Wyoming Freedom Caucus Weighs In On Cheyenne Administrative Warrants

The Wyoming Freedom Caucus, a group of very conservative lawmakers in the state House of Representatives, is taking issue with the Cheyenne City Council over a proposal to allow for building inspections using administrative warrants and also on a proposed annexation.

The caucus posted the following on it's Facebook page:

The administrative warrants ordinance would allow municipal judges to issue warrants to allow city officials to inspect buildings for safety, building code and health violations. City officials would have to ask for the warrant, either after being denied entry to the property or when "consent would frustrate the inspection purpose."

Supporters of the measure say it's an important tool to ensure public safety.. The main impetus for the measure comes from city officials who want to investigate the cause of a fire or who are looking for building code violations and similar safety issues. Supporters say the ordinance is a matter of public safety and that the ordinance can be implemented in a way that respects constitutional rights.

The proposal has generated a fair amount of opposition from residents who say it's an infringement on property rights and privacy. Some opponents also say that issuing such warrants should be a decision for a district court judge. A meeting earlier this month drew strong opposition from some members of the public and questions from some members of the council as well. At the January 26 council meeting, several opponents spoke against the issue.

It's important to note that the Public Services Committee has now removed private residences from the ordinance. But the full city council will have the final word on the proposal at it's next meeting, and may or may not consent to the changes.

They included Wyoming House District 43 Representative Ann Lucas, who said current law already allows officials to deal with emergency situations. and that the proposed ordinance is intrusive and unneeded.

Lucas is a member of the Freedom Caucus.

The Farmstand the post refers to is the Wy Fresh Farmstand, whose owners say is on property that the city wants to annex. One of the owners of that business is scheduled to appear on the ''Weekend In Wyoming" program on KGAB radio, a.m. 650 on Saturday at 12:33 p.m.