Wyoming State Capitol

There are three ways a Special Session can be called.

1. The Governor can call a special session.

2. The Senate President and the House Speaker call for a special session.

This is done by calling for a ballot to call a special session. A special session is called if 50% of the ballots cast by the house and senate vote are in the affirmative.

3. Both chambers, the senate and the house, can call a special session.  35 % of the House and Senate must be in favor of calling for a vote (21 in the House and 11 in the Senate).  If 35% are in favor a vote to hold a special session is held requiring 50 % for passage.

The republicans hold a veto-proof majority in both chambers.

The Governor has already stated that he is not in favor of joining the lawsuit and since he supports thePatient Protection and Affordable Care Act  (ObamaCare) he is more than likely not in favor of the Healthcare Freedom Act.  It is safe to assume that the Governor will not call a special session.

In recent weeks Senate President Hines has been reticent to call a special session. House Speaker Simpson has been on KGAB stating that he is considering the idea of special session, but is not sure if the votes are there to pass legislation to compel Wyoming to join the lawsuit or to pass the Healthcare Freedom Act. Quite frankly, if this were the standard to hold a legislative session – the legislature would never meet. 

Again the republicans hold a veto-proof majority in both chambers.

House Chamber

If the Speaker is concerned that he would not get the necessary votes – the people of Wyoming are more than willing to help in convincing our legislators that we support a special session and that we want the proposed legislation passed.

Please contact House Speaker Simpson and President of the Senate Hines and let them know your feelings about holding a special session.

Senate Chamber

Since April 24th this is the only option left. House Speaker Simpson and Senate President Hines oppose a special session.

The other option Wyoming citizens have is to ask their legislators to call a special session. This requires 35 % of the House and the Senate to be in favor of calling a vote to hold a special session. This vote would require 50% of the house and the senate to be in favor of holding a special session.  If the vote is successful a special session will be held.

We encourage you to Contact the House Speaker, the President of the Senate, the House and the Senate Leadership, as well as your House Representatives and Senators.  Their emails and phone numbers are available on the Contact your Legislators page.