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.
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.
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.
HB 159 protects students' religious, political, and ideological speech in Wyoming public schools. It prohibits schools from discriminating against students for expressing these views in class discussions, assignments, club activities, or clothing - similar to how other student speech is treated. The bill creates a legal cause of action for violations, allowing students or clubs to seek at least $5,000 in damages plus other remedies. Exceptions include unprotected speech (per the First Amendment) or conduct that disrupts school operations or creates a hostile environment.
This bill (SF 18) ensures Wyoming public K-12 schools are equally free and accessible to all children, including those attending part-time. It requires schools to operate for a minimum of 175 days per year (unless an alternative schedule is approved by the state board after public meetings), and mandates annual evaluations of alternative schedules. Parents or guardians of eligible children may apply for an Education Savings Account (ESA) program under existing law. The changes apply starting the 2026-2027 school year.
HB 186, the "Baby Olivia Act," requires Wyoming public schools to provide human development education to students in grades 5-12, mandating specific instructional materials. The bill directs schools to show two videos: one displaying high-definition fetal organ development via ultrasound, and another demonstrating fertilization and human development stages from conception to birth. School districts must allow parental opt-outs via written request and comply with annual audits by the state education department. The law applies to all public school districts beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, with implementation requiring legislative approval for health education standards. The bill failed its introduction in the Wyoming House (39-20-3) on February 14, 2026.
HB 74 requires Wyoming public school districts to provide free feminine hygiene products (like tampons and pads) in restrooms designated exclusively for female students, starting with the 2026-2027 school year. It directly affects schools serving students in grades 6-12, mandating that districts ensure these products are available, accessible, and that students are informed of their location. The bill appropriates $487,500 to reimburse schools based on actual costs, with limits of $1,100 per 100 female students for 2026-2027 and $850 per 100 for 2027-2028. The bill is pending (failed introduction on Feb. 11, 2026) and would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.
Wyoming's HB 123 creates education savings accounts (ESAs) that provide state-funded support for eligible students. Eligible students (Wyoming residents not yet in kindergarten or still in K-12 public school) receive annual funds ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 based on household income relative to federal poverty levels. Parents can use these funds for qualified expenses like tuition at certified schools, tutoring, textbooks, or technology, with payments disbursed quarterly by the state superintendent. The program is administered through a dedicated state fund, requiring parent agreements and adherence to defined spending rules.
This bill requires Wyoming public school districts to provide age-appropriate, evidence-based suicide prevention education to all students. It mandates that schools use programs consistent with existing state materials and training standards outlined in related statutes. The requirement applies to all K-12 public schools and takes effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation directly affects students and school districts by establishing a new mandatory educational component focused on suicide prevention.
HB 38 increases annual pesticide registration fees for farmers and companies registering pesticides in Wyoming. The bill raises fees to $195 per product (up from $140) and specifies that $125 of each fee funds the Department of Agriculture's pesticide registration program, while $15 supports University of Wyoming's pesticide applicator certification training. These changes apply to pesticides registered or renewed on or after July 1, 2026, with the law taking effect on that date. The bill directly affects agricultural businesses handling pesticide products and ensures fees fund specific state agricultural programs.
