Rep. Lawley shares thoughts on legislative session

Rep. Martha Lawley, R-Worland, is in her second term in the Wyoming Legislature. 

“I’m very excited for my second term,” she said. “I have a better understanding of the legislative processes and am ready to get to work on the issues that matter most to my constituents.”

Lawley has been reappointed to the Minerals, Business and Economic Development committee as well as the Education Committee, where she will serve as vice chairman.

“I requested to stay on these two important committees and am looking forward to continuing my work,” she said. “It is truly an incredible honor to represent the people of HD 27” 

Lawley listed as priorities heading to the session “protecting our legacy energy industries, boys in girls’ bathrooms, private property rights, protecting children from online pornography, property tax reform “where I expect we will see a variety of options,” boys playing in girls collegiate sports, Second Amendment protections, election integrity and the governor’s supplemental budget request.

The representative will be offering bills on three of these topics. House Bill 72 would prohibit boys in girl’s restrooms. House Bill 60 is designed to protect female collegiate athletics by prohibiting boys playing in girls collegiate sports. House Bill 42 would focus on protecting kids online through age verification for websites and apps with harmful content. 

Lawley added she will be re-filing the Surgical Abortion Bill that passed last session but was vetoed. The new bill is 2025 HB 42. “I will also be focusing on several bills (HB 17 and HB 18) from the Joint Education interim Committee related to strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) in publics schools.

“I’m also looking forward to continuing my work to protect Wyoming’s legacy energy industries. I’m particularly excited to work for the passage of the vitally important oil and gas bonding bill (SF 20) that will strengthen Wyoming’s oil and gas producers.” 

The challenge, she said, “is to stay focused on the priorities of HD 27 while also giving attention to conservative policies that affect the entire state. Wyoming is a special place and many of us want to preserve that while also providing opportunities for quality education and jobs for our kids and grandkids. These issues require thoughtful deliberation and often delicate balancing of diverse interests. I hope that Republicans in the House of Representatives can work together for the good of the people of Wyoming.” 

Her concerns are “that Republican factionalism will get in the way of good ideas and solutions. A second concern is that we run out of time with some of the important issues unaddressed. It is going to be challenging with so many new legislators. But I’m hopeful we will be able to get our work done on time. I am going to work hard to do my part.”