Wyoming committee advances bill defining ‘person’ after hours of testimony and amendments debate

The Labor, Health & Social Services Committee on Friday passed House Bill 250, a measure that would define “person” for purposes of state law, after public commenters and committee members debated medical implications, constitutional questions and several proposed technical fixes.

Supporters and opponents told the committee the bill raises fundamental legal and medical questions. Arcee Shaver, Wyoming state director for American Atheists, said the measure would “encroach” on religious neutrality and raised biological counterpoints, while Laura Pavey said HB 250 “recognizes what science and medicine have proven” and that “life is precious” earlier in development.

Committee members spent significant time considering amendments and whether to postpone work on the bill. Representative Claxton moved to table the measure indefinitely to allow more drafting and LSO assistance; the motion to table failed. The committee later approved the bill on a…