Senate adopts permanent rules package adding 24-hour budget amendment window, an ethics complaint procedure and limits on private recordings

The Wyoming Senate on Jan. 20 adopted permanent rules, approving a package of joint and Senate rule changes that include a new deadline and 24-hour waiting period for budget‑bill amendments, a written ethics‑complaint process (often referred to in debate as Rule 221) and a prohibition on audio or video recording of private communications on the Senate floor and in Capitol passages.

Senators and staff said the changes are intended to give legislators and the public more time to review amendments and to create a clearer, standardized process for handling complaints and for protecting private conversations in the Capitol.

Supporters said the new joint budget‑amendment timeline will help both lawmakers and the public understand proposed changes to agency budgets before debate. “This rule comes from the Joint Rules Committee … to provide more transparency,” the legislator presenting the rule told the chamber, outlining a requirement…