2026 Legislative Session Roundup

The Wyoming Legislature operates as a citizen legislature: part-time lawmakers who meet for a limited number of days each year on a biennial cycle totaling just 60 legislative days every two years. This structure shapes everything from how bills are introduced to how the state budget is crafted. This guide explains the process step by step while recapping the key outcomes and debates from the 2026 Budget Session (the 68th Legislature), highlighting both what passed and where significant proposals stalled.

Wyoming’s Legislative Process: Structure, Sessions, and Budget Authority

Wyoming alternates between two types of sessions:

General Session (odd-numbered years, such as 2025):
Runs for up to 40 days. It allows a wide range of bills to be introduced and debated. Only a simple majority vote is required to introduce a bill and to pass it.
Budget Session (even-numbered years, such as 2026):
Lasts about 20 days. Its primary purpose is to pass the state’s two-year budget. Non-budget bills face a much higher threshold: they must receive a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote to be introduced and debated.

During odd-year General Sessions, lawmakers may also pass a supplemental budget to adjust the previous biennial budget. This can correct errors, account for inflation, or address unexpected needs. Supplemental budgets became routine starting in the 1970s and contributed to steady growth in state spending. Notably, in 2025 the Legislature chose not to pass a supplemental budget, the first such instance in the modern era. While some fiscally impactful bills still advanced, skipping the supplemental budget was viewed as a meaningful act of fiscal restraint for Wyoming taxpayers.

How Committees Are Formed and What They Do

Much of the real work of the Legislature happens in committees, both during the session and in the months between sessions.

During the Legislative Session:

House and Senate standing committees operate separately in their own chambers. Each committee focuses on a specific policy area (see the full list below). These committees review bills, hold public hearings, take testimony, debate amendments, and vote on whether to send a bill forward to the full chamber.

Between Sessions (Interim Period)

After the session ends, most standing committees merge into joint interim committees.

House and Senate versions of the same committee combine into one bipartisan group.
Members come from both chambers and both parties.
Leadership in each chamber appoints the members (usually reflecting party majorities).

The Legislative Management Council — a bipartisan group made up of House and Senate leadership — plays a key role by:

Deciding which topics each joint interim committee will study
Monitoring committee work
Setting the calendar for the next budget session
Handling the Legislature’s administrative tasks during the interim

These joint interim committees travel across the state, study assigned issues, hold open public hearings, gather input, and develop bill ideas for the next session. Many bills introduced each session originate directly from the research and recommendations of these joint interim committees. When the next session begins, the joint interim committees split back into separate House and Senate standing committees and continue working independently. Note: The committees of the Wyoming Legislature keep the same names whether they are working jointly (during the interim) or separately (during the session).

How Bills Are Created

Bills reach the floor of either the House or Senate through two main routes.

Joint Interim Committees: Many bills originate from the research, study, and recommendations of the joint interim committees described above.
Individual Legislators: Individual legislators can also sponsor bills, often drawing from constituent concerns, agency requests, interest groups, court rulings, or campaign promises. Additional lawmakers may sign on as co-sponsors to build support.

Bill Drafting Process

All bills are drafted and reviewed by the Legislative Service Office (LSO), which checks legal soundness, suggests wording, and assigns a bill number:

HB = House Bill
SF = Senate File

There is no strict interim deadline, but most sponsors aim to pre-file by early December. Once the session begins, a firm cutoff (roughly one-quarter of the way through the allotted days) prevents any further new bills from being introduced.

The Life of a Bill: Introduction, Committees, and Floor Action

Once drafted and numbered by the Legislative Service Office, a bill must follow a structured path through the Wyoming Legislature.

First, it is introduced by leadership. It must then pass an introduction vote by the full chamber. This is a significant early hurdle — especially during the short Budget Session, where a two-thirds (⅔) majority is required.

If the bill fails the introduction vote, it is dead. If it passes, it is assigned to a relevant standing committee.

After passing introduction, the bill is assigned to a standing committee for testimony, debate, and possible amendments. If the bill receives a majority vote from the committee members, it advances to the next step; if not the bill is dead.

Bills that survive committee move to the General File, where the Majority Floor Leader sets the schedule for if and when it will be debated. The chamber then considers the bill through three readings:

First Reading (Committee of the Whole): The full chamber debates the bill and considers amendments. A voice vote is taken. If the bill is not heard before the Committee of the Whole deadline, it dies on the General File.
Second Reading: The bill is considered again the following day and may still be amended. Another voice vote is taken. If the bill is not heard before the second reading deadline, it dies.
Third Reading: This is the final vote in the chamber. A recorded roll call vote is required. If the bill passes, it moves to the other chamber. If it fails, it is dead for the session.

Reconsideration

If a bill fails at any stage, a member may move to suspend the rules and request reconsideration. A majority vote is required to proceed.

If approved, the bill returns to the stage where it previously failed.
If the motion fails, the bill remains dead.

Process in the Second Chamber

Once a bill passes one chamber, it goes to the other chamber (House or Senate), where the entire process repeats: committee review, General File, and three readings.

A key deadline in the second chamber requires bills to be reported out of committee by a specific date. If they are not, they die regardless of prior progress.

Amendments

Throughout the process, amendments may be introduced at both the committee level and during floor debate. These changes can significantly alter the bill’s meaning, scope, or impact, sometimes causing legislators to change their position on the bill.

Where Bills Commonly Stall in the Process

Understanding where legislation fails is just as important as understanding how it passes. At each stage of the process, there are specific points where bills are most likely to stall or die. The most common failure points include:

Failure of introduction (especially common in budget sessions)
Committee vote failure
Never being scheduled on the General File
Not being heard before the Committee of the Whole (COW) deadline
Missing the second chamber committee deadline
Running out of legislative days

After A Bill Has Passed Both Chambers

Once a bill passes both the House and the Senate, it becomes an enrolled act. The Governor may:

Sign it into law
Allow it to become law without a signature
Veto the entire bill OR (in the case of budget bills) issue a line-item veto.

The Governor has 3 days (excluding Sundays) while the legislature is still in session and 15 days (excluding Sundays) after adjournment to sign or veto the bill. If the Governor vetoes the bill, the Legislature may attempt to override the veto by following this procedure:

The Majority Floor Leader in the chamber where the bill originated must introduce a motion to override.
That chamber debates the motion and needs a two-thirds (⅔) majority to proceed.
If successful, the process repeats in the other chamber.
A two-thirds (⅔) majority vote in both chambers is required to override the veto and enact the bill into law.

Special Session for Veto Overrides

If the Legislature has already adjourned when a veto occurs, it must convene a special session to consider an override.

Under the Wyoming Constitution, this requires a petition signed by two-thirds of the members in both chambers (42 House members and 21 Senators). Any legislator—not just leadership—can initiate the petition.

2026 Budget Session: Bill Outcomes & Legislative Activity

With an understanding of how bills move through the process, the outcomes of the 2026 Budget Session provide a clearer picture of how that process played out in practice.

