WyoFile is committed to ensuring our readers have the verifiable, factual information they need to participate effectively in civic life, including pertinent information about what’s happening at the statehouse during the session. We believe Wyoming residents need to know where lawmakers stand on important issues and what interests might influence their decisions. WyoFile will examine the Legislature’s efforts to address Wyoming’s most pressing issues. Here’s the latest:
Five takeaways from the Wyoming Legislature’s budget hearings
The Joint Appropriations Committee wrapped up its first round of hearings Friday.
Wyoming health department pitches ‘BearCare’ for medical emergencies. Lawmakers are skeptical.
The health benefit plan is designed to prevent financial ruin from catastrophic illness or injury, such as a car crash or bear attack.
Wyoming lawmakers square off with business council over government’s role in economic development
Meanwhile, the state is staring down long-term economic decline.
Three candidates selected to fill Eklund’s legislative seat
Following the death of Rep. John Eklund, Wyoming politicians move quickly to fill the vacancy before the 2026 budget session.
How will lawmakers spend Wyoming’s tax dollars? The budgeting process is underway.
This week marks the beginning of the Legislature’s work on the state’s next two-year budget.
Dark money group questions transparency of Wyoming lawmakers, legislative staff
The allegations center on how the state’s email management system handles Honor Wyoming’s emails to lawmakers.
Lawmakers advance plan to revamp Wyoming’s tax structure
The Joint Revenue Committee voted Wednesday to sponsor a bill to eliminate residential property taxes, another to raise sales taxes to replace the resulting revenue loss.
Wyoming Legislature reverses course on axing memberships with national associations perceived as too costly, liberal
The National Conference of State Legislatures and Council of State Governments West have long provided research and training to members and staff of the Wyoming Legislature, but annual dues raised eyebrows earlier this year.
Here’s what Gov. Mark Gordon is proposing for Wyoming’s next budget
The governor’s $11.1 billion request would boost state worker pay, bolster wildfire-fighting capacity and renovate the veterans home in Buffalo, among other things.
With literacy bill, Wyoming advocates and lawmakers aim to shore up students’ futures
Legislation would create a framework for more rigorous assessment, teacher training and tailored strategies to help Wyoming’s struggling readers. “Please do not fail these children,” one grandfather said.
Wyoming hemp vendors reel from Delta-8 court loss, new federal ban
On the heels of a failed lawsuit to stop a prohibition on some cannabis products in Wyoming, hemp vendors confront a sudden federal ban on most products.
Wyoming Rep. John Eklund dies
Legislators say they will remember Eklund for his mentorship, kind spirit and thoughtful approach to lawmaking.
Weston County clerk pleads not guilty in subpoena case
Becky Jo Hadlock requested a trial to contest a misdemeanor charge accusing her of defying a legislative subpoena.
Wyoming’s property tax relief cuts deep for some, but not all
As more tax cuts loom, disparate counties struggle with how to pay for elections, roads, weed control, fire trucks and even a morgue.
District court upholds Wyoming’s closed primary election system, ‘sore loser’ laws
The case, which could have major implications for voters in Wyoming, is expected to be appealed to the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Dam estimate almost doubles to $150M as pols challenge runaway water projects
Lawmakers, water commissioners question ballooning costs for proposed West Fork, Alkali Creek reservoirs amid cuts to other state programs.
Weston County clerk faces criminal charges for defying subpoena
The Natrona County District Attorney’s Office brought the misdemeanor charge following Becky Hadlock’s no-show at a legislative hearing.
Undeterred by tight timeline, Wyoming lawmakers charge ahead with election reform
County clerks are anxious about changes made in the last session and what’s now coming down the pike.
Rancher lobbyist knocks Wyoming bill recognizing corner crossing’s court-decided legality
Hunters vow they won’t let opponents dictate terms to dilute hard-won court victory.
Lawmakers advance school funding model that includes teacher raises
As exhaustive “recalibration” process continues, committee adopts many consultant recommendations but may punt on school nutrition, school resource officers, counselors.
Wyoming’s investment portfolio surpasses mineral industry’s contribution to state coffers
For the first time, investment earnings beat out every other revenue stream in the state, the latest CREG report shows.
Claims ‘chemtrails’ poison citizens spur Wyoming lawmakers to advance ‘geoengineering’ ban
Nano particles released from Department of War jets are sterilizing soils, blocking sun, lawmakers hear from Wyomingites and YouTuber before backing bill.
Governor talks election bill flood, eroding civility and tyranny at Lander town hall
League of Women Voters hosted Mark Gordon, who fielded questions about everything from new property tax law impacts to the well-publicized beef between him and Secretary of State Chuck Gray.
