Wyoming Legislature Passes Bill to Ban University Health Plans from Covering Abortions

The Wyoming state legislature passed a budget amendment to prohibit the University of Wyoming from covering abortions under its student health insurance plans. Republican state Rep. Chuck Gray sponsored the amendement to ban the use of “any general funds, federal funds or other funds under [the school’s] control” from being used to cover abortions, except in the case of rape, incest, or danger to the woman’s health. “What we’re saying with this is we’re not going to subsidize abortion,” said Gray. The budget amendment passed by only one vote and was criticized by other Republican lawmakers, who called the move legislative overreach. Republican state Rep. Dan Zwonitzer said that the amendment was strange. “It’s private individual dollars purchasing an individual health plan, but the university being the conduit to pay that at once. We’re getting into such a weird place right now that the legislature of Wyoming shouldn’t,” he said. Jason Wilkins, the student body president of the University of Wyoming, also expressed misgivings. “I’m not sure that the UW appropriations are the proper avenue to pursue something as contentious as women’s reproductive rights. We often stress the importance of building strong relationships with the UW community and our partners in the State Legislature, but I can assure you that we at [the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming] were not engaged in the process of making changes to something as substantial as student health insurance,” he said. [Casper Star Tribune; Laramie Boomerang]

GHOST GUNS | Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced emergency legislation to stop the trafficking of ghost guns into the city. The legislation prohibits the possession, sale, or purchase of 3-D printed guns and other firearms made of non-metal materials. "Ghost guns are intentionally designed to be undetectable and untraceable, and we have seen a spike in the number of these illegal firearms recovered in our neighborhoods. We are sending a simple message with this legislation: If you play a role in trying to profit from bloodshed in our community, we will hold you accountable,” said Bowser. The number of host guns recovered in the District has grown in the past few years, with only three recovered in 2017, up to 116 recovered in 2019. So far in 2020, 38 ghost guns have been recovered, said D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham. "At MPD, each year we are recovering more of these ghost guns, which pose a significant public safety risk to our communities,” Newsham said. Bowser hopes the permanent version of the legislation will also create a private right of action allowing any victim shot by a ghost gun to sue the manufacturer of the ghost gun. [WUSA]

NOISE ORDINANCE | The city council of Spokane, Washington passed an ordinance limiting noise disturbances at health care facilities, a move made in response to the frequent protests outside the city’s Planned Parenthood. The legislation creates a civil enforcement mechanism for the first violation and then escalating criminal penalties for further violations. “When noise outside your health care facility disrupts, prevents, or interferes with your ability to receive health care, it’s completely unacceptable,” said Councilmember Betsy Wilkerson, the sponsor of the legislation. The Church at Planned Parenthood, a local group that says it is not about protesting and describes itself as “a worship service at the gates of Hell” said they believe that the ordinance is directed at them. "We really feel like they just don't like us there, not that we're disrupting. So we feel unfairly treated," said Pastor Ken Peters. Paul Dillon, a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, said the ordinance is a “major victory” for patients. [KREM]

PERMITLESS CARRY | The Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee advanced legislation proposed by Gov. Bill Lee that would allow residents to carry firearms without a permit. Advocates said the proposal will make the state safer because it increases penalties on those obtaining weapons illegally, but the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police said that the bill would endanger officers’ safety. The proposal, which would allow both open and concealed carry without a permit, also contains a provision to end law enforcement’s ability to deny those seeking gun permits for disqualifying reasons like mental illness. Last year, the state denied 53,000 permit requests due to concerns about mental “defects.” [Tennessean; Chattanooga Times Free Press]

SCOOTERS | The Atlanta City Council passed measures this week to make scooter riding more safe. Effective immediately, electric scooters will be required to have front and rear lights and signage informing riders that they are not allowed to ride on sidewalks. The council has been working to tighten scooter safety measures since three riders died in the city in three months in 2019. [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]