HB 76 repeals a Wyoming law that previously blocked landowners from objecting to city annexations when part of the annexed area borders an existing city or town. This change directly affects landowners in properties adjacent to municipal boundaries who may now file objections to proposed annexations. The bill removes a specific barrier (W.S. 15-1-406(c)) that prevented such objections, allowing landowners to formally challenge annexation efforts in perimeter-contiguous cases. The repeal applies to all annexation proceedings initiated on or after July 1, 2026, with the law taking effect on that date. This is a procedural change to annexation rules, not a substantive policy shift.
Wyoming's SF 104 creates a dedicated $51.2 million university faculty research project account at the University of Wyoming to fund faculty research. The bill requires universities to secure at least 1:1 nonstate matching funds for most projects (except graduate student stipends), which can cover equipment, donor-aligned research, or business-requested projects matching the university's strengths. Profits from funded research must be split equally between the university and faculty researchers, with annual reports required to state committees on project details and spending. This directly affects University of Wyoming faculty, graduate students receiving stipends (up to $1,500/month), and external donors or businesses partnering on research.
HB 117 requires Wyoming abortion providers to obtain written informed consent before performing an elective abortion, ensuring patients receive complete information about the procedure and alternatives. The bill defines coercion (e.g., threatening job loss, scholarship revocation, or physical harm) as a violation, allowing women harmed by negligent or non-consensual abortions to sue providers. It creates civil liability for providers who fail to verify consent or knowingly perform abortions under coercion. The law applies directly to abortion providers and patients in Wyoming, focusing on preventing coercion through legal accountability.
This bill appropriates $15 million from Wyoming's tourism reserve fund to support the development of a rodeo and cowboy museum and hall of fame in Wyoming. The funds will be distributed in three installments of $5 million each on July 1, 2026, 2027, and 2028, contingent on the Wyoming Tourism Board certifying that relocation efforts will boost tourism, jobs, and state revenue. Applicants must provide matching funds (at least $1 for every $1 granted) and relocate to Wyoming by June 30, 2028, or repay the grant. The Wyoming Office of Tourism must report annually on fund usage until 2036.
This bill prohibits Wyoming cities, towns, and counties from imposing fees, conditions, or concessions related to workforce housing, unmet housing needs, or affordable housing on new residential or commercial development projects. It applies to all permit applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, and does not affect existing contracts or obligations for projects approved before that date. The law creates new state code sections (15-1-612 for municipalities and 18-5-209 for counties) to enforce this prohibition, directly affecting local governments and developers by removing potential requirements for affordable housing projects.
HB 103, the Wyoming First Amendment Protection Act, protects individuals and groups from lawsuits when they exercise rights like speaking publicly about issues, assembling peacefully, petitioning government, or expressing religious views. It creates automatic immunity from lawsuits (called "SLAPPs") that target these activities, requiring courts to dismiss such cases early in the process. If a defendant successfully uses this immunity, they receive their legal fees and costs. The law directly affects citizens, activists, journalists, and organizations engaging in public discourse on matters of community concern.
This bill prohibits Wyoming state agencies and local law enforcement from using state funds to enforce federal gun regulations that conflict with Second Amendment rights. It creates criminal penalties (up to 1 year in jail or $2,000 fine) and civil penalties of $50,000 per violation for agencies that enforce such federal rules. The law specifically exempts cooperation with federal authorities on non-gun-related matters and defines key terms like "federal regulation" and "law abiding citizen."
Wyoming's SJ 5 is a joint resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically asks for a convention limited to proposing amendments that impose spending limits on the federal government, restrict federal power over states, and limit terms for federal officials and Congress members. The resolution includes specific safeguards, such as requiring two-thirds of states to agree on the same purpose before Congress acts, ensuring states vote equally, and prohibiting consideration of any changes to the Bill of Rights. This request directly affects Wyoming's legislative action and the broader process for amending the Constitution, though it does not create new law itself.
SF 126 establishes the Wyoming-Ireland Trade Commission to promote economic ties between Wyoming and Ireland. The commission, composed of nine members (including two appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and business representatives), will advance bilateral trade, investment, academic exchanges, and policy collaboration. It must report annually to the governor and legislative leaders on its activities and recommendations. The bill creates the structure for this body but does not change existing laws or allocate new funds.
Wyoming's SF 72 creates the "Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact," enabling teachers licensed in one participating state to more easily obtain licensure in another member state. The bill directly affects teachers seeking employment across state lines, particularly military spouses relocating due to service. Key provisions establish a streamlined process for recognizing out-of-state licenses, require states to share disciplinary information, and remove barriers to hiring qualified educators. It does not apply to ongoing licensing requirements after initial placement. The compact aims to simplify mobility while maintaining each state's authority over teacher regulation.
This bill creates a select committee on gaming within the Wyoming legislature to study gaming-related issues. The committee, composed of six legislators (three appointed by the Senate president and three by the House speaker, balanced by party representation), will examine gaming regulations, community impacts, and fiscal matters like taxes and revenue. It will gather input from local governments and stakeholders on topics including responsible gaming and problem gambling. The bill appropriates $34,000 for the committee's operations through June 2028, with the goal of producing recommendations for potential future legislation.
SF 109 creates a permanent "Cowboy State Agricultural Trust Fund" in Wyoming, funded through state investments and eligible contributions. The fund's earnings will provide grants to support agricultural programs, including University of Wyoming research, workforce development at community colleges, K-12 agricultural education, value-added projects, and technology adoption in farming. Recipients must match each dollar from the fund with at least one dollar in non-state funds and report on grant usage annually. The bill establishes a committee to manage grant applications, oversight, and reporting requirements. This legislation directly affects Wyoming agricultural educators, students, producers, and institutions through new funding mechanisms.