During Wyoming’s 68th Legislative Budget Session, lawmakers filed a total of 335 bills. These bills came from two primary sources:

110 bills originated as committee bills, developed through the research and recommendations of the joint interim committees.
235 bills were introduced by individual legislators.

This breakdown highlights the important role joint interim committees play in shaping the session’s agenda, while also showing that the majority of legislation still comes directly from individual lawmakers responding to constituents, agencies, and other stakeholders.

Senate Activity

The Senate, composed of 31 members, introduced 135 bills at the start of the session, including 55 committee bills and 80 individually sponsored bills.

Outcomes in the Senate included:

70 bills were signed into law
2 were vetoed by the Governor (SF119 and SF101)
32 failed the two-thirds introduction vote
1 was not introduced for consideration
1 was postponed indefinitely
7 died in Senate committees
1 was withdrawn by the sponsor
2 failed during first reading (Committee of the Whole)
2 failed during third reading

Once Senate bills moved to the House:

4 died in House committees
10 failed during first reading
3 failed during third reading

House Activity

The House, composed of 62 representatives, introduced 200 bills, including 58 committee bills and 142 individually sponsored bills.

Outcomes in the House included:

60 failed the two-thirds introduction vote
48 were not considered for introduction
5 failed in committee
20 were not considered for first reading
1 failed during first reading (Committee of the Whole)
1 failed during third reading
2 were withdrawn by their sponsors

Once House bills moved to the Senate:

6 died in Senate committees
10 failed introduction due to cutoff deadlines
2 failed after reconsideration attempts
3 failed during first reading (Committee of the Whole)
3 failed during third reading
1 was vetoed by the Governor
41 were signed into law

These results show that the session was not defined solely by the bills that became law. A significant portion of legislative activity ended at the introduction stage, where the two-thirds threshold limited which proposals advanced to committee review.

As a result, many bills with majority support were never debated in committee or on the floor. The following section highlights several of those measures.

Important Bills That Failed to Advance at Introduction

The following bills did not receive the two-thirds vote required for introduction in their chamber of origin, preventing further debate:

HB60 – Attorney General Elected
Would have made the Attorney General a statewide elected position, establishing terms, salary, and vacancy procedures while reducing gubernatorial appointment authority. (vote total: 35–26)
HB88 – Public Funds Lobbying
Would have prohibited state and local entities, including school districts, from using public funds to lobby the Legislature or support organizations. (vote total: 27–34–1)
HB93 – Judicial Transparency
Would have required Wyoming courts to provide free public access to records and audio recordings online at no cost, with searchable systems and timely posting. (vote total: 34–28)
HB134 – Legislator Email Transparency
Would have required the LSO to ensure constituent emails are delivered directly to legislators unless flagged as a verified security threat. (vote total: 32–27–3)
HB135 – Public Officials and Nondisclosure Agreements
Would have prohibited public officials from entering into nondisclosure agreements in their official capacity and established penalties for violations. (vote total: 36–25–1)
HB179 – Hospital Pricing Transparency
Would have required hospitals to disclose pricing for services and prescription drugs, with enforcement through the Department of Health and created penalties for noncompliance. (vote total: 31–29–2)
HJ3 – Nuclear Waste Storage Approval
Proposed a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval before high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel could be stored in Wyoming. (vote total: 32–30)
SF49 – Public Records Act Revisions
Proposed changes to the Wyoming Public Records Act including shorter response timelines, standardized fees, expanding what qualifies as a public record, and increased enforcement authority. This included allowing the Ombudsman office to refer violations for legal action. (vote total: 15–16)
SF97 – Cash Payments for Government Entities
Would have required government entities to accept cash payments and prohibited additional fees for cash transactions. (vote total: 19–12)
SJ4 – Judicial Nomination Reform
Proposed restructuring the judicial nominating commission, allowing the legislature to define qualifications for judges and requiring Senate confirmation for Supreme Court justices. (vote total: 16–15)

State Budget Overview and Process

While policy bills often receive the most attention, the primary responsibility of a budget session is to pass the state budget. This is where legislative priorities are ultimately reflected in funding decisions.

Wyoming’s biennial budget is developed through two primary bills: HB1 and SF1. Although both are referred to as budget bills, they do not begin as identical measures.

Each chamber’s Appropriations Committee starts with the Governor’s budget recommendation and then creates its own version based on the committee’s priorities and perspective. As the bills move through the House and Senate, legislators debate them extensively and propose amendments that adjust funding levels across many state agencies and programs. By the time the bills reach Third Reading, the House and Senate versions are often significantly different.

At that point, a conference committee is appointed by legislative leadership to reconcile the differences. This committee works to produce a single unified version, meeting as many times as necessary within session deadlines.

Once agreement is reached, the final version is sent back to both chambers for approval. If both pass the reconciled bill, it is then sent to the Governor.

Although budget bills are considered “must-pass,” they are still subject to the full legislative process and can fail. However, because Wyoming operates on a biennial budget, a failure does not immediately halt state operations (aka a state government shutdown). The existing budget remains in place, and lawmakers may address funding through separate legislation or a special session.

Scale of the 2026 Budget Process

The 2026 Budget Session demonstrated the significant scope of this work. In 2026, more than 40 hours of debate occurred, with 247 amendments considered in the House and 72 in the Senate.

Budget Highlights and Key Allocations

The final budget reflects a combination of the Governor’s proposal and legislative adjustments:

The Governor’s recommended biennial budget totaled $11.1 billion, a 12% increase from the 2024 budget.
The Legislature approved a $10.099 billion budget, reducing spending by approximately $836 million (7.6%) from 2024 levels and over $1 billion (9%) from the Governor’s proposal.

Major Funding Sources

General Fund: $3.46 billion (34.2%)
- Wyoming’s main flexible revenue source, which is primarily funded by mineral taxes, sales tax and investment earnings
Federal Funds: $2.19 billion (21.7%)
- Funding that comes from the federal government to the state, typically through grant or program funding. It must be used for specific purposes and in accordance with federal laws and guidelines.
School Foundation Program: $2.27 billion (22.5%)
- This is Wyoming’s constitutionally required funding for K-12 public education. It combines state and local revenues to fund all school districts in the state. The general fund is the largest contribution, followed up by property tax and federal mineral revenues.
Other Funds: $2.18 billion (21.6%)
- Do not come from general taxation, allocated to areas such as hunting and fishing, professional licensing fees, highway funds, tourism, state-run services, environmental and regulatory funds, and investment earnings.

