3/7/05-A bill that would have toughened the state’s open container law has died.
The House voted on March 1 to reject a revised version of the bill. The session ended March 3 without another effort to pass the stricter law.
The compromise bill included Senate language that would have allowed alcohol in recreational vehicles. The House wanted to ban alcohol from RVs.
SF8 sought to ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways in the state.
Under Wyoming law, drivers are barred from having an open container of alcohol, but passengers 21 years of age or older are not.

2/23/05-The Senate on Feb. 22 voted 28-2 against changes the House made to a bill that would toughen the state’s open container law.
One change made to the House version would apply the law only to vehicles in motion.
SF8, approved 37-21 by the House earlier in the day, would ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways in the state.
Under Wyoming law, drivers are barred from having an open container of alcohol, but passengers 21 years of age or older are not.
The Senate-approved version didn’t apply to charter buses, limousines or recreational vehicles. Senators objected to a House amendment to drop RVs from the exemption list.
A special joint committee is expected to try to work out differences on the bill.
For bill status, call (307) 777-6185. In Wyoming, call 1-800-342-9570.

2/15/05-The House Judiciary Committee voted 7-1 on Feb. 14 to recommend a bill that would prohibit passengers in cars from drinking alcohol.
SF8, sponsored by Sen. Tony Ross, R-Cheyenne, now heads to the full House. It previously passed the Senate.
Under Wyoming law, drivers are barred from having an open container of alcohol, but passengers 21 years of age or older are not.
The measure would close what supporters view as a loophole in state law.
It wouldn’t apply to recreational vehicles, charter buses or limousines.
For bill status, call (307) 777-6185. In Wyoming, call 1-800-342-9570.

2/3/05-Passengers in cars would no longer be allowed to drink alcohol in Wyoming if a bill approved by the Senate becomes law.
The measure would close what supporters view as a loophole in state law.
Under Wyoming law, drivers are barred from having an open container of alcohol, but passengers 21 years of age or older are not. Supporters say the law is difficult to enforce because a driver can just hand the container to a passenger if pulled over.
The Senate passed the container ban Jan. 28 by a vote of 23-7. It has been forwarded to the House for consideration.
SF8, sponsored by Sen. Tony Ross, R-Cheyenne, wouldn’t apply to recreational vehicles, charter buses or limousines.
For bill status, call (307) 777-6185. In Wyoming, call 1-800-342-9570.

1/27/05-The Senate Transportation Committee approved a bill Jan. 24 that would add ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways. It now moves to the full Senate.
SF8, sponsored by Sen.-elect Tony Ross, R-Cheyenne, wouldn’t apply to recreational vehicles, charter buses or limousines.
Wyoming is being forced to spend a chunk of its federal highway funds on traffic safety because the state doesn’t have a ban on open containers of alcohol in vehicles.
The state is one of about a dozen nationwide that allows open alcohol containers in vehicles; last year, that distinction forced Wyoming to divert 3 percent of its highway construction budget and put it to other uses.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states either pass open container laws or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on public safety projects such as drunken driving checkpoints and installing cables in medians to prevent crossover accidents.
Under Wyoming law, drivers are prohibited from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in a moving vehicle.
For bill status, call (307) 777-6185. In Wyoming, call 1-800-342-9570.

12/9/04-A proposal by Rep.-elect Tony Ross, R-Cheyenne, and Rep. Jane Warren, D-Laramie, would ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways.
The bill – SF8 – wouldn’t apply to recreational vehicles, charter buses or limousines.
Wyoming is being forced to spend a chunk of its federal highway funds on traffic safety because the state doesn’t have a ban on open containers of alcohol in vehicles.
The state is one of about a dozen nationwide that allows open alcohol containers in vehicles; last year, that distinction forced Wyoming to divert 3 percent of its highway construction budget and put it to other uses.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states either pass open container laws or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on public safety projects such as drunken driving checkpoints and installing cables in medians to prevent crossover accidents.
Under Wyoming law, drivers are prohibited from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in a moving vehicle.
For bill status, call (307) 777-6185. In Wyoming, call 1-800-342-9570.