 Opponents: Bill penalize 'Good Samaritans'
By BEN NEARY
Associated Press writer Friday, February 23, 2007
Rep. Lisa Shepperson, R-Casper, was another sponsor of the amendment
"Basically what this does, is say that if there's a presence of alcohol, then that person can be ticketed. But if there's no presence, and that person is truly being a good Samaritan, then they can't be ticketed," Shepperson said.
"I like to encourage my friends to call me any time of the night to save lives," Shepperson said. "And if that's truly what we're trying to do, save lives, I think we should support it."
House debates booze bill
By BEN NEARY
Associated Press writer Wednesday, February 21, 2007
"I understand the good intention of this bill, but I want to know where we're going to draw the line," said Rep. Lisa Shepperson, R-Casper.
Shepperson questioned whether the state's next step would be to outlaw cell phones or riding with children in vehicles because they also could distract drivers.
Despite her objection, the bill was approved on an initial vote by the House. The measure, which already passed the Senate, faces two more House readings...read more
Freshman flourish
By JOAN BARRON
Star-Tribune capital bureau Monday, February 19, 2007
Shepperson and Teeters also said they are “appalled” at the growth of government.
"We have to sustain it after the mineral boom, and we're very concerned about that,” Shepperson said.
Shepperson and Teeters said the main thing they heard from voters during the campaign was the need for infrastructure.
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Park signs approved, but without funding
By Kevin Wingert
Wyoming Tribune Eagle February 14, 2007
Rep. Lisa Shepperson, R-Casper, fell in step with the opposition.
"I would urge you to vote no; we've talked about this several times," she said. "There is an endless amount of wonderful programs that we have got to prioritize."
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'It just wasn't the year': Several factors combined to kill lottery bill
By JARED MILLER
Star-Tribune capital bureau Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Freshman Rep. Lisa Shepperson, R-Casper, said the rate of return wasn't high enough to justify all the expense to the state.
By the time everybody had their paws in it, there wasn’t enough return to make the investment,” said Shepperson, who has a background in finance
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Legislative briefs — Animal Cruelty Bill
By Kevin Wingert
Wyoming Tribune Eagle February 2, 2007
Rep. Lisa Shepperson, R-Casper, proposed an amendment Tuesday to remove the felony status from a second offense of animal cruelty. The amendment failed on a 28-26 vote.
Shepperson said she has scoured records around the state to see if there is a substantial need for this law and whether there is an epidemic of dog fighting or cock fighting in Wyoming.
"I found nothing," Shepperson said.
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House tracks animal cruelty bill — Measure would make second abuse offense a felony
Casper Star Tribune Saturday, February 03, 2007
Rep. Lisa Shepperson, R-Casper, proposed an amendment Tuesday to remove the felony status from a second offense of animal cruelty. The amendment failed on a 28-26 vote.
Shepperson, who is single, said it would take three beatings before spousal abuse drew a felony charge.
We're enforcing a stricter punishment for hurting animals than we are for humans," Shepperson said ...read more
House targets animal cruelty
By Kevin Wingert
Wyoming Tribune Eagle January 31, 2007
Rep. Lisa Shepperson, R-Casper, proposed an amendment to remove the felony status from a second offense of animal cruelty.
Shepperson, who is single, drew a hypothetical situation where if she were to beat her husband once or twice, it would be a misdemeanor. It would take three beatings before she'd be charged with a felony. By comparison, she could be charged with a felony on the first or second offense of abuse to her dog.
"We're enforcing a stricter punishment for hurting animals than we are for humans," Shepperson said.
Shepperson, who is single, said it would take three beatings before spousal abuse drew a felony charge.
Berger said she respects that view and believes that the penalties in the domestic violence statutes should be strengthened, but this bill addresses a situation the state must deal with.
"We can only take one step at a time," Berger said.
Shepperson's amendment gained support from Rep. Sue Wallis, R-Recluse, who asked if she would be considered a felon if she accidentally left her dog out in the rain twice.
In rebuttal of the amendment, House members were told that animal cruelty is a precursor to more grizzly behavior.
"Studies show there is a direct link between animal cruelty and serial killers," said Rep. Saundra Meyer, D-Evanston. "It is a very serious crime that we have taken too lightly."
Several legislators noted that humans in abusive situations have the ability to walk away, but animals - specifically pets - do not.
Shepperson responded that walking away from a domestic violence situation is not easy for women and that the bill equates to the state valuing animals more than humans.
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