[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6675166,"mediaKeyId","2163324-319607bd6b8319cf366c20d99d8bcb11","parentId",2163324,"title","Wyoming committee passes 'Defend the Guard' bill after debate, adopts amendments to soften enforcement language","audioSeconds",3801,"startMs",14655,"endMs",3816365,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2163324-319607bd6b8319cf366c20d99d8bcb11&start=14&end=3816","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2163324-319607bd6b8319cf366c20d99d8bcb11/thumbnail_14655.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6675166/Wyoming/Wyoming-committee-passes-Defend-the-Guard-bill-after-debate-adopts-amendments-to-soften-enforcement-language","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6675166-1eaffa201cd9dc70907331deaa03db47/orig.mp4?Expires=1776499436&Signature=UR8hVbveHjaWz1FxZ6kVoWBUt74LRBUdZv9o9K-sRbWUA-KDuHf6zkQGpk0Hp7~7nxvPeu~54U-fj~XU-yE5BzS0qQP9QQGRFLZrr0-dyxXXk6AmTk6g95VraKQGsa4GAoynEYQX~KmHDzZWoC-Yi2xHSyd5KbGUJL74q44JfQtZ0iNshPYb-zJq5T91SBjS-lRUFyLc7vNwZdibXhInO9drDCm2V88WaV-72m4LUcG~ZRYT07cxVrqGcsjIPVdVDlA2VI3dleE1PlVgQN6ugmSYSIrZtma~-GaVUOL7Pm282fRwrqXpFhnZ7GZ35A280kMWcY17IA1EyYJi5Eu5Fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wyoming Legislature","date","2025-01-29T21:02:56.12Z","article","Representative Nate Singh, sponsor of House Bill 265, told the Education Committee that the bill would bar the Wyoming National Guard from deployment into active combat zones overseas unless Congress issues a formal declaration of war.

The bill’s sponsor presented the measure as a constitutional safeguard, citing Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution and arguing that state Guardsmen have been deployed without congressional declaration under broad authorizations such as the post-9/11 Authorization for Use of Military Force.

The bill prompted extensive testimony and questions from committee members. Major General Greg Porter, Wyoming’s adjutant general, and other military leaders urged the committee to reject the bill, saying it would risk federal funding and equipment support because roughly 95% of the Guard’s budget is federal and the Guard serves as a primary combat reserve for the Army and Air Force. Porter warned that restricting federal access could jeopardize Wyoming’s aircraft and other capabilities and hamper the state’s ability to compete for new equipment such as a modern C-130J aircraft.

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Exe Brown and the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce also testified in opposition, citing mission-readiness and budgetary risks. Opponents argued the bill could prompt the Department of Defense to reassign missions or withhold modernization if the Guard’s federal availability were limited.

Supporters, including Representative Tyler Lindholm, student groups from the University of Wyoming and veterans, told the committee the bill would restore constitutional war powers to Congress and protect Guardsmen from open-ended overseas combat deployments that do not have explicit congressional authorization. Student leaders and local veterans framed the measure as a statement in defense of federalism and the original role of state militias.

Committee members debated enforceability and potential legal conflict with federal law. Several members said the bill as originally drafted used mandatory language that likely could not withstand federal preemption and judicial review. To address those concerns, the committee approved two amendments that softened the bill’s enforcement language: one replacing the word \"shall\" with \"should\" in a key provision and striking a sentence directing the governor to \"take all actions necessary to comply with the requirements of this section.\" The committee also amended a second clause to change a strongly worded preemption phrase into a legislative expression of desire rather than a direct legal instruction.

After debate and the amendments, Representative Straka moved that House Bill 265 do pass as amended; the motion was seconded by Representative Singh. The committee voted by roll call: Representatives Bratton, Erickson, Guggenmoss, Kelly, Lawley, Singh, Strock, Williams and Chairman Andrew voted \"Aye.\" The committee reported the bill as passed (9 ayes). No \"no\" votes were recorded in the transcript roll call.

