Committee approves bill banning sanctuary policies in Wyoming, adds enforcement amendment

The Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee voted 8–1 to pass House Bill 133, “Sanctuary Cities, Counties, and State Prohibition,” advancing a measure that would prohibit sanctuary policies and add penalties for local governments and certain local officials who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Sponsor Representative Joel Guggenmas introduced the bill, saying it would “ensure uniform enforcement of federal immigration laws across Wyoming” and would create two new statutes, define prohibited policies for cities, towns and counties, and establish penalties for noncompliance. He said the measure is intended as a preemptive step to prevent sanctuary policies from developing in Wyoming.

The bill drew support from Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray, who told the committee he backed the measure and urged adding a private…