Key Allocations

Department of Health: $2.66 billion
- $1.108 Billion From General Funds
- $1.241 Billion From Federal Funds
- $311 Million from Other Funds
K–12 Education: $2.556 Billion
- $2.21 Billion for school districts from the School Foundation Program
- $392.7 million to the Department of Education
  - $349.8 million from Federal Funds
  - $25.6 million from Other Funds
  - $17.3 million from General Funds
University of Wyoming: $486.8 million
- $486.8 million from General Funds
Community Colleges: $293.4 million
- $290.3 million from General Funds
- $1.9 million from Federal Funds
- $1.2 million from Other Funds
Department of Corrections: $346.1 million
- $325.8 million from General Funds
- $19.8 million from Other Funds
- $472,000 from Federal Funds
Department of Family Services: $339.3 million
- $175.4 million From General Funds
- $149.8 million From Federal Funds
- $14.1 million from other funds

Additional Appropriations

$16 million (up to) for rare earth resource projects
$15 million for tourism projects
$172.2 million to restore portions of the Governor’s recommendations
$111.8 million for salary adjustments
$3.3 million for court security grants
$800,000 for outdoor trails matching funds
$550,000 General Fund for rural veterinary education program
$30,000 for Yellowstone historical display project

Legislative Branch Budget

In addition to the general state budget, SF0002 funds the legislative branch itself, including the Legislative Service Office and operational costs of the Legislature.

Often referred to as the “feed bill,” this measure covers legislator compensation, staff salaries, travel expenses, and administrative operations. It also provides flexibility for leadership, through the Management Council, to address unexpected costs such as special sessions or legal challenges.

Unlike other bills with fiscal impact, SF0002 is not incorporated into the final overall budget total.

Recent funding levels show steady growth:

2022: $22.1 million
2024: $23.6 million
2026: $26.1 million

The largest increases between 2024 and 2026 were in travel expenses, organizational dues, and staffing.

Legislative Branch Budget Breakdown

Legislative spending is divided into several primary categories, with compensation and operations making up the largest share:

Compensation: $11.5 million for LSO staff, $1.15 million for legislators during session, and $2.24 million for interim work
Travel: Approximately $1.5 million for session travel and $1.25 million for interim travel
Benefits: $4.9 million in employer-paid benefits
Administrative Support: $1.5 million for general operations
Membership Dues: $667,190 for national and regional organizations
Statutory publications: $405,000
Telecommunications: $50,000

Beyond the primary budget bills, the Legislature approved additional measures with direct fiscal impact. These bills contribute to the overall budget total of approximately $10.1 billion.

Key examples include:

HB34 / HB35: Firefighter retirement and compensation adjustments ($181,000 and $422,500)
HB36 / HB106: Wildland fire response and leadership funding ($2.57 million and $499,709)
HB105: K–12 facilities funding ($237.9 million)
HB107: Local government distributions (county and municipal support)
HB111: Capital construction funding across agencies, including:
- $228.7 million (General Fund)
- $59.2 million (Private Funds)
- $47 million (Federal Funds)
- $84.8 million to the University of Wyoming

Property Tax Policy and Relief Efforts

While the budget reflects how the state allocates resources, it also highlights how those resources are generated. This brings tax policy into focus, particularly property taxes, which became a central issue during the session.

Property tax relief was one of the most debated issues during the session, as lawmakers responded to rising costs for Wyoming residents. While many proposals aimed to reduce tax burdens, they differed significantly in structure, scope, and long-term impact.

Some bills targeted specific groups, while others attempted broader system-wide changes. This raised an important policy question: when tax relief is directed toward one group without corresponding spending reforms, the fiscal impact does not disappear. Instead, it must be shifted elsewhere, either to other taxpayers or into the broader state budget.

This debate also highlighted constitutional considerations, including equal treatment under the law and whether policy should differentiate between groups of residents when distributing tax relief.

More broadly, the discussion raised a fundamental issue: if state spending continues to grow, is tax relief alone a sufficient solution? In that context, evaluating bills requires looking beyond the immediate benefit of tax relief. Consideration of how each proposal fits within the state’s overall fiscal structure is needed as well. The following bills took different approaches to provide relief, balancing competing priorities, and attempted to address the underlying pressure driving the need for tax reform.

Bills That Passed

HB45 – Long-Term Homeowner Tax Exemption Revisions
Adjusted eligibility and benefit structures for qualifying homeowners to provide targeted property tax relief. While the bill offered assistance to specific residents, it did not address broader structural concerns within the property tax system.
SF79 – Sales and Use Tax Reorganization
Reorganized statutory language governing sales and use taxes, clarifying how in-state and out-of-state transactions are handled. This measure focused on administrative efficiency rather than direct tax reduction.
SF80 – Department of Revenue Electronic Communication
Modernized communication between the state and taxpayers by shifting from paper-based systems to electronic notifications, improving efficiency and accessibility.

Bills That Failed or Did Not Advance

SF110 – Residential Property Tax Revisions
Proposed targeted reforms to limit tax burdens on primary residences. While intended to provide relief, the bill raised questions about how benefits would be distributed and sustained over time. (Failed House introduction: vote was 30–31–1)
HB73 – Property Reassessment on Transfer
Would have required property to be reassessed at market value upon sale, potentially increasing tax obligations for new property owners. (Failed House introduction: vote was 37–25)
HB124 – Property Tax Exemption Reduction
Proposed limiting existing exemptions, which could have increased tax liability for certain groups. (Failed House introduction: vote was 31–29–2)
SF78 / SF77 – Taxable Value and Exemption Changes
Attempted to modify how property values and exemptions are calculated, reflecting broader efforts to restructure the system. (Failed introduction)
HB58 / HB118 – Structural Tax Changes
Proposed more fundamental changes to property tax mechanisms but were not considered for introduction.

These outcomes highlight the difficulty of advancing tax reform, particularly when balancing immediate relief with long-term fiscal stability.

Election Policy and Integrity

Election integrity was another key topic this session as citizens voiced concerns about local, statewide and federal issues. Election-related legislation reflected ongoing efforts to maintain confidence in Wyoming’s electoral process through transparency, efficiency, clearly established procedures and accountability.

Lawmakers considered proposals addressing system security, voter identification, audit procedures, and administrative clarity. While these efforts aimed to strengthen trust in the electoral system, the results revealed a clear divide, particularly in the House, where many bills received majority support but failed to meet the two-thirds threshold required for introduction.

Bills That Passed

SF28 – Voting System Testing
Strengthened requirements for testing voting machines and electronic election systems before elections. Requiring that pre-election testing be conducted in a more structured and transparent manner, expands who may observe the testing including the public, and ensures results are documented and available. This measure aimed to increase transparency and public confidence in election systems.
SF30 – Voter Registration Revisions
Standardized the definition of a “qualified elector,” aligning eligibility requirements across statutes aligning requirements like age, residency, citizenship, and voter eligibility in one consistent framework. This reduced ambiguity without significantly altering voter qualifications.
SF113 – Hand Count Comparison
Requires every Wyoming County to conduct a hand-count audit of ballots in both the 2026 primary and general elections. 5% of ballots must be manually counted and compared to machine results to check for accuracy and consistency. The requirement is temporary and applies only to the 2026 elections. While intended to verify machine accuracy, the measure also raises questions about scalability and long-term implementation.

