CHEYENNE—Almost four weeks since legislators first convened at the Capitol in February, Wyoming lawmakers are in the final days of the 2026 budget session.
Thursday marked the last day for third reading of legislation, while Friday is the last opportunity for legislators to work out differences between the two chambers on any given bill.
Friday is also the last opportunity for lawmakers to send legislation to Gov. Mark Gordon’s desk, effectively starting the 72-hour clock the governor has to decide whether to veto, sign or let legislation become a law without his signature.
However, if the Legislature adjourns before that three-day window, the governor’s deadline extends to 15 days, leaving lawmakers with no immediate recourse. As a result, the House and the Senate will recess Friday and won’t return until Wednesday, when the two chambers will have the opportunity to override any potential vetoes.
“It is extremely difficult to assemble a Legislature two weeks after [adjournment],” Speaker of the House Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, told lawmakers Thursday.
Such was the case in 2024, the last time lawmakers passed a two-year spending plan. Gordon signed the budget bill that year after the Legislature had adjourned. The Wyoming Freedom caucus immediately called for a special session to override several of the governor’s decisions on the budget as well as several bills.
Lawmakers ultimately voted against returning to Cheyenne, but took steps this year to avoid being in that position once again.
“That’s why we saved those extra days,” Neiman said Thursday. “It’s just specifically for this.”
To override a gubernatorial veto, two-thirds of both chambers must vote to do so.
Gordon was expected to make a decision on the budget Thursday, but had not done so by publishing time. Around 40 other bills are also awaiting the governor’s decision.
For more legislative coverage, click here.