Education

HB 25 repeals a requirement that students receiving Wyoming's Tomorrow scholarships must maintain continuous enrollment to keep their funding. This change directly affects scholarship recipients by allowing them to pause their education (e.g., for medical reasons, family needs) without losing eligibility. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and removes Section 21-16-1904(c)(iv) from Wyoming law.

This bill requires all Wyoming school districts to create and adopt written policies governing student use of cell phones and smart watches during school hours. It defines "smart watch" as a wearable device that functions like a phone (excluding basic timepieces or health trackers) and mandates that districts submit their policies to the state superintendent by July 1, 2026. The law applies directly to every public school district in Wyoming, setting a clear deadline for policy implementation. It does not specify exact restrictions but establishes a framework for districts to develop their own rules.

Wyoming's HB 23 requires public school districts to allow students residing in the district (but not enrolled full-time as students) to participate in grades 6-12 extracurricular activities, such as sports or clubs, starting with the 2026-2027 school year. The bill applies to activities sanctioned by the Wyoming High School Activities Association and excludes students under suspension or expulsion. School districts must permit this participation without charging additional fees beyond standard activity costs. The law directly affects non-enrolled resident students and school districts managing these programs.

HB 24 amends Wyoming's timeline for reviewing charter school applications, directly affecting new charter school applicants and local school districts or state bodies acting as authorizers. It requires authorizers to notify applicants within 30 days whether an application is complete, hold a public hearing within 60 days of receiving a complete application, and make a final approval or denial decision within 120 days of receipt. The bill does not change the requirements for community or parental support, but streamlines the review process by setting specific deadlines. This legislation applies to new applications submitted after its effective date.

Wyoming's SF 90 limits fees charged by school districts for non-school activities using district property, such as youth clubs or community groups. It requires these fees to be capped at the actual hourly costs incurred by the district (including staff, equipment, and utilities) and mandates an itemized cost statement within 15 days of a request. The bill applies to all such rentals starting July 1, 2026, and does not affect contracts signed before that date. This policy ensures transparency and cost-based pricing for facility rentals, directly affecting community groups and organizations seeking to use school spaces.