Bills That Failed or Did Not Advance

HB48 – Pen and paper ballots
Would have required elections to use paper ballots as the primary voting method instead of electronic systems. Failed House introduction (38-24).
HB49 – Ballot drop boxes prohibition
Would have banned the use of ballot drop boxes for returning absentee ballots. Failed house introduction (38-24)
HB50 – Ballot harvesting prohibition
Would have restricted or prohibited third-party collection of ballots, limiting who can return a voter’s ballot. Failed house introduction (39-23)
HB51- Random hand count audits of election results
Required random hand count audits of election ballots to verify accuracy, along with directing rulemaking for how those audits would be conducted. Failed house introduction (39-23)
HB53- Poll watchers-polling stations observation
This bill would have expanded and clarified the appointment and authority of poll watchers, including how they observe polling locations and election processes. The bill directed rulemaking for implementation. Failed house introduction (36-26)
HB54-Elections-independent candidate requirements
Would have revised requirements for independent candidates by requiring them to affirm they are not affiliated with a political party, increasing signature thresholds, and changing filing deadlines to qualify for the ballot. Failed house introduction (32-30)
HB94-Election purity and hand count
Would have required all elections in Wyoming to be conducted using hand-counted paper ballots, prohibited the use of voting machines for casting or tabulating votes. Also, the bill would have established statewide standards for ballot handling, reconciliation, and audits. Failed house introduction (32-30)
HB52-Elections-hand counting for recounts
This bill would have established a structured process for election recounts, requiring hand counting in certain close races. Allowing candidates and election officials to request recounts, and outlining costs, procedures, and oversight for those recounts. Senate did not consider for COW.
HB84- Falsifying election documents
This bill clarified that falsifying election documents includes submitting a false post-election ballot audit. The bill strengthens enforcement around election integrity violations. Senate did not consider for COW
HB85-Post-election audit procedures
A bill that would have strengthened post-election audit requirements by requiring official minutes to be taken, ensuring audits are publicly observable. Allowed representatives from political parties and independent candidates to monitor and document the process. Failed Senate 3rd reading (9-21)
HB86-Removal of county officers election code violations
Allowing the Secretary of State to file a complaint with the governor against a county clerk for violations of election law. Creates a clearer process for addressing misconduct by county election officials. This bill died in the Senate committee.
SF0108-Election purity and hand count
A mirror bill to HB0094. Failed Senate introduction (9-21)
SF29-Elections-acceptable identification revisions
The bill attempted to revise the forms of acceptable identification required for voting in Wyoming. The goal was to update and potentially tighten voter ID requirements, an ongoing effort to address election procedures and security. Failed senate introduction (18-13).

Public Safety and Protection of Children

A significant portion of legislation focused on protecting children, particularly in response to concerns about exploitation, safety, and emerging technological threats. These measures addressed both prevention and enforcement, strengthening existing laws while adapting to new risks.

Bills that passed

HB8 Stalking of Minors
Strengthened existing law by recognizing that offenses involving minors carry greater risk, elevating penalties to a felony in certain cases including stalking of minors, repeat offenses, violations of court orders, and cases involving serious harm.
HB9-Grooming of Children
Created a felony offense targeting patterns of manipulation used to prepare minors for exploitation. The bill establishes clear definitions and penalties of up to 30 years, strengthening early intervention tools for law enforcement, adding the offense to sex offender registration and ineligibility for deferred sentencing.
HB28 Sexual Exploitation of Children Amendments
Expanded statutory definitions to close gaps in existing law, improving consistency in enforcement and prosecution.
HB92 Sex Offenders and Public Office
Establishes that individuals registered as sex offenders are ineligible to run for or hold certain public offices in Wyoming, including positions such as school board trustee, county commissioner, mayor, sheriff, and prosecutor. Setting clear eligibility standards aimed at protecting public trust related to conduct-based qualifications.
HB102 Protecting Kids from Deepfakes and Exploitive Images
Addressed emerging threats by criminalizing the use of artificial intelligence in creating exploitative content, ensuring that technological advancements do not create legal loopholes. It criminalized the distribution of nonconsensual synthetic sexual material, the use of AI to create or possess child pornography, and the development of AI systems intended to promote child exploitation or self-harm, while also providing limited liability protections for developers acting without criminal intent. The bill modernizes criminal statutes to keep pace with emerging technology, focusing on protecting individuals, especially children, from new forms of digital exploitation and harm.
SF9 Fentanyl to Minors- Enhanced Penalty
Increased penalties for distributing fentanyl to individuals under 18, recognizing the heightened risk associated with the drug.
SF85 – Raven Act
Allocated $1.6 million to support investigations and prevention efforts related to online child exploitation, providing dedicated funding for enforcement.
SF88 – Residency Restrictions
Expanded restrictions preventing registered sex offenders from living near childcare facilities, strengthening safeguards for young children.

Bills That Did Not Pass

HB72-Obscenity amendments
Proposed changes to Wyoming’s obscenity laws by creating a new crime of promoting obscenity to minors, expanding definitions of obscene material, and applying those standards to places like public school and county libraries. It also removed certain exemptions for educators and librarians and required materials deemed harmful to minors to be restricted or relocated. Was not considered for introduction
HB10-Sexually explicitly materials in libraries requirements
Would have required public libraries to ensure that sexually explicit materials are not accessible in children’s sections and instead are restricted to adult-designated areas. It also mandated that county libraries create a formal challenge process, allowing any resident to request review of materials, with a required written decision within 60 days. The bill would have defined “sexually explicit material” in detail and applied consistent standards for classification and placement. Overall, it aimed to restrict minors’ access to explicit content while creating a structured, transparent review process for library materials. Died in the Senate.

The volume and scope of legislation in this area reflect continued concern for protecting children and addressing evolving risks. These discussions often extend beyond a single policy area, connecting to broader questions about the role of government, enforcement, and public accountability.

Government Transparency

Government transparency is essential to a functioning democracy because it empowers citizens to hold their leaders accountable, builds public trust, and deters corruption and abuse of power. When governments openly share information about policies, budgets, decision-making processes, and potential conflicts of interest, the public gains the tools to scrutinize actions, participate meaningfully in civic life, and make informed choices at the ballot box. This transparency also reduces the risk of waste, mismanagement, and abuse of power by bringing public actions into the open.

Ultimately, transparency strengthens public trust and reinforces the principle that government exists to serve the people, not operate independently of them. Without clear access to information and accountability mechanisms, that relationship begins to erode. During this legislative session, multiple bills were introduced to expand transparency and improve access to public information. However, progress was limited, with many proposals failing to advance due to divisions within the legislature.

