows the Governor to create new government programs to spend federal funds. This legislation appropriates federal ARPA funds to capital construction, K-12 education and higher education, and rental assistance programs.

The Wyoming State Senate has passed SB118 on April 6, 2021 by a vote of 24 to 3. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the spending of taxpayer money for purposes not authorized under Art. 1 Sec. 8 of the U.S. Constitution tightens the federal-state lockstep on redistribution of income. Additionally, distribution of federal taxpayer dollars comes with contingencies and requirements, forcing states into situations that violate the U.S. Constitution.

Abortion Education Funding  |  HB0253

HB253 prohibits the University of Wyoming and community colleges from expending funds on abortions or insurance coverage for abortions.

The Wyoming State Senate has passed HB253 on April 2, 2021 by a vote of 25 to 3. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution. Taxpayer money and state funded education systems should not be used to perform abortions and abortion procedure training.

Firearm Business Rights  |  HB0236

HB236 prohibits financial institutions from discriminating against firearm related businesses. A financial institution shall not refuse business if they are engaged in lawful commerce of firearms, firearm accessories or ammunition products.

The Wyoming State Senate has passed HB236 on April 2, 2021 by a vote of 23 to 6.  We have assigned the pluses to the ayes because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms is protected by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and there should be no infringement on those rights.

Voter ID  |  HB0075

HB75 requires that acceptable identification be presented before voting in person. Acceptable identification includes, but not limited to a Wyoming driver’s license, tribal identification issued by the government, United States passport and Military card.

The Wyoming State Senate passed HB75 on April 1, 2021 by a vote of 28 to 2. We have assigned the pluses to the ayes because strengthening our voter ID laws is crucial in the preservation of our election process and election integrity. Article IV, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution provides that “citizens” of the United States “shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities,” such as the “right of citizens of the United States” to vote as prescribed in the 26th Amendment.

Article V – Con Con  |  SJ0002

SJ2 requests that Congress calls for a convention for proposing amendments to the United States Constitution.

The Wyoming State Senate shot down SJ2 on March 17, 2021 by a vote of 14 to 16. We have assigned pluses to the nays because a so-called “Convention of the States” would not be of “limited” purpose. The vague and contradictory text contained in this joint resolution dangerously permits what Article V of the U.S. Constitution describes as a “Convention for proposing Amendments” or second constitutional convention. Notably, Article V of the U.S. Constitution was designed to correct structural deficiencies in the federal government, not the behavior of its elected officials. SJ2 should be opposed in favor of less risky, more precise, and immediate solutions that would restore power back to the states and to the people, such as clear-cut proposals in Congress to repeal bad amendments or state nullification of specific unauthorized federal laws.

Born Alive Abortion Care  |  SF0034

SF34 requires that any physician performing an abortion shall take steps to preserve the life and health of the baby if born alive.

The Wyoming State Senate passed SF34 on March 5, 2021 by a vote of 26 to 4. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution. Further, there is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that would prevent states from passing well-constructed statutes or adopting amendments to their state constitutions that provide even greater and more specific protections for the right to life than those provided by the 4th, 5th, and 14th Amendments.

Article V – Con Con  |  HJ0002

HJ2 requests that Congress calls for a convention for proposing amendments to the United States Constitution.

The Wyoming State House of Representatives shot down the introductory vote on February 16, 2022 by a vote of 21 to 37.  We have assigned pluses to the nays because a so-called “Convention of the States” would not be of “limited” purpose. The vague and contradictory text contained in this joint resolution dangerously permits what Article V of the U.S. Constitution describes as a “Convention for proposing Amendments” or second constitutional convention. Notably, Article V of the U.S. Constitution was designed to correct structural deficiencies in the federal government, not the behavior of its elected officials. HJ2 should be opposed in favor of less risky, more precise, and immediate solutions that would restore power back to the states and to the people, such as clear-cut proposals in Congress to repeal bad amendments or state nullification of specific unauthorized federal laws.

Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding  |  SF0118

SB118 allows the Governor to create new government programs to spend federal funds. This legislation appropriates federal ARPA funds to capital construction, K-12 education and higher education, and rental assistance programs.

The Wyoming State House of Representatives passed SB118 on April 7, 2021 by a vote of 49 to 7. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the spending of taxpayer money for purposes not authorized under Art. 1 Sec. 8 of the U.S. Constitution tightens the federal-state lockstep on redistribution of income. Additionally, distribution of federal taxpayer dollars comes with contingencies and requirements, forcing states into situations that violate the U.S. Constitution.

Abortion Education Funding  |  HB0253

HB253 prohibits the University of Wyoming and community colleges from expending funds on abortions or insurance coverage for abortions.

The Wyoming State House of Representatives passed HB253 on April 6, 2021 by a vote of 47 to 10.  We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution. Taxpayer money and state funded education systems should not be used to perform abortions and abortion procedure training.

Firearm Business Rights  |  HB0236

HB236 prohibits financial institutions from discriminating against firearm related businesses. A financial institution shall not refuse business if they are engaged in lawful commerce of firearms, firearm accessories or ammunition products.

The Wyoming State House of Representatives passed HB236 on April 6, 2021 by a vote of 44 to 13.  We have assigned the pluses to the ayes because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms is protected by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and there should be no infringement on those rights.

Born Alive Abortion Care  |  SF0034

SF34 requires that any physician performing an abortion shall take steps to preserve the life and health of the baby if born alive.

The Wyoming State House of Representatives passed SF34 on April 2, 2021 by a vote of 48 to 11. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution. Further, there is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that would prevent states from passing well-constructed statutes or adopting amendments to their state constitutions that provide even greater and more specific protections for the right to life than those provided by the 4th, 5th, and 14th Amendments.

Voter ID  |  HB0075

HB75 requires that acceptable identification be presented before voting in person. Acceptable identification includes, but not limited to a Wyoming driver’s license, tribal identification issued by the government, United States passport and Military card.

The Wyoming State House of Representatives passed HB75 on April 1, 2021 by a vote of 51 to 8.  We have assigned pluses to the ayes because strengthening our voter ID laws are crucial in the preservation of our election process and election integrity. Article IV, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution provides that “citizens” of the United States “shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities,” such as the “right of citizens of the United States” to vote as prescribed in the 26th Amendment. It would be an infringement on our rights to allow any ineligible elector to vote.