Wyoming Lawmakers Reject Bid to Deny Court Security Funding

Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams' amendment to strip $3.6M in court security funding fails in the state House

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In the wake of a Wyoming Supreme Court ruling striking down two statewide abortion bans, Republican state Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams proposed an amendment to deny about $3.6 million in funding for court security improvements across the state. However, the House ultimately rejected the amendment in a 48-12 vote, with several lawmakers arguing that courthouse security protects everyone who uses the facilities, not just judges.

Why it matters

The proposed amendment to deny court security funding was seen by some as an attempt to punish the state's judicial branch for its ruling on abortion laws. The vote highlights the ongoing tensions between the legislative and judicial branches in Wyoming following the controversial court decision.

The details

Rep. Rodriguez-Williams, who chairs the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, argued that if the judicial branch is committed to protecting life, it should also protect the lives of the unborn. However, other lawmakers, including Democrats and some Republicans, criticized the amendment as an inappropriate attempt to retaliate against the courts for an unpopular ruling. The House ultimately rejected the proposal, with several members noting the importance of courthouse security for all building users, not just judges.

  • The Wyoming Supreme Court struck down two statewide abortion bans in January 2026.
  • The 2026 legislative session began in February 2026.
  • On the first day of the session, Wyoming Chief Justice Lynne Boomgaarden asked lawmakers to 'listen with open minds' and 'avoid demonizing judges for unpopular rulings'.
  • On Saturday, February 22, 2026, Rep. Rodriguez-Williams proposed the amendment to deny court security funding.
  • The House voted down the amendment on February 22, 2026.

The players

Lynne Boomgaarden

The Chief Justice of the Wyoming Supreme Court.

Rachel Rodriguez-Williams

A Republican state representative from Cody, Wyoming, who chairs the Wyoming Freedom Caucus and proposed the amendment to deny court security funding.

Ken Chestek

A Democratic state representative from Laramie, Wyoming, who criticized the amendment as an attempt to 'punish the court'.

Jeremy Haroldson

A Republican state representative who was the Speaker Pro Tempore and managed the House debate on the amendment.

Ken Pendergraft

A Republican state representative from Sheridan, Wyoming, and a member of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, who spoke against the amendment.

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What they’re saying

“Understand that judicial decisions are not political statements. Avoid demonizing judges for unpopular rulings.”

— Lynne Boomgaarden, Chief Justice, Wyoming Supreme Court (wyofile.com)

“This is an attempt to use an unpopular decision as an excuse to punish the court. That's what I'm hearing. I think that is inappropriate.”

— Ken Chestek, State Representative, Democrat (wyofile.com)

“As much as I understand and respect the heart of the bringer, I'm going to be a no on this one.”

— Ken Pendergraft, State Representative, Republican (wyofile.com)

“I understand the philosophical argument. But in a very practical sense, these funds are being utilized to make our courthouses safer, and not just safer for judges, but safer for the litigants and other people who utilize our courthouses.”

— Art Washut, State Representative, Republican (wyofile.com)

“Was I disappointed in the court's ruling? Absolutely. We have a process, though, that we go through to respond to that, and we're going through it.”

— Martha Lawley, State Representative, Republican (wyofile.com)

What’s next

The Wyoming Freedom Caucus has indicated that 'judicial transparency' will be one of its priorities for the 2026 legislative session, suggesting continued scrutiny of the state's judicial branch.

The takeaway

This vote highlights the ongoing tensions between Wyoming's legislative and judicial branches following the state Supreme Court's controversial ruling on abortion laws. While some lawmakers sought to punish the courts, the majority recognized the importance of courthouse security for all building users, not just judges, underscoring the need to maintain the separation of powers and avoid political retaliation against the judiciary.