Bills that did not pass introduction

HB0088 – Public funds lobbying
This bill would have prohibited the use of taxpayer funds to influence legislative action. Failed House introduction (vote total: 27–34–1)
HB0093 – Judicial transparency
This bill required courts to provide free public access to records and livestream proceedings, with limited exceptions for sensitive cases. It also directed the judicial branch to develop a statewide access system. Failed House introduction (vote total: 34–28).
HB00134- Disclosure of filtered legislator emails
This bill addressed a fundamental principle of a representative government. Citizens must be able to communicate with their elected officials without unseen barriers. When constituent emails are filtered away from a legislator’s inbox without their knowledge, it creates a disconnect between the public and those elected to serve them. This bill requires the Legislative Service Officer (LSO) to verify whether emails have been filtered and, upon request, ensure those communications are routed directly to the legislator, unless there is a legitimate, articulable security threat. The bill did not eliminate cybersecurity protections or prevent spam filtering. Instead, it created a mechanism for transparency and correction, ensuring that lawful communication is not quietly redirected without oversight. In doing so, it would have reinforced accountability in the legislative process and affirms that access to elected officials should not be subject to unseen administrative barriers. Failed House introduction (32-27-3)
HB0135 – Public officials nondisclosure agreements
This bill prohibited public officials from entering into nondisclosure agreements that restrict disclosure of information involving public funds or government operations. It also established penalties and allowed legal challenges. Failed House introduction (vote total: 36–25–1)
SF0049 – Public Records Act revisions
This bill strengthened public records access by shortening response timelines, standardizing fees, and expanding enforcement through referrals and penalties. It also aimed to improve consistency in how records requests are handled. Failed Senate introduction (vote total: 15–16)

Bills that passed one chamber but did not become law

HB0022- Recall of elected municipal officers
This bill established a formal process allowing voters to recall elected city and town officials through a petition signed by 40% of eligible voters, followed by a recall election. The bill set timelines, limited when recalls could occur and restricted multiple recall attempts within a single term. This bill passed out of the Senate (57-0-5) but failed to pass the Senate Committee of the Whole reading (10-20-1)
HB0083- Legislative subpoena-penalty
The bill would have increased the penalties for refusing to comply with legislative subpoenas. The bill passed out of the House (60-0-1), but died in the 3rd reading in the Senate (15-16). A motion for Reconsideration was made in the Senate and failed a roll call vote (11-20)
HB0141 Fifth Amendment Protection Act
This bill was designed to protect private property rights by prohibiting cities and counties from imposing unnecessary housing-related fees or conditions on development. This bill was tied to affordable housing mitigation program problems occurring in the state. Supporters argued the bill upheld a core constitutional principle: that private property should not be taken or burdened for public use without just compensation, preventing local governments from shifting the cost of public housing needs onto individual landowners or developers. The bill passed the House (35-17-10) but Senate leadership did not assign the bill to a committee. An attempt was made in the Senate to suspend the rules and to refer directly to the Committee of the Whole for debate but that effort was voted down as well (7-24).
HB0178 – Public Unions: Transparency and Dues Withdrawal Limitations
The bill centered around whether taxpayer-funded government payroll systems should continue handling union and association dues deductions for public employees. Supporters argued the bill was about separating government operations from private political advocacy organizations. Under HB0178, public employers including state agencies, community colleges, municipalities, counties, special districts, political subdivisions, and school districts would no longer deduct union dues, political contributions, or certain organization fees directly from employee paychecks. Employees could still voluntarily join unions or associations, but payments would be made privately and directly by the individual. The bill focused on government neutrality and taxpayer accountability, arguing that public payroll systems should not serve as collection systems for private organizations that lobby legislation, endorse policy positions, or engage in political advocacy.The original version of the bill also included transparency requirements for public employee labor organizations, requiring disclosures related to revenues, expenditures, political spending, litigation costs, and membership information. Some of those provisions were later amended during the legislative process.HB0178 passed the Legislature but was vetoed by Mark Gordon. An attempted veto override later failed in the House on a 36-21-5 vote.

Transparency greatly influences how the government can be held accountable by the public. Other governing issues this session centered on what responsibilities the government holds in protecting our fundamental rights. Among the most significant of these discussions were those surrounding the protection of life and how that principle is reflected in law.

Right to Life Bills

The protection of life is a foundational principle of government and the basis upon which all other rights depend. This principle is reflected in the United States Constitution, where the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments prohibit the government from depriving any person of life without due process of law. It is also reinforced in the Wyoming Constitution, which affirms that all members of the human race are equal in their inherent right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Together, these provisions establish the protection of life as a central responsibility of the government to protect.

Recent legal changes returning authority over abortion policy to the states have led to renewed legislative activity as states define how this responsibility is carried out. During this session, Wyoming lawmakers considered several bills addressing the scope of protections for unborn life and the role of the state in regulating abortion.

Bills that Passed

HB0003- Wyoming Pregnancy Centers-Autonomy and Rights
A bill prohibiting the state and local governments from requiring pregnancy centers to provide, refer for, or promote abortions, abortion inducing drugs, or contraceptives. This was to protect their ability to operate according to their mission. The bill also allows legal action if a government entity violates these protections.
HB0126- the Human Heartbeat Act
This bill prohibits most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically around six weeks of pregnancy, with limited exceptions. It reflects legislative intent to recognize a detectable heartbeat as an indicator of developing human life. It includes limited exceptions, such as when the life of the mother is at serious risk. The bill overwhelmingly passed in both the House (51–7) and the Senate (27–4).

Bills that Failed

HB0186 Baby Olivia Act
This bill proposed requiring strengthened human development education in schools, including medically accurate instruction and visual materials on fertilization and fetal development. While the intent was to expand student understanding of fetal development, concerns were raised about statutory placement and potential impacts on local control over curriculum. The bill failed House introduction (vote total: 39–20–3).

In addition to debates surrounding the protection of life, lawmakers also considered legislation addressing other fundamental rights rooted in both the United States and Wyoming Constitutions. Among these were Second Amendment issues, where discussions focused on how the right to keep and bear arms is defined, protected, and applied in practice.

Second Amendment Bills

Seven Second Amendment bills were introduced this session. The right to keep and bear arms is recognized as a fundamental constitutional protection at both the federal and state level. Grounded in the United States Constitution and reinforced by the Wyoming Constitution, this civil right forms a core part of the legal framework surrounding individual liberty and self defense. The debate currently is not over whether the right exists, but how it is interpreted and applied within evolving legal and policy making landscapes. Lawmakers considered a range of bills aimed to clarify, expand and reinforce these civil protections. These proposals reflect an ongoing effort to define the scope of the right, the role of the state in protecting it, and how it interacts with enforcement and public policy.

Passed

HB0039- Firearms rights restoration amendments
Clarifies that if a person has their firearm rights restored in another state where they were convicted, Wyoming will recognize that restoration for firearm possession. Does not automatically restore other rights though like voting or holding office.
HB0096- Carrying of concealed weapons- age requirement
Lowers the minimum age to obtain a concealed carry permit in Wyoming from 21 to 18. Making for conforming updates and maintaining existing liability protections for issuing authorities.
HB0098- Prohibit Red Flag Gun Seizure Act-penalty amendments
Creates a misdemeanor offense for knowingly violating Wyoming’s prohibition on red flag seizure laws. Establishes penalties of up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.