The bill’s supporters framed the amended measure as primarily symbolic: a state-level policy statement urging that the Guard not be used overseas in active combat absent a congressional declaration. Opponents cautioned that even as a statement the measure could have practical consequences if the federal government reacted by limiting access to equipment or missions. Committee members discussed whether a resolution or softer statutory language would better reflect the bill’s intent without risking the Guard’s readiness or violating federal supremacy.

The committee did not adopt language creating specific criminal penalties or enforcement mechanisms. Several speakers said the bill left the president’s powers under Title 10 and the federal mobilization authorities intact; the sponsor and others stated the measure is intended to prevent Wyoming Guardsmen from being used in combat absent a declaration of war while preserving their ability to train, conduct humanitarian missions, and respond to disasters.

The committee forwarded HB 265 to the next stage as amended. The transcript shows the bill generated significant public testimony and interjections from both military leadership and student and veteran advocates, and it prompted the committee to change mandatory enforcement terms to advisory language to address legal concerns.

Ending: The committee’s action sends HB 265 forward as an amended statement-of-policy measure. Supporters hailed the vote as a defense of constitutional war powers; opponents warned of unintended effects on Guard readiness and federal support.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Education Committee, January 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Nate Singh told the Education Committee House Bill 265 would require a formal congressional declaration of war before the Wyoming National Guard could be deployed into active combat zones overseas.","taxTitle","Education Committee, House of Representative, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming","taxId",61350,"location","Wyoming","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6675155,"Secretary of State backs bill to clarify poll‑watcher rights; committee discusses safeguards for clerks",530,5070215,5600685,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2163324-319607bd6b8319cf366c20d99d8bcb11&start=5070&end=5600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2163324-319607bd6b8319cf366c20d99d8bcb11/thumbnail_5070215.jpg","/articles/6675155/Wyoming/Secretary-of-State-backs-bill-to-clarify-pollwatcher-rights-committee-discusses-safeguards-for-clerks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6675155-25489f66d1b40a29ca95234eb8f89e18/orig.mp4?Expires=1776499436&Signature=ewiieyQXldBWAtuTowGyq7jnRSqSzACT0kUmDKNPjFwxPrsGi~6nbsYE1vL~ZpADkLwl4P4~Fx0pfttTJT1fjn~WAbe0xq6~fpzCl6S07zbBk4lj88OT6d67N8eQjoq8russLfKpmuKTCPaXwdxXzGyiBajSkVAC64mJ2k28PXpUBRTRg4qDfIA-CUnjuQMeSvXXWff39iaH9na9xyFWqxsed7tKpH9Y9Xv5aZiA3PtwABdi1zCS1Mx5PJABvfDNm~-a-ZQB5YXEqmg~PmmlssTghc7qTAFXO78ysO1xXVGABK2LDlws0ndfC3K5~zvRfiGrRLAFevYIgrP3RGSUQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Ken Pendergraft introduced House Bill 307 to clarify and expand poll‑watcher rights at polling places and during ballot tabulation. The sponsor said counties have inconsistent practices for poll watchers and that the bill aims to make access uniform across Wyoming.

Secretary of State Chuck Gray testified in support, calling the measure the \"poll watcher bill of rights\" and saying it would: clarify poll-watcher access to observe early voting, in-person voting and absentee/tabulation activities; require reasonable accommodations such as seating when watchers remain for long periods; and limit disputes about badges or credentials by providing statutory guidance. Gray’s office provided a conforming amendment to fix cross‑references in the draft and offered to file it with staff.

The Secretary’s legal staff (Chief Counsel Jesse Naiman) explained that the bill’s central change is to clarify that poll-watchers may observe processes described in both chapter 12 (opening and conduct of polls) and chapter 14 (closing and tabulation), and that the proposed conforming edits align statutory cross-references.

Committee members asked about the position of county clerks and potential interference with clerks’ statutory duties. Secretary Gray said he supports the changes as a balance between transparency and orderly administration and said most states allow poll watchers to observe tabulation and that the proposal would reduce disputes that undermine public confidence.

Representative Kelly asked whether the bill delegates rulemaking authority to the Secretary of State’s office; Gray said the office already conducts rulemaking and could address operational details through rules if needed, subject to review and approval processes.

The committee heard the presentation but did not vote on HB 307 at this meeting; public testimony and further consideration were scheduled for the next meeting.

