Three significant bills in the Wyoming Legislature cleared key legislative hurdles on Thursday, advancing to the next stage of the process, KGAB AM 650 reports.
The bills—focused on open enrollment in schools, chemical abortion ultrasounds, and a ban on ballot drop boxes—are now set to be considered by the opposite legislative house.
Senate File 109, which would allow parents to enroll their children in any school within a district, passed the Wyoming Senate with a 26-4 vote. This bill, if approved, would grant families the ability to choose schools that best meet their children’s educational needs. While the practice is already in place in the Natrona County School District, most other districts typically assign students to specific schools. Some exceptions allow for boundary waivers, permitting students to attend schools outside their designated areas.
Supporters of the bill argue that it provides more flexibility and access to a broader range of educational opportunities. However, the Wyoming Education Association (WEA) has raised concerns about the potential for uneven enrollment, which could lead to overcrowded classrooms. WEA President Kim Amen also expressed concerns about the impact on neighborhood schools, noting that open enrollment might lead to fewer local students attending schools in their immediate vicinity.
Another bill making progress is House Bill 131, which seeks to ban the use of ballot drop boxes in Wyoming. Supporters of the bill, including Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray, argue that eliminating drop boxes will enhance election integrity, transparency, and voter confidence. Gray praised the House’s approval of the bill, emphasizing that it is part of a broader agenda to ensure the security of Wyoming’s elections.
However, opponents contend that ballot drop boxes are safe and secure, viewing the bill as unnecessary and potentially undermining voter convenience. The debate surrounding the bill reflects differing views on how to balance election security with accessibility.
House Bill 64, which would require women seeking chemical abortions to view a fetal ultrasound at least 48 hours before taking the abortion pill, also moved forward in the legislature. The bill passed the House by a 48-13 vote and is now set to be reviewed by the Wyoming Senate.
Proponents argue that the bill is intended to provide women with additional information and ensure safety before undergoing a chemical abortion. Opponents, however, view the bill as an effort to dissuade women from choosing the procedure. It is important to note that the bill would apply only to chemical abortions, not surgical abortions.