Bills that did not pass

HB0095-Concealed carry-colleges and universities
Would have allowed individuals who can legally carry concealed weapons without a permit to do so on public college and university campuses. There would be limited exceptions for certain events like sports that involve alcohol.
HB0130- Second amendment protection act amendments
Would have expanded Wyoming’s second amendment protection act by prohibiting state and local officials from enforcing certain federal firearm regulations. The bill created civil liability and significant penalties for violations and allows individuals to bring legal action against agencies that violate these protections. The bill had significant legislative support but failed in the Senate.
HB0097-Second amendment financial privacy act amendment
The bill passed introductory vote 59-2-1 and out of the appropriations committee 6-1 but was not considered for Committee of the Whole by the cut off date. The bill would have prohibited the use of firearm specific merchant category codes to track or record firearm and ammunition purchases, barring discrimination against firearm related transactions and created civil and criminal penalties for violations.
SF0101-Second Amendment Protection Act amendments
One of the clearest points of division in the 68th Legislative Session centered on SF0101, the Second Amendment Protection Act amendments, which passed the legislature but was ultimately vetoed by Governor Mark Gordon. The bill proposed expanding Wyoming’s existing Second Amendment protections by adding a civil enforcement mechanism, allowing individuals to challenge the use of state and local resources in enforcing certain federal firearm regulations that are not reflected in Wyoming law.Supporters argued the bill was a necessary and logical next step following Wyoming’s earlier Second Amendment Protection Act. While prior law established criminal penalties, proponents believed those provisions lacked practical enforcement, and that adding a civil cause of action would give real effect to the policy. They emphasized that the bill was narrowly tailored, applying only to actions “solely” related to federal firearm regulations and only involving “law-abiding citizens,” defined as individuals not prohibited under Wyoming law from possessing firearms and lawfully present in the United States. Supporters rejected claims that the bill would interfere with efforts to combat violent crime, drug trafficking, or immigration violations, noting that those activities clearly fall outside the bill’s scope. They also argued that existing federal precedent, such as Printz v. United States, allows states to refuse participation in federal enforcement, but does not prevent states from voluntarily assisting, making additional state-level protections necessary if Wyoming intends to fully separate its resources from federal firearm enforcement. From this perspective, the bill was about drawing a clear boundary and ensuring that Wyoming taxpayers and personnel are not used to enforce policies the state itself has not adopted.Opponents, including the Governor and some members of the law enforcement community, focused less on the intent of the bill and more on its real-world application. They raised concerns that even with limiting language, the bill could create ambiguity for officers and agencies operating in complex, fast-moving situations where federal and state authority often overlap. Critics warned that determining whether an action is “solely” related to federal firearm enforcement could be unclear in practice, potentially leading to hesitation or second-guessing in critical moments. Additionally, the introduction of a civil enforcement mechanism raised concerns about increased legal exposure for agencies, with opponents cautioning that the bill could open the door to lawsuits that, regardless of outcome, would require time and resources to defend. Some also questioned whether the bill was necessary at all, pointing to existing legal principles that already prevent the federal government from compelling state enforcement, and suggesting the bill risked disrupting established cooperation between state and federal authorities.The debate over SF0101 revealed a deeper divide in how Wyoming approaches the balance between protecting constitutional rights and maintaining effective law enforcement coordination. Supporters viewed the bill as a clear affirmation of state sovereignty and individual liberty, while opponents saw it as introducing uncertainty into an already complex enforcement environment. With the veto, the issue remains unresolved and likely to return in future sessions.

Health Care / Medical Legislation

Healthcare legislation this session focused on the complexity of access, cost, and oversight within Wyoming’s medical system. Lawmakers considered proposals addressing patient rights, provider regulations, and the role of state agencies in shaping how care is delivered.

At the center of these discussions were several key questions: What is the proper role of government in healthcare? What unintended consequences arise when that role expands or contracts? And how should the balance between access, quality, and cost be managed without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers?

The government’s role is neither total control nor complete absence, but a limited framework that protects patient freedom, ensures safety, promotes transparency, and preserves competition. That balance, however, remains difficult to achieve. When policy overreaches through excessive regulation or market distortion, it risks driving up costs and limiting choice. When it falls short, it risks failing to protect patients.

Several bills introduced this session reflected these tensions. Some aimed to expand access, while others raised concerns about shifting authority away from elected representatives and toward regulatory bodies. A number of proposals ultimately failed to advance, underscoring the difficulty of reaching consensus in this area.

Bills that passed

SF0005 – Hospital bankruptcy proceedings
This bill passed and significantly expanded the authority of trustees for county memorial hospitals and hospital districts to pursue Chapter 9 bankruptcy or dissolution. Under the enacted version, trustees may initiate these actions with approval from county commissioners for county hospitals, while hospital districts are no longer required to obtain voter approval. Public notice requirements were limited to posting a bankruptcy plan just seven days prior to consideration. While the bill provides struggling hospitals with a more streamlined path to address financial distress, it raises concerns about reduced community oversight and accountability, particularly in rural areas where these hospitals serve as the primary or sole source of care. Critics argue this could prioritize financial survival over responsibility for essential services.
SF0004 – Medicaid rate increase – EMS services
This bill increases reimbursement rates for emergency medical services provided to Medicaid recipients, bringing the state’s contribution to 100% of the enhanced rate with a corresponding federal match and a $1.3 million general fund appropriation. It applies only to Medicaid patients and does not broadly address overall EMS challenges of responsibility in funding.
SF0057 – Transparency in hospital service pricing
This bill, known as the Hospital Price Transparency Act, requires hospitals to maintain and provide searchable public lists of standard charges for services and items, with enforcement mechanisms and penalties for noncompliance. The goal is to empower patients and insurers with clearer cost information, driving more competition in pricing and reducing patient financial burden from surprise billing.
SF0121 – Wyoming Pharmacy Act amendments
This bill passed and expanded the statutory definition of the “practice of pharmacy” to include assessing patients, initiating care, and prescribing certain medications. Authority for the scope of these services is largely delegated to rulemaking by the Board of Pharmacy rather than fixed in statute. While the measure seeks to increase access to care, particularly in underserved rural communities where pharmacist availability exceeds that of physicians, it raises concerns about shifting clinical decision-making away from physicians toward a regulatory framework with less direct legislative oversight. By delegating broad authority to an unelected board under the executive branch, the bill reduces direct public accountability. Future expansions or restrictions would occur through rulemaking rather than open legislative debate, introducing uncertainty about long-term application. It also creates a situation where two competing boards (Wyoming Board of Medicine and the Wyoming Board of Pharmacy) may have conflicting rules and guidelines for the same health care services across the state.
HB0004 – Birthing centers – Medicaid coverage
This bill authorizes Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by licensed birthing centers, aiming to expand maternal care options and improve access in rural areas where traditional hospital-based maternity services are limited or declining by expanding the Medicaid program.
HB0003 – Wyoming pregnancy centers – autonomy and rights
This bill provides legislative findings and prohibits state and local governmental entities from adopting laws or rules that unduly burden the operations of pregnancy centers, protecting their autonomy in providing counseling, pregnancy tests, and related services.
HB0122 – Wyoming rural health transformation program
Established the Wyoming Rural Health Transformation Program to administer approximately $205 million in federal funds, creating an advisory committee, an expenditure account, and a perpetuity fund for sustainable investments.