Ending: The Secretary of State’s office supports statutory clarification of poll-watcher access and proposed a conforming amendment to tidy cross-references; clerks’ duties and operational safeguards were flagged for follow-up before the committee takes a final vote.","House Bill 307 would expand and clarify poll-watcher access throughout the election process, including early voting and post‑poll tabulation. Secretary of State Chuck Gray told the Education Committee the measure aligns Wyoming with other states and addresses recurring disputes about chairs, badges and access during absentee counting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6675160,"Committee backs bill to add seven elected trustees to University of Wyoming board",1222,3817244,5040165,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2163324-319607bd6b8319cf366c20d99d8bcb11&start=3817&end=5040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2163324-319607bd6b8319cf366c20d99d8bcb11/thumbnail_3817244.jpg","/articles/6675160/Wyoming/Committee-backs-bill-to-add-seven-elected-trustees-to-University-of-Wyoming-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6675160-64e958c5da96d7d4f64b7eb4c8f4f35d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776499436&Signature=bCbw-niwlpky55EBZs3p~ctcxdn6fTlcP4BHLANceK7CpwquIqRd56XeMZi2OAd9g9xER06JJP2PgsCyZcrMFSp7IkqH0A6Te1NV4EoZyGYZwlOPBqIpV382pEl3An8C4mPXsp2KYGtUaOOf-MdDj5fmgvXCHtiOMXg1Gbkq09N8fH6QC2n3nzNBAgHlIItXMOJnjjoYVt2md4AiD5I9HK2meIZHz~pJ~Tj1O10UZjvXns8lBYqLV9MirguCEe7al1-pu64zFyGVylzNt3yRp1JusLiXYEF2esEQ9hTEJUATbKotxwmpBtXzBDwELGjPYLhtdmLCeAQ1Htf0leUEcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Rachel Rodriguez Williams introduced House Bill 148 to the Education Committee, asking the committee to expand University of Wyoming governance by adding seven elected trustees—one from each of seven districts—alongside the existing twelve governor-appointed trustees.

The sponsor said the change would increase representation, transparency and accountability at the state’s land-grant university without amending the Wyoming Constitution or removing the existing appointed trustees. The bill would add seven elected seats tied to districts, with conforming changes to election code and trustee definitions.

Ken Pendergraft, a cosponsor, told the committee the proposal aimed to rebalance governance and reduce overconcentration of power in the executive branch by giving citizens direct representation on the Board of Trustees. Turning Point USA’s campus president Gabe Saint, the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation and other supporters said elected trustees would better reflect the perspectives of Wyoming communities.

Opponents in public comment urged caution. Gail Simmons (Civics 307/Y Vote) noted that of roughly 112 land‑grant institutions nationwide, only one—Michigan State—has directly elected trustees, and she urged the committee to examine why most other institutions keep appointed boards. She said a broad national practice against elections of trustees merited study before making a significant structural change.

Committee members discussed whether to expand the board further or instead pursue constitutional amendments. Representative Rodriguez Williams said she avoided a constitutional rewrite and instead proposed expanding the board through statute; she also noted the bill carries no fiscal note. Committee members expressed a range of views: some favored the added local representation for Wyoming’s distinct regions; others urged caution about unintended consequences.

On a roll call, the committee reported the bill as passed: Representatives Bratton, Erickson, Guggenmoss, Kelly, Lalli, Singh, Strock, Williams and Chairman Andrew voted \"Aye.\" The committee recorded 9 ayes and forwarded HB 148 for further consideration.

Ending: The committee approved HB 148 to add elected trustees to the University of Wyoming’s board; proponents emphasized representation and accountability, while critics urged further study of governance models at other land-grant universities.","House Bill 148 would expand the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees to include seven elected, district-based members in addition to the existing appointed trustees; proponents said the change would increase accountability and geographic representation, while opponents warned about creating problems that other land-grant institutions have not","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Wyoming committee passes 'Defend the Guard' bill after debate, adopts amendments to soften enforcement language

Secretary of State backs bill to clarify poll‑watcher rights; committee discusses safeguards for clerks

Committee backs bill to add seven elected trustees to University of Wyoming board