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Personal Freedoms And Rights Are A Big Part Of Legislative Debate

Bob Beck

The Wyoming legislature is approaching the halfway point and if you have spent any time around the House of Representatives you’d hear a lot of conversation about personal rights and freedom. This ranges from protecting people’s religious beliefs to gun rights. It’s not unusual for Wyoming legislators to be anti-government, but this year the house has discussed several bills that could make that anti-government stance law.

The various bills protect parental rights, student religious liberties, the ability to sell food like raw eggs, and one even provided freedom from regulation. Gillette Republican Eric Barlow.

“I think it’s a little bit of a Libertarian streak that we are starting to see more of.” 

Barlow said there has always been an anti-government stance by legislators, but this is different. 

“A lot of it was here, but we are having a re-birth and maybe it’s distrust, maybe it’s just frustration in general.”

For some it’s any number of regulations courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency, others are upset about the affordable care act and the belief that it has caused insurance costs to go up, and for some it’s a variety of court decisions from taking away Wyoming’s wolf plan to allowing same sex marriage. Green River Democrat Stan Blake said that a lot of this consternation from constituents. 

“People are disgruntled with the federal government. You know I think it trickles down to the states whether it be the BLM, the EPA, or anything like that. I agree with a lot of that I think we are little tired of them sticking their nose in our business and not responding to what we’d like them to respond to.”

That frustration and distrust has also led to legislation to get in front of other issues. Riverton Republican David Miller says that’s why he supported legislation regulating how Drones could be used.“Do I think anyone is doing anything now? No. Do I see some invasive things possibly in the future? Yes. You could do basically surveillance that should have a court order and law enforcement doesn’t get a court order, I want them to have to get a court order before they make that decision to intrude in some private citizen’s life.”

Worland Representative Michael Greer said Wyoming is an independent state and protecting rights and freedoms is a big deal for many voters. He considers those things every time he votes on a bill. 

“When I look at a bill you know how does it affects somebody’s property rights? That next step is I look at our constitutional rights and how does it affect them? And then I just look at our own individual liberties throughout that.”

People are disgruntled with the federal government. You know I think it trickles down to the states whether it be the BLM, the EPA, or anything like that. I agree with a lot of that I think we are little tired of them sticking their nose in our business and not responding to what we'd like them to respond to.

But Greer does think the anti-government stance can go too far. For instance he’s had discussions with other legislators when it comes to the state budget. Some want to whack funding, but Greer says you have to be sensible.

“I understand your beliefs, but the fact of the matter is that we need to take the necessary steps to run state government.” 

Green River Representative Stan Blake added that a number of bills could have negative consequences. One that concerns him is the effort to transfer federal lands back to the states. He says that could actually hurt a number of citizens and that Public Lands serve a purpose.

“And not worry about having to talk to a private landowner to go ride my 4 wheeler, ride my horse, or go hike, or ride my bicycle. Don’t have to worry about it. I’m afraid that if the state takes over, it could go to the highest bidder.”

Blake also takes a dim view of any legislation that tries to roll back environmental regulations. 

Senate President Phil Nicholas is starting to see some of these House bills cross his desk. 

“What I’m seeing this session is the notion that we are going to go out and guard all these personal rights, but nobody has any personal responsibilities.”

His point is that if people act appropriately perhaps there is not a need for legislation. He also says legislation giving people rights doesn’t make sense to him. Nicholas said if you can pass a law to give a right, then next year you could pass a law to remove that right. 

“There comes a time where you are over legislating.”

Representative Allen Jaggi who is pushing for legislation to allow Guns in schools expects that the Senate will do away with his legislation and a lot of the bills protecting rights and freedoms. But he said it’s his duty to keep trying because it’s something he and other legislators believe in.

Bob Beck retired from Wyoming Public Media after serving as News Director of Wyoming Public Radio for 34 years. During his time as News Director WPR has won over 100 national, regional and state news awards.
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