Bills that Did Not Pass

HB0013 – Ivermectin without prescription
This bill would have allowed ivermectin to be sold over the counter without a prescription by removing existing medical and pharmacy restrictions. Failed House introduction (38-23-1)
HB0064 – Enhanced Medicaid reimbursement rate – maternal services
This bill aimed to authorize enhanced Medicaid reimbursement rates for eligible maternal health providers in rural areas to help prevent “maternity deserts” and sustain obstetric services. It failed House introduction (27–34-1)
HB0063 – Medicaid reimbursement – nursing homes
This bill sought increases to Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes to support long-term care facilities. Failed introduction in the House (27-34-1).
HB0161 – Wyoming health insurance market study This bill proposed a comprehensive study of Wyoming’s health insurance market, including legislative findings and a required report to identify challenges and potential reforms. Leadership did not consider for introduction.
HB0143 – Free speech for health care providers
This bill, titled the Free Speech for Health Care Providers Act, sought to prohibit state agencies and boards from discriminating against providers based on their speech or expressions, while offering protections against adverse actions and certain contracting/licensing requirements. It advanced through the Labor committee but was not considered for a Committee of the Whole vote.

Schools and Education

Education was a major focus this session, with lawmakers considering a wide range of bills affecting funding, governance, and the day-to-day operation of Wyoming schools. Both the state’s constitutional responsibility to provide a complete and uniform system and the practical challenges of delivering education were central to the discussion.

Lawmakers also addressed concerns related to curriculum, classroom policy, the proper role of schools, student behavior, and overall system accountability. Taxpayers continue to expect measurable outcomes alongside responsible spending, while families seek greater involvement in decisions affecting their children.

Debates often centered on how education funding is structured, how effectively schools are meeting expectations, and the increasing cost per student across the state. Wyoming now spends more per pupil than any surrounding state, and that figure has increased year after year. Yet, each increase is met with the same claim, that funding remains insufficient. At the same time, many parents are raising serious concerns about student performance as it becomes clear funding alone is not the determining factor in educational success.

Per-pupil spending reached $19,332 in FY2023—17% above the national average of $16,560. Current spending is pushing $22,000 per student now, yet only 26% of Wyoming graduates in the Class of 2024 met the ACT math college-readiness benchmark, meaning nearly three out of four students have less than a 50% chance of passing first-year college algebra. The trend continues beyond high school. Nearly half (45.8%) of degree-seeking students at Wyoming colleges require remedial coursework, rising to 51.7% at community colleges.

At the same time, broader questions emerged about the role of the state versus local communities in shaping education policy and where parents fit in. A consistent tension throughout these discussions was the balance between local control and state-level direction. While the state is responsible for ensuring standards are met, many policy decisions—particularly those affecting daily school operations—raise questions about whether authority should remain closer to parents and local communities.

Bills that Passed

SF0018-Attendance of Students in K-12 Schools
Ensures that public schools are “equally free and accessible” to part-time students, allowing families greater flexibility to enroll children in specific classes or programs without requiring full-time attendance.
HB23-Participation in school activities
Expands access to extracurricular and cocurricular activities beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. Requiring school districts to allow resident school-age children, regardless of full-time enrollment status, to participate in district activities, including those sanctioned by Wyoming High School Athletic Association (WHSAA). This includes homeschool, private school, and alternative education students, provided they meet eligibility requirements and makes participation mandatory for districts, ensuring equal access to sports, clubs, and activities while preserving eligibility standards. The bill removes enrollment-based barriers and supports broader participation in school programs while maintaining standards for involvement.
SF0035-School district-cell phone and smart watch policies
Requires school districts to adopt policies governing student use of cell phones and smart watches. While presented as a classroom management tool addressing distractions and student behavior, the bill raises broader questions about who should set policies for students during the school day. By establishing a state-level framework, it shifts authority away from parents and local districts toward a more centralized approach. This is particularly relevant in Wyoming, where families often rely on devices for practical needs such as communication across long distances, transportation coordination, and safety.The bill does not require meaningful parental input or guarantee flexibility for varying local circumstances. As a result, it highlights an ongoing tension not over whether policies are needed, but over who determines them and whether parents are treated as partners or sidelined in decisions affecting their children.
SF0081-K-12 Public School Finance-2
While the above bills addressed specific aspects of school operations and policy, a much larger portion of the education debate this session centered on how the entire system is funded. At the core of that discussion was the required recalibration of Wyoming’s school finance model, a process that carries significant implications for both funding levels and the structure of public education moving forward.Referred to as the recalibration bill, SF0081 was a central focus of the session. Recalibration is not optional, it is a required statutory process designed to update the school funding model to reflect current costs and conditions. It intended to adjust the existing framework, not redefine the scope of public education. This year’s updates include adding approximately 260 staff positions statewide, increasing average teacher salaries from about $67,000 to $75,000, restructuring how teacher compensation is calculated, accelerating transportation funding, modifying special education timelines, increasing substitute pay, and adjusting enrollment calculations.The bill aimed to address litigation that has created a broader conversation around school funding. In August 2022, the Wyoming Education Association filed suit against the State (Case No. 2022-CV-200-788), arguing that Wyoming is underfunding public education and failing to meet its constitutional obligations. District Court Judge Peter Froelicher issued a ruling finding that the current school funding model is not constitutionally sufficient, citing concerns that it has not been properly maintained as a cost-based system and has not been consistently adjusted for inflation or evolving educational needs. The State of Wyoming filed an appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court (Docket S-25-0136) seeking to overturn the district court’s finding that the school funding system is unconstitutional. This appeal is still open as of May 20th, 2026. Because of this there is a pause on what the district court is asking to be implemented. The state argues that Wyoming schools are already adequately funded and that the court overstepped by substituting judicial judgment for legislative decision-making, particularly on questions of funding levels and policy priorities.The ruling has reignited a decades-long debate over what the Wyoming Constitution actually requires when it calls for a “complete and uniform” and “thorough and efficient” system of public instruction. At its core is a fundamental question: where does constitutional obligation end and legislative discretion begin? Where is the line to be drawn on funding areas such as mental health, school resource officers, technology, and food within funding education? Supporters of recalibration argue that SF0081 represents a good-faith effort to update and maintain the model within fiscal realities. Others argue that without more structural changes, adjustments alone may not be enough to address the deficiencies identified by the court.Wyoming’s Constitution is clear that the state has a duty to fully fund public education, and that funding must remain aligned with actual costs and current conditions. But that raises an important question, what exactly is included in the “basket of goods” that defines a constitutionally required education? While the state is obligated to conduct recalibration to adjust the model to reflect real-world costs, it also raises the issue of where that obligation ends and how far expansion should go, as costs and expectations continue to grow as do the student performance and safety concerns of parents.Funding cannot be separated from outcomes. If the state is required to invest significant resources into education, there must also be meaningful accountability for performance. That includes ensuring students are meeting expectations and that funding decisions are tied to measurable results. A constitutionally compliant system is not only one that is adequately funded, it is one that demonstrates those resources are effectively supporting student achievement.

