House Report: Lawley appointed to committee probing check-passing incident

Rep. Martha Lawley (R-Worland) has seen a fast start to this year’s budget session, involved in some of the state’s most important legislative moves thus far. Her sponsored bill has seen preliminary success, she has questioned the Joint Appropriations Committee on their proposed cuts to the governor’s budget, and she was recently appointed to a special committee to investigate the alleged distribution of checks by an activist on the House floor. 

“I am committed to continuing to work hard for all the people of House District 27, our local governments, special districts and our most vulnerable,” Lawley said. 

CHECKS ON THE HOUSE FLOOR

The Wyoming state legislature’s most recent scandal has been conservative political activist Rebecca Bextel reportedly handing out campaign checks from Jackson donor Don Grasso to several lawmakers on the House of Representatives floor soon after the session ended on Feb. 9. The Teton County Republican party has since condemned the actions of Bextel, its committeewoman. Investigations by the state House, Senate and Laramie County Sheriff’s Office have been launched into the lawfulness of the incident.

Lawley said she did not personally witness the distribution of checks but has been appointed to a special committee to determine whether the incident violates the Wyoming constitution, state statutes or House rules.  The committee intends to hold an open public investigation. 

“Given the very serious nature of the situation and the potential consequences involved, preserving the objectivity and integrity of this process is crucial,” Lawley said. “Consequently, I will have no further comments while this investigation is ongoing, focusing instead on reviewing and determining relevant facts.”

BUDGET PROGRESS

The House has heard proposed JAC changes to the governor’s $11.1 billion budget for 2027-28, which includes substantial cuts to the University of Wyoming, Department of Health, Department of Family Services and Wyoming Business Council. 

Lawley reported she asked questions of the JAC concerning their conversations with agencies they were planning on administering cuts to and learned they had not spoken with them. 

“This is important because I feel that those of us who are not on JAC need more information to determine if a cut is appropriate. But if there is no information in the JAC hearings record, I have no rationale for supporting the cut,” Lawley said. 

HB 117

Lawley’s sponsored House Bill 117 was introduced and passed out of the House Labor and Health Committee on an eight to one vote on Monday. The bill would require medical providers issue a written statement informing women seeking an abortion about the medical risks, fetus’s gestational age and their right to withhold or withdraw consent at any time. It would also authorize women who have received an elective abortion to bring civil action against medical providers where informed written consent was not given or “the abortion provider knew or should have known the interested party was coerced into abortion.” The next step will be first reading in the House Committee of the Whole. 

CONSTITUENT CONCERNS

Lawley said she has heard from her constituents largely on the education recalibration bill. The bill as introduced would have raised the average Wyoming teacher salary but cut hundreds of teaching positions across the state and raised class sizes. The legislation failed introduction in the House in a 41-21 vote, in which Lawley was a part of the “ayes,” but has been moving through the Senate. On Monday, the Senate Education Committee voted unanimously to return the recalibration bill to the Senate floor with $127.1 million more for education spending over two years. 

“House District 27 constituents have engaged on the issue of education recalibration, with most people desiring that the funding model remain the same. They also do not like the provision requiring that school district employees to go on the state’s insurance plan,” Lawley said. 

Lawley also reported hearing concerns from local governments on the need for Direct Distribution from the state. Many constituents have commented on proposed University of Wyoming budget cuts, desiring funding be restored. 

“I truly appreciate all the engagement this session. It truly helps me better represent you,” Lawley said. 

Lawley’s Facebook page, “Representative Martha Lawley WY State House” provides updates throughout the session, and Lawley can be reached by email at Martha.Lawley@wyoleg.gov.

Rep. John Winter (R-Thermopolis) did not respond to request for comment regarding legislative updates by press time.