Wyoming committee advances bill to restore felons rights
November 08, 2024 | Judiciary, Joint & Standing, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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In a recent government meeting, lawmakers voted on a significant bill concerning the use of fraudulent documents to wrongfully possess property, with the motion passing by a margin of 8 to 5. The bill, identified as 25 LSO 131, will now proceed to the next legislative session.
The committee then shifted focus to another critical piece of legislation, LSO 124, which addresses the restoration of rights for convicted felons. This bill aims to clarify that new felony convictions will void any previously restored rights and outlines the notification requirements associated with such restorations. The proposed amendments stem from discussions held in September regarding the appropriateness of restoring rights for convictions not originating under Wyoming state law.
Key provisions of the bill include limiting the restoration of rights to individuals convicted of felonies under Wyoming law, while explicitly excluding those convicted under federal law. The bill draft also introduces a mechanism for automatic restoration of voting rights for individuals who had the right to vote prior to their conviction.
During the meeting, lawmakers expressed concerns about the implications of restoring rights for individuals with out-of-state convictions. The Department of Corrections highlighted the potential legal complications that could arise if individuals with restored rights in Wyoming later faced new felony charges in other states.
Director Dan Shannon of the Department of Corrections emphasized the need for clarity in the restoration process, particularly regarding the risks associated with federal law, which does not recognize state restorations of rights for firearm possession. The committee discussed the importance of ensuring that individuals receiving certificates of restored rights are fully informed of their legal standing, especially concerning any prior convictions that may still disqualify them from certain rights.
The meeting concluded with a consensus to move forward with the version of the bill that restricts the restoration of rights to Wyoming convictions only, reflecting a cautious approach to the complexities of the legal landscape surrounding felony convictions and rights restoration. The committee plans to continue discussions in future sessions to refine the legislation further.
The committee then shifted focus to another critical piece of legislation, LSO 124, which addresses the restoration of rights for convicted felons. This bill aims to clarify that new felony convictions will void any previously restored rights and outlines the notification requirements associated with such restorations. The proposed amendments stem from discussions held in September regarding the appropriateness of restoring rights for convictions not originating under Wyoming state law.
Key provisions of the bill include limiting the restoration of rights to individuals convicted of felonies under Wyoming law, while explicitly excluding those convicted under federal law. The bill draft also introduces a mechanism for automatic restoration of voting rights for individuals who had the right to vote prior to their conviction.
During the meeting, lawmakers expressed concerns about the implications of restoring rights for individuals with out-of-state convictions. The Department of Corrections highlighted the potential legal complications that could arise if individuals with restored rights in Wyoming later faced new felony charges in other states.
Director Dan Shannon of the Department of Corrections emphasized the need for clarity in the restoration process, particularly regarding the risks associated with federal law, which does not recognize state restorations of rights for firearm possession. The committee discussed the importance of ensuring that individuals receiving certificates of restored rights are fully informed of their legal standing, especially concerning any prior convictions that may still disqualify them from certain rights.
The meeting concluded with a consensus to move forward with the version of the bill that restricts the restoration of rights to Wyoming convictions only, reflecting a cautious approach to the complexities of the legal landscape surrounding felony convictions and rights restoration. The committee plans to continue discussions in future sessions to refine the legislation further.
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