When performance falls short, the system must include defined mechanisms for correction. This is where the current gap exists. Effective funding should be tied to clear outcomes and meaningful consequences; otherwise, there is little assurance that increased investment will translate into improved student performance.

Wyoming’s Hathaway Scholarship

The Hathaway Scholarship program is supported by a $400 million permanent endowment, largely funded by federal mineral royalties from Wyoming’s energy production. Investment earnings from this endowment pay for annual scholarship awards. On average, approximately $16 million per year is distributed to students through the Hathaway program. The scholarship is one of Wyoming’s largest investments in higher education for students. It was created to encourage academic achievement and keep Wyoming graduates in-state for college.

As the Wyoming Legislature considered several bills during the 2026 session, it’s important for families, educators, and taxpayers to understand what the Hathaway Scholarship does, how it is funded, how award amounts relate to areas such as ACT scores, and what potential changes are being debated.

The Hathaway Scholarship is a state-funded, merit-based scholarship program available to Wyoming high school graduates who attend eligible Wyoming postsecondary institutions. The Hathaway Scholarship has four tiers. Award amounts are paid per semester and vary based on academic performance. Students qualify by completing a required high school diploma, meeting minimum GPA requirements, and achieving qualifying college readiness test scores. The scholarship can be used at the University of Wyoming and any Wyoming community college. Currently, students may use the scholarship for up to eight semesters of full-time enrollment.

When the Hathaway Scholarship was first created in 2005, the top award covered nearly 90% of tuition and fees at the University of Wyoming. Twenty years later due to rising tuition, the highest Hathaway award covers closer to 40% of tuition and fees. The last time the scholarship amount was increased was in 2014 by 5%.

This session, lawmakers considered 3 bills that would change how the Hathaway Scholarship operates.

SF0036- Hathaway lump sum merit scholarship
The bill would have eliminated the requirements that students maintain sufficient academic progress, continuous enrollment, and credit hour requirements. The bill would also allow scholarship funds to be distributed as a lump sum, rather than requiring continuous full-time enrollment over multiple semesters. It also removes mandates related to minimum credit hours and continuous enrollment. (H COW: Failed 3-51-8-0-0)
HB0057-Hathaway private post-secondary institution scholarships
House Bill 57 would expand the Hathaway Scholarship to allow limited use at qualified private postsecondary institutions. The bill does not change existing eligibility criteria but requires the department of education to develop additional eligibility and payment rules for this expansion. (H Failed Introduction 39-23-0-0-0)
SF0047- Increases of Hathaway scholarship awards
Increased the Hathaway Scholarship award amounts by approximately 28.8% for each of different criteria groups. Passed (Senate 26-4-1 and House 59-0-2-1)

Bills That Did Not Advance Late in Session

On March 3, 2026, the final day for bills to be considered by the Committee of the Whole, a series of procedural decisions effectively halted progress on multiple pieces of legislation. A recess was called shortly after session began in the Senate and when the Senators returned, limited time remained before adjournment. As a result, many important bills on the General File were not heard and failed to advance.

HB0084 – Falsifying Election Documents- would have created and strengthened criminal penalties for knowingly falsifying election-related documents (such as ballots, registrations, or certifications), aiming to protect election integrity and deter fraud.
HB0010 – Sexually Explicit Materials in Libraries Requirements– would have established standards for restricting minors’ access to sexually explicit materials in public and school libraries. Would have required a review process, classification, and potential removal or limited access to certain materials.
HB0052 – Elections: Hand Counting for Recounts-would have required that election recounts be conducted by hand rather than by machine to increase transparency and to public confidence in election results.
HB0070 – Wyoming Granite Act– was a broad election integrity bill focused on tightening voter eligibility and registration processes, including provisions like proof of citizenship requirements and maintenance of voter rolls.
HB0095 – Concealed Carry on Colleges and Universities– would have allowed individuals with valid concealed carry permits to carry firearms on public college and university campuses, expanding Second Amendment rights in higher education settings.
HB0117 – Stop Harm, Empower Women with Informed Notices– would have created requirements for medical facilities to give women specific medical or informational notices (often related to abortion or chemical abortion procedures), ensuring informed consent and awareness of risks and alternatives.
HB0127 – Voter Approval for Recreation Mill Levy– would have required that any new or increased recreation-related property tax (mill levy) must be approved directly by voters rather than imposed solely by local governing bodies.
HB0147 – Property Tax Exemptions: Effect of People’s Initiative– would have clarified how property tax exemptions created through citizen-led ballot initiatives are applied and enforced, ensuring consistency with voter-approved measures.
HB0157 – Protection of Parental Rights: Cause of Action– this bill created a legal pathway (cause of action) allowing parents to sue if they believe their fundamental rights regarding the care, custody, and upbringing of their children have been violated.
HB0159 – Safeguarding Personal Expression at K-12 Schools– the passing of this bill would have protected students’ rights to free expression in public schools, ensuring they can express beliefs (including political or religious views) without undue restriction, within certain limits.

While the Legislature fulfilled its primary responsibility of passing a budget, and did so with measurable restraint, many policy areas revealed clear divides in approach and philosophy. Bills focused on protecting children generally had strong success, reflecting a shared willingness to act where there is broad agreement around safety and well-being. Areas such as election integrity, government transparency, and property taxes saw a high number of proposals fail early in the process, often at the introduction stage where the two-thirds threshold limited further debate. In many cases, these were not issues lacking support, but issues where consensus on approach was not reached.

Education policy highlighted a different kind of tension surrounding funding, accountability, and the scope of the system remain unresolved, particularly as the state navigates constitutional requirements and ongoing legal challenges. Healthcare and regulatory bills reflected an ongoing debate over the role of government itself specifically, whether authority should remain with elected representatives or be delegated to agencies and boards.

Across multiple categories, a consistent theme emerged; not just a disagreement over policy goals, but over who should decide and how those decisions should be implemented and enforced. The differing views around the function of government, balancing the protection of rights, the management of public resources and dollars, and the structure through which decisions are made. In some cases, legislation advanced that reinforced existing systems, while in others, proposals that would have shifted authority or increased transparency were unable to move forward.

This session was not defined solely by what passed, but by what was not allowed to advance. The outcome reflects both the constraints of a budget session and a broader divergence in how legislators interpret the role of government. While progress was made in several areas, many of the most debated issues in Wyoming remain unresolved.