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House debates 19 rule changes; several amendments adopted but push‑button voting rejected; body adopts permanent rules
Summary
The Wyoming House considered about 19 amendments to its temporary rules, debated several high‑profile proposals — including push‑button voting and limits on on‑floor recordings — and ultimately adopted a package of permanent House and joint rules.
The Wyoming House spent an extended session debating and voting on proposed permanent House and joint rules, considering roughly 19 amendments. Lawmakers divided over modernizing procedures, electronic voting and floor conduct; the chamber adopted several targeted rule changes but rejected a high‑profile proposal to install a push‑button voting system.
Representative Bair introduced the first amendment, which would have authorized a push‑button roll‑call system and permanent desk displays. "This system allows for two minutes for each roll call vote ... you would press the button for the vote that you want to record," Bair said, describing how the system would work. The amendment garnered extensive debate both in favor and opposed. Opponents argued it would erode chamber traditions and reduce the public’s ability to hear members voice votes; supporters said it would increase transparency so constituents can see how representatives vote throughout consideration of amendments. After debate the amendment failed to be adopted.
Several other amendments were adopted. House Rule Amendment 2 (a cleanup of carryover rule text) and a motion to permit LSO to draft an unofficial "enrolled" version of heavily amended bills were adopted to improve clarity for members and the public. The House approved an amendment to allow certain visual projection aids during appropriations committee presentations and adopted a revised rule clarifying how members should address each other on the floor (limiting use of personal names and encouraging reference by county or district number). The House also adopted a change to permit the previous question in the Committee of the Whole (an emergency brake on unlimited debate) after a roll‑call (32 aye, 27 no, 3 excused).
Other amendments failed in floor votes, including a proposed requirement that budget amendments be offset within the budget (failed) and multiple proposals to expand automatic recordation of all floor votes via desk buttons. A separate amendment to restrict audio/video recording and photography at members’ desks while the House is not in session did not pass.
On procedural joint‑rule changes, the House adopted a joint‑rule amendment that adjusts the timeline for when budget amendments will be finalized and made public, intended to give members and the public more time to review late budget amendments. The House also adopted a revised ethics complaint procedure (joint rule 22‑1): the adopted change narrows who may file a complaint to parties with direct knowledge, establishes a confidential intake and review process and provides an off‑ramp for the presiding officer or a management‑council subcommittee to address some matters without a broader investigation.
After voting through the package, the House voted to adopt the temporary rules (as amended) as the permanent rules of the 68th legislature. The chief clerk recorded a final vote of 57 ayes, with 5 members excused. Speaker Nyman declared the rules adopted.
Votes at a glance (selected): - HR 1 (push‑button voting): failed - HR 2 (cleanups on speaker/floor authority): adopted - HR 5 (projection aids for appropriations presentations — corrected copy): adopted - HR 7 (require ayes/nays for all appropriation changes — proposed; see House Rule 11‑3): failed (division, 34‑24) - HR 10 (allow previous question in Committee of the Whole): adopted (roll call 32 aye, 27 no; 3 excused) - HR 11 (privacy at desks / prohibit recordings while not in session): failed (24 aye, 35 no; 3 excused) - HR 12 (reopen public testimony after committee amendments): failed - HR 14 (prohibit ex‑House members registered as lobbyists from sitting at member desks while House not in session): failed - HR 15 (ban vaping/e‑cigarettes in chamber): adopted - HR 16 (ban all tobacco use in chamber): failed - Joint rule 14 (budget amendment timing): adopted - Joint rule 22‑1 (ethics complaint process): adopted - Final adoption of permanent rules: adopted (57 aye; 5 excused)
Members will proceed under the permanent rules adopted and the House moved to adjourn for the day.
