Local lawmakers propose 12 personal bills in first week of legislative session; seven advance

Fremont County representatives introduce range of proposals, including land transfers and tax exemptions

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Fremont County's state lawmakers proposed a dozen personal bill drafts during the first few days of the 68th Wyoming Legislature this week, and seven were approved for introduction - including two that have already advanced through their first committee hearing. The bills cover a range of topics, from transferring state land to the city of Lander for housing and WYDOT, to exempting tribal governments from vehicle registration fees.

Why it matters

The introduction of these bills in the first week of the legislative session highlights the priorities and concerns of local lawmakers, who are seeking to address issues impacting their constituents. The successful advancement of several of these proposals indicates they have garnered enough support to potentially become law, which could have significant impacts on the Fremont County community.

The details

One bill, HB 69, would transfer about 90 acres of land from the Wyoming Life Resource Center to the City of Lander for residential housing, while another 29 acres would go to the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Another bill, HB 26, would exempt motor vehicles owned by tribal governments from paying county and state registration fees. Other bills address free speech protections, sex offender residency restrictions, and property tax relief.

  • The 68th Wyoming Legislature convened this week.
  • The bills were proposed and introduced in the first few days of the legislative session.
  • HB 69 and HB 26 have already advanced through their first committee hearings.

The players

Lloyd Larsen

A Republican state representative from Lander who sponsored HB 69, the bill to transfer state land to Lander and WYDOT.

Ivan Posey

A Democratic state representative from Fort Washakie who was the main sponsor of HB 26, the bill to exempt tribal governments from vehicle registration fees.

Pepper Ottman

A Republican state representative who proposed two bills, HB 103 and HB 143, focused on free speech protections.

Tim Salazar

A Republican state representative from Riverton who proposed a bill, SF 88, to prohibit registered sex offenders from living near child care facilities.

Ed Cooper

A Republican state senator from Ten Sleep who had mixed success with his personal bills this week, with one failing introduction while two others advanced.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.