House passes HB 147 banning institutional discrimination after law-enforcement exemption fails

The Wyoming House passed House Bill 147, titled a prohibition of institutional discrimination, on third reading after voting down a proposed amendment that would have exempted law-enforcement training and programs.

The amendment, offered by Representative Ken Provenza, would have created an explicit exemption for law-enforcement training and similar programs. "This amendment is supporting our law enforcement across the state because they do have specific training that helps ... protect them so that they aren't potentially doing something that's culturally problematic that might escalate a situation," Provenza told members on the House floor. "All I'm asking for is to make sure that we have an exemption for law enforcement so they can protect themselves," he added.

Representative Rodriguez Williams, the bill sponsor, opposed the amendment. "The intent of the bill really sits in the definitions on page 2 of the bill when we talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion," Rodriguez Williams said. She described the bill's aim as mandating a color‑blind approach for government entities and said it was not intended to preclude competency or training.

Representative Dawn Washington also spoke in favor of the Provenza amendment, saying that in the law‑enforcement context training “is a little different than it is perhaps at an academic institution” and can serve as a defense under the Civil Rights Act.

The chamber voted first on the Provenza amendment; the amendment failed. After the amendment vote, the House proceeded to a roll‑call on final passage. The chief clerk recorded a tally of 51 ayes, 8 noes and 3 excused; the presiding officer declared House Bill 147 passed.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 147 — Final passage: 51 aye, 8 no, 3 excused. (Amendment 1, exemption for law enforcement — failed.)

House Bill 147 will advance to the next steps in the legislative process consistent with House procedure.