Wyoming Legislature update – Special Session
To address federal overreach surrounding proposed federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates
by Albert Sommers, House District #20 Representative
October 26, 2021
10/26/2021
Hello Sublette County, this is Albert Sommers reporting to you on Tuesday the 26th (Oct. 26, 2021) from Cheyenne, and the Special Session of the Wyoming Legislature. This special session was called to address federal overreach surrounding proposed federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
The first order of business today was to vote on special rules to compress the legislative process in order to utilize fewer days. Many legislators felt this abridged process did not allow for adequate debate or public participation. In the end, the House and the Senate voted against the special rules, which left the Legislature with the rules passed last session.
The letter sent to the body requesting a vote on whether to hold a special session included a provision that the Majority Floor Leaders would make a motion to adjourn if the special rules were not adopted. As Majority Floor Leader of the House, I made the motion to adjourn. The motion to adjourn failed, which means we will continue the special session. I voted to continue with the special session. It was a pretty wild day.
One of the bills being considered for introduction is HB1002, Federal COVID vaccine mandates-prohibition and remedies-2. I am the prime sponsor of this bill. HB1002 does not allow any public entity to implement a federal vaccination rule until the appeals in federal court have been exhausted. Further, the bill authorizes the Wyoming Attorney General to fight federal vaccine mandates, and it appropriates money to the Governor’s office to fight these mandates. The courts are the only way to truly fight these federal mandates. I think Wyoming has a good case. The bill passed the Judiciary committee this evening, but it has some critical unintended consequences that will need to be cleaned up as we move through the process.
HB1001, COVID-19 vaccine employer mandates and HB1006, Vaccine requirements-limitations, also passed committees this evening. These three bills will be headed to General File tomorrow, for possible debate in Committee of the Whole. The Senate is still debating two or three bills on its side as well.
The Legislature can pass bills, but must be careful not to violate the supremacy clause of the US Constitution.
This special session will last between 5 and 9 days, depending upon whether the Legislature accelerates the normal process.
I can be reached at albert@albertsommers.com with questions or comments.
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