Those who stand for a state where families thrive, religious freedom flourishes, and life is cherished have 6 reasons to rejoice after the legislative session ended.  Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming tracked 20 separate pieces of legislation, both good and bad, through the Legislative session this year. Thankfully, most of the damaging legislation was stopped and 6 bills have received their final signature from the Governor. One bill still remains on the Governor’s desk awaiting his endorsement.

Bill Number	Subject	FPA-WY Position	Status of the Bill (Committee)
HB 085	Unlawful Dissemination of Intimate Image	For	SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
HB 253	University of Wyoming-ban on funding for abortions	For	SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
SF 034	Born Alive-Infant Means of Care	For	SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
SF 087	Voyeurism Amendments	For	SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
SF 096	Homicide Amendments	For	SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
SF 130	Charter Schools	For	Governor’s Desk

 

The session was very successful, and it has been wonderful to watch a number of new legislators stand strong for biblical values. In the coming weeks we will provide you details of how the legislators stood on Life, Liberty and Family Values.

Thank you again for your support and it is a blessing to partner together to encourage the historic values that made our nation great in the halls of Wyoming government.

Sincerely,

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

A powerful bill protecting live babies has passed the Legislature! Senate File 34 (Born-Alive-Infant Means of Care) is an important bill that affirms a simple truth: babies born alive after an attempted abortion deserve the same right to medical care as any other infant.

Last year, a similar bill passed with supermajorities in both houses of the legislature, yet the Governor vetoed the bill at the last minute.

This year, the bill was slightly modified and resubmitted as Senate File 34 (Born Alive Infant-Means of Care). It passed with even more votes than last year!

This year, 26 of 30 Senators and 48 of 60 Representatives voted to pass the bill. This was a gain of 3 votes in the Senate and 4 votes in the House of Representatives.

But now we need your support. We need you to email the Governor of Wyoming and ask him to endorse Senate file 34 (Born Alive-Infant Means of Care). It only takes a minute at our Action Center. Click here to send a message now!

Let’s make sure that this time, the bill becomes law.

Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming’s mission is and will always be to defend the lives of the most vulnerable among us. We will continue to advance citizenship where life is cherished, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and God is honored.

Thank you to every state legislator and the numerous people from across Wyoming who worked tirelessly on this legislation. Last year’s veto only showed us even more the need for us to stand alongside and partner with elected officials that also choose to defend the lives of the most vulnerable. And now, we prayerfully hope that with your help the Governor will choose to sign this bill. Please send the Governor a message today.

 

Thank you for standing with us!

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

 

P.S. Now is the time to contact the Governor. Please do so today! After you’ve sent him a message, you can also call him at (307) 777-7434.

 

Wyoming’s legislative session is the shortest in the nation. While several states have the same number of days allocated every two years (60), Wyoming separates those days allotted into 40 days in odd years and 20 days in even years. Even in that short amount of time, Wyoming tries to address the same amount of legislation as larger states. This makes a legislative session a sprint. Legislation can rapidly fly through the process. By the time most people know that the legislation is being heard, it may have died or be through the process completely.

We are nearing the end. Of the 20 bills we have been following, 8 bills are still up for final votes and 2 have completely passed the process.

 

Bill Number	Subject	FPA-WY Position	Status of the Bill (Committee)
HB 070	Abortion-Informed Consent	For	Not Heard in CoW
HB 073	Birth Certificates – Gestational Agreements	Opposed	Concurrence Committee (Passed both chambers, legislators are reconciling differences between the two versions)
HB 085	Unlawful Dissemination of Intimate Image	For	Passed
HB 106	Wyoming Education Options Act	For	Died in Education Committee
HB 134	Human Heartbeat Protection Act	For	Not Hear in CoW
HB 147	Education Expenses	For	Died in Education Committee
HB 161	Human Life Equality-Prohibiting Discriminatory abortions	For	Placed in Senate General File
HB 183	Anti-Discrimination	Opposed	Not Released
HB 218	Bias Motivated Crimes	Opposed	Died in Committee
HB 235	Human Life Protection Act	For	Not Released
HB 253	University of Wyoming-ban on funding for abortions	For	Placed in Senate General File
SF 034	Born Alive-Amendments	For	Placed on House General File
SF 087	Voyeurism Amendments	For	Passed
SF 096	Homicide Amendments	For	Passed
SF 100	Internet Freedom-Prohibiting Discrimination	For	Died in House Judiciary Committee
SF 123	Lottery games-Keno	Opposed	Passed Committee
SF 128	Temporary Delegation of Parental Authority	For	Died in Committee
SF 130	Charter Schools	For	Placed on House General File
SF 133	Prohibit Abortifacients and Chemical Abortions	For	Not Assigned to House Committee
SF 138	School board trustees-party affiliation.	For	Not Assigned to House Committee

 

Each of these bills have been selected because of the particular impact they can have on life, religious freedom, and family values.

As the session closes, the joint committees from each chamber select issues to discuss between now and the next session. This year, the Joint Judiciary Committee has selected “Hate-Crimes” as one of its interim topics. Over the last several years, we have seen the “hate” label used as a means of punishing Christian business owners for fair business practices consistent with their consciences.

