CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) – The Legislature began its second week swinging on several key issues.
Lawmakers and advocates focused on medical guns and the protection of vulnerable adults and children.
On Monday, the House Judiciary Committee was busy considering several hot-button bills.
The first bill concerns abortion, specifically requiring facilities to be licensed as abortion facilities and providing criminal penalties or civil damages for violations of those rules.
“This bill is disloyal to the people of Wyoming by denying anyone access to a safe and legal abortion. If we want to implement an abortion ban in this state, we must do so through a constitutional amendment. It would have to be done. The reason it didn't happen is because the people of Wyoming would vote no,” said Rep. Carly Provenza (HD 45).
The committee also considered restrictions on psychedelics and cannabis. The prohibition will be revised as a misdemeanor, and penalties will be given depending on the amount of controlled substances.
“I think people in Wyoming should have the right to do what they want, in the privacy of their own homes. If they want to use marijuana for PTSD or any other reason, who says they can't do that?” Can you say that?'' Provenza said.
Next, a bill to repeal gun-free zones was postponed to Wednesday.
This bill would make it a criminal offense to prevent someone from entering a public place with a gun.
“Ninety-four percent of mass shootings occur in places where law-abiding people are unarmed. Criminals choose easy targets. They don't like people shooting back. And we should be able to carry firearms and protect ourselves and the public. They want that in Wyoming, too,” said Mark Jones, national director of the American Gun Owners Association.
This bill ensures that only the state can regulate firearms, weapons, and ammunition.
Beth Howard, Wyoming Legislative Director for Moms Demand Action of Wyoming, said, “If local governments and colleges and universities are already making their own decisions on these issues, the state should take control of local governments on these issues.'' should not be invalidated.”
Finally, the Senate Judiciary Committee considered closing criminal loopholes for prostitution and solicitation of sexual contact in massage parlors.
“The Human Trafficking Task Force has supported this bill for many years. It has not previously been available through referrals, so we are very pleased that it was introduced and passed through the first committee. We look forward to assisting the victims,” said Carla Chambers, Director of Victim Services at the Wyoming Attorney General's Office.
Experts say the bill would help thousands of people across the state.
Wednesday will be the last day for the committee to discuss the matter.
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