From Cheyenne to House District 22:
2026 Legislative Session Week 2
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To the People of District 22,
What a week in Cheyenne. The pace has picked up, the debates have grown more intense, and the stakes continue to rise as we move deeper into the session. There have been long days, late nights, and some moments that will likely be remembered for years to come.
As always, I want to give you a straightforward update on what’s happening in Cheyenne and how it impacts our district. Here’s a look at where things stand and what’s ahead.
Best,
Andrew
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Please click on the image below to be directed to my weekly update video.
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IN THIS ISSUE
- Week 2 Successes
- Late Nights
- Controversy
- Camo at the Capitol
- House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee
- Whats Ahead
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This week, HB 19 - Corner Crossing Clarification passed out of the House this week by a vote of 32–28–2!
This is a very big win for public landowners and for folks across Wyoming who care deeply about access and clarity when it comes to our public lands. It was a close vote and a strong debate, which shows just how important this issue is. I expect this will continue to be a hot topic, especially as we head toward the next election cycle.
As Chairman of the Travel, Recreation, and Wildlife Committee, I’ve been championing this bill starting in the interim, through introduction, through committee, through multiple readings on the floor, and now through final passage on third reading. It’s been a long road, but an important one.
If you’d like to watch the final floor debate, you can find it here on Youtube. The discussion runs from approximately 1:36 to 2:01.
I’m grateful for the thoughtful debate and the support that helped move this forward.
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Late Nights at the Capitol
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It’s been a long but great week.
We had one night that went to midnight and another that stretched until 1:30 AM. The reason for the late nights comes down to the biennium budget and the 122 amendments offered to the House position.
Out of those 122 amendments, only 10 were adopted.
That means 112 amendments, brought forward by colleagues who were elected by the people to represent their districts, were not adopted. When that many proposals are set aside, it raises real questions about whether there’s an appetite for compromise in the body.
Tomorrow we take up third reading of the budget, and it will likely spill over into Saturday the 21st.
These are the moments where the process matters. The budget is one of the most important responsibilities we have, and the conversations around it deserve both time and serious consideration.
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What a week.
Several longtime legislative historians and lobbyists who have spent 30 plus sessions in Cheyenne have said this has been one of the most difficult weeks they can remember. Much of that centers around what is now being called “Checkgate,” involving the distribution of campaign checks on the House floor.
The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office has formally launched a criminal investigation into whether any laws were violated. A special legislative committee has paused its review while that investigation moves forward, and the Governor has issued an executive order addressing campaign contributions in state buildings. Because this is an active investigation, I want to be respectful of the process and allow law enforcement to do their work.
Public trust matters, and the people of Wyoming deserve integrity and transparency from those elected to serve. I will remain focused on the work you sent me to Cheyenne to do while this process plays out.
If you would like to read more and review the reporting for yourself, I encourage you to visit the Wyoming Tribune Eagle and Oil City News articles linked here.
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It was an honor to speak at Camo at the Capitol this week with so many who care deeply about Wyoming’s hunting heritage and wildlife conservation.
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House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee
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This year, I have the honor of serving as Chair of the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee. In this image, I’m presenting on Corner Crossing and discussing its impact on Wyoming’s outdoor access. Grateful for everyone who came out to support and engage in the conversation.
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We’ve now started receiving Senate files in committee, and we’re working our way through those.
My bill, HB0115 – Cardiac Events in Schools: Planning and Training, was buried pretty far down the COW list and didn't make it out yesterday. Although I'm disappointed in the outcome, I will continue working for people like Emerson Kelley, who's life was saved at school because of trained school staff. As you can imagine, HB0115 would make a huge difference in the lives of many people in our great state.
Looking forward, this is the stretch of session where things move quickly, pressure increases, and decisions really matter.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update and stay engaged in what’s happening in Cheyenne. It’s an honor to represent you, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. I’ll continue to keep you informed as we move through these final, busy days of session. I hope you’ll check back next week for another update, and as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts or questions.
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