The Hate Crimes issue will continue to grow in importance. I will be providing more information as the issue moves through the legislature.

Sincerely,

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

The Wyoming Legislative Session has completed its first full week. What is the significance of this? Because of the unique schedule this year, it means that no more bills can be introduced after this point in the session. While next week is the budget week for the session, there will still be some non-budget legislation working through the committees throughout the week.

At this point, I will give you an update on a number of bills that we are paying attention to and help you stay active in the process.  The following table will list the bills and provide you with information as to where the bill is in the process.

 

We will be tracking these bills through the upcoming weeks. Be sure to stay tuned to changing developments.

Rest assured, Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming will represent you on these issues – we will be faithful to your trust in us!

Sincerely,


Nathan Winters
Executive Director

Children aren’t made one-size-fits-all, and schooling options shouldn’t be either. While public schools work great for some children, others need the opportunities of homeschooling, private school, or other educational alternatives.

Yet in reality, many Wyoming families simply can’t afford non-public school educational alternatives.

That is why we are thrilled to support a bill brought by Representative Sue Wilson, HB 106 (The Wyoming Education Options Act).  This bill has been carefully crafted to open educational freedom to more people while not infringing on the liberties we have now. We’re excited about this bill and hope that you’ll share your support by contacting your legislator today!

The bill allows families to be reimbursed for educational expenses (within limits) to provide their children the best education for them – whether at their local in-person public school, through online public school, homeschooling, private school, or another educational alternative. And, it does so in a way that is fiscally responsible (using existing funds!).

That’s great news for Wyoming families, including homeschoolers! Families could apply for reimbursement for curriculum, special classes, or other educational expenses.

Still, some have raised questions about how this would affect homeschool families. Allow me to clear up the answers to two common questions.

Would homeschoolers be required to participate? No. If you or someone you know is uncomfortable seeking reimbursement for your educational costs, there’s no need for you to worry about it! The program is entirely optional and is just for those who choose to participate.

If I participate as a homeschooler, will requirements change for me (including standardized testing)? The bill is careful to use language that aligns with existing homeschool law in Wyoming and does not mandate standardized testing.

Here’s what the bill does offer current or would-be homeschool families: the chance to save money while offering each child the best education for them. It’s the chance to create a wide open future for your child!

Right now, Wyoming ranks as one of the worst states in the union for education freedom.

Many families simply cannot afford educational options in our state. It is time we become a state that supports educational Freedom for every family in Wyoming.

To make this vision reality, though, our legislators need your support. Please contact your legislator today and let them know that not only is the Wyoming Education Options Act good for homeschoolers – it’s good for Wyoming!

It takes only a minute to contact them – and it could make the difference in the life of your child and other children across our great state.

Contact your Representative today!

For our children,

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

 

 

 

P.S. Once you’ve contacted your Representative, pass this message along to friends! Let our legislators know that Wyoming’s families want opportunity!

Friends,

Here it is! While the Legislative session has already convened in the virtual world, Next week starts the beginning of the in-person session for 2021. We have been waiting for this moment.

With the opening of legislative deliberation and lawmaking upon us, I thought I would share with you Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming’s priorities for the next month. We will advocate for bills that will:

1. Champion the sanctity of human life through pro-life legislation;
2. Defend the rights of parents to make medical decisions for their children, especially in instances where a medical doctor attempts to discontinue life-sustaining treatment for a child without the consent of the parents;
3. Protect the privacy and rights of girls in the face of the transgender movement, especially in school sports;
4. Uphold the integrity of government identification documents by requiring that only a person’s biological sex, and not their subjective gender identity, be printed on driver’s licenses and birth certificates;
5. Preserve religious freedom by opposing “Add the Words” and other SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) compromises.

Of course, Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming will help you stay updated as specific bills are introduced during the next couple months. And we will ask for your help, too! Biblical citizenship involves you and your friends contacting your representatives and making your voice heard on the legislation being considered.

These are exciting times. Please be praying.

Standing for Truth at the State Capitol,

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

P.S. With legislative session now underway, please commit yourselves to pray for your state legislators (every state legislative district has two representatives and one senator; you can enter your zip code and/or address to find yours in our Action Center).

Scripture instructs faithful believers that it is their biblical duty to “pray for those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2), knowing that God can guide the hearts of civil rulers (Proverbs 21:1). Ask that He give them an understanding of biblical justice, wisdom to make the appropriate decisions, and courage to stay committed to first principles (Exodus 18:21). And don’t forget to pray for their personal and spiritual wellbeing and for their families, too!

Use our Action Center to send a message to your legislators that you are praying for them. It is an easy way to bless them, and it only takes a minute!

Wyoming has launched the 2021 General Session of the Wyoming Legislature, but the launch was different than any other Legislative beginning in our state’s history. On January 12, the session was officially gaveled in remotely with our Governor addressing the state through the internet. The session then adjourned until January 27 for a 3-day session where they discussed the Committee bills they worked through this past year.

Each committee is meeting remotely to work on various committee bills. This provides a great opportunity for many people who are interested in participating in a committee hearing but have never been able to travel to Cheyenne. Now, you can attend hearings online through this link.

At this stage in the process, there are several committees we follow closely because legislation dealing with Life, Religious Freedom, and Family issues are usually assigned to them.

1. The Judiciary Committee.
   Bills relating to all three core issues can be found in the Judiciary Committee. That is because Judiciary deals with the specifics of how those issues interact with the law and the courts.
2. The Labor, Health, and Social Services Committee.
   Almost all bills relating to life and abortion will go through the House and Senate “Labor” committees. The committee addresses broad issues relating to end-of-life care and the care of the pre-born.
3. The Education Committee
   This committee is where the many of the vital issues regarding the future of our state are discussed. Issues such as school choice and parental rights in education are usually referred to this committee.

As you watch these committees at work, pray for them in their deliberations. Pray that timeless truths would be spoken in such a way that even those who do not believe in the Bible would see the wisdom found in the believers advocating for its truth.

Many of the bills we are interested in the most will be introduced after the Legislature begins to meet in person in March. Know that we will be paying attention and keeping you up-to-date as the session continues.

Please let your friends and family know how they can subscribe to our updates. Follow this link.

May God bless you as we serve Him together.

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

 

Over the interim between the 2020 Budget Session and the 2021 General Session, Legislators have been neck-deep in the chaos of lawmaking as well as elections and pandemic protocols. It’s intense, with long hours and pressures that can challenge legislators’ principles and the stability of their families.

Adding to that pressure, Wyoming has launched the 2021 General Session of the Wyoming Legislature. It will be different this year. On January 12, the session was officially gaveled in (started) remotely for the first time in history. They conducted opening ceremonies and received the Governor’s address and then adjourned until January 27 for a 3-day session in which they will discuss the Committee bills that have been worked through this past year.

Then, if everything goes according to plan, we may be able to start our regular legislative session on March 1.

With all of these things going on, your legislators will still carry the task of setting policies that will impact real people for good or for bad. The laws they pass will protect lives or end lives, will mislead children with twisted ideology or will protect them and help them flourish – and so much more.

It’s no wonder that one of the clearest directives we have in Scripture regarding our role in government is to pray for our leaders.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  (1Timothy 2:1-4)

Before the chaos starts, will you take a moment to let your legislators know you’re praying for them?

In all of this, Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming® will be involved – working with our state allies and letting you know at key times when you can make your voice heard on important legislation.

But before most of that happens, will you send a quick note to your legislators– thanking them for their service, acknowledging the burden of leadership, and letting them know that you are praying for them?

Thanks for praying for your legislators – and for Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming as we engage on pivotal legislation in 2021.

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

Dear Friends:

While the news has been consumed by coverage of the COVID-19 epidemic and we have all started to notice the lack of some goods in our stores, there are many other vital issues that still need our attention.

One of those is Senate File 97–Born Alive Infant–Means of Care legislation. This is the bill many of you called, wrote or personally drove to the Legislature to support.

Tomorrow is the deadline for the Governor to sign the bill. I am asking you to write an email or call the Governor and politely ask him to sign Senate File 97 into law. Simply click here and you can send him a message in 30 seconds.

After you have sent the message through our Action Center, please forward or share this message with other pro-life family members and friends in your area. It is important that Governor Gordon hear from as many people as possible. Time is of the essence.

Thank you for making your voice heard and for standing for the unborn children of Wyoming.

Sincerely,

Nathan Winters
Executive Director

Dear Friends:

The 2020 Legislative Session just drew to a close and it was an exciting year for the Inaugural Session for the new Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming!

At about 6:30 PM, after a full day in the legislature, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a Born Alive Infant Protection Act (SF 97) by a margin of 44-16!

This bill, if signed by the Governor, will prohibit doctors from allowing babies to die if they’re born alive after a botched abortion. Born Alive requires that doctors must provide the same life-saving medical care as they would for any other infant.

In addition to Born Alive passing, legislation was also passed that would prohibit the University of Wyoming from funding elective abortions. Governor Gordon has approved this effort and thankfully it is now law!

We’re proud of the Wyoming Legislature and Governor Gordon for showing that they believe in the dignity of human life.

But we still need the Governor to sign the Born Alive Infant Protection Act! Please politely encourage Governor Gordon to sign Born Alive (SF 97) into law by clicking here! Our easy action message will also thank him for approving the prohibition of elective abortions by the University of Wyoming.

After you have sent the message through our Action Center, please forward or share this message with other pro-life family members and friends in your area. It is important that Governor Gordon hear from as many people as possible.

Finally, if your State Senator and Representative supported these bills, please let them know how much you appreciate them. In Wyoming, we have the privilege of being represented by our friends and neighbors, we can get to know them personally. I encourage you to get to know your Legislators. Consider inviting them for coffee and find out how you can pray for them and bear their burdens with them (Galatians 6:2).

We know we can make a difference in Wyoming because we just saw what God did through you over this past month!

Thank you for making your voice heard and for standing for the unborn children of Wyoming.

Sincerely,

The Family Policy Alliance of Wyoming Team