Wyoming lawmakers hit pause on redrawing voting maps
Efforts to reconfigure the state’s legislative districts to adhere to county lines came to a halt Wednesday.
Complaints task Gordon with investigating Weston County clerk, again
Meanwhile, lawmakers say they’ll pursue a court order requiring the clerk to appear after she failed to comply with a subpoena requiring her to attend a meeting.
Amid $400 million highway funding shortfall, Wyoming lawmakers reject fuel tax increase
Since the state last hiked fuel taxes in 2013, revenue for WYDOT has lagged behind while construction costs have risen.
Lawmakers seek to remove soda, candy, spices and others from SNAP benefits
The federal government gives Wyoming about $62 million a year for food benefits, and the state would have to show changes to the program make SNAP participants healthier.
Wyoming lawmakers scrutinize Health Department ahead of budget session
The department accounts for a larger piece of the pie than any other state agency. But it’s unclear where budgeters may want to cut.
As Wyoming maternity care continues to erode, lawmakers mull ‘band-aids’
Legislative committee advances two of five measures aimed at maintaining delivery services. Critics questioned whether one of the two, which set off a lengthy abortion debate, belonged in the discussion.
Fear of government overreach again stymies effort to lower Wyoming’s high juvenile incarceration rates
Wyoming incarcerates children at rates higher than most states in the nation. New lawmakers reject their predecessors’ efforts to understand why.
Panel advances legislation restricting sexual content in Wyoming library books
The Judiciary Committee voted 11-2 in support of the measure, and the issue unified Wyoming Freedom Caucus lawmakers with Republicans not always aligned with them.
What to know about applying for Wyoming’s property tax exemptions
Several relief programs are now available to certain homeowners. Some require an application.
Health officials, sheriffs back bill to boost mental health resources in Wyoming jails
State hospital bed shortage results in county jails ‘warehousing people,’ at a high cost to counties and inmates who go untreated.
Weston County election snafu renews calls for hand counting Wyoming election results
The state currently relies on electronic election equipment to tabulate votes. Some lawmakers want to outlaw that.
The art of listening spotlighted on Democratic lawmakers’ Wyoming tour
For the last several months, Laramie Rep. Karlee Provenza and Jackson Rep. Mike Yin have been traversing the state to encourage conversation across party lines.
Wyoming lawmakers to pursue criminal charges against Weston County clerk for allegedly defying subpoena
Clerk Becky Hadlock did not appear Monday at a legislative committee meeting after being subpoenaed to do so.
Little public notice of Monday’s critical public meeting regarding Public Records Act
Wyoming’s public records ombudsman is trying to get the word out about a task force that seeks to improve the law that gives citizens access to government work.
Lawmakers hear pitch on redrawing Wyoming’s legislative districts to give rural counties more say in the statehouse
Weston County voters want more exclusive representation in the Legislature, but several court cases have said otherwise.
Mother of Wyoming woman who killed children and herself sues over ketamine therapy, adding to legislative debate
Byron mother whose February murder-suicide shocked the state was taking ketamine at home against best practices, lawsuit alleges.
Teacher salary, class size, school counselors come into focus as recalibration advances
Wyoming needs to pay teachers more to retain and recruit the best, educators tell lawmakers.
A Q&A with Cheyenne’s Taft Love, Wyoming’s newest state senator
Laramie and Platte County commissioners selected Love to represent a Senate seat vacated by Trump appointee.
Pay to pedal: Lawmakers propose state parks mountain bike user fee
Draft bill would raise funds for trail-building and infrastructure projects as outdoor recreation grows in popularity.
Judge denies Wyoming’s motion to dismiss school voucher lawsuit
Laramie District Court judge finds plaintiffs do have standing to claim harm in lawsuit against the state’s new school-choice program, which remains in limbo.
GOP selects three nominees to fill Wyoming Senate seat vacated by Trump appointee
Laramie and Platte County Republicans nominated Roy Birt of Wheatland, and Jeff Barnes and Taft Love of Cheyenne.
Homeowners urge Wyoming lawmakers to skip further property tax cuts
Public services are worth paying for, residents told lawmakers who are considering additional tax reform.
Wyoming lawmakers advance bill decriminalizing corner crossing
By one vote, a legislative committee agrees to consider a draft measure again in November when amendments are possible.
Hunters want ‘affirmative’ public access in corner-crossing bill
As lawmakers weigh courts’ decisions on accessing public land, an advocacy group suggests revisions to a draft bill.
Debate over sexual material in Wyoming libraries is heating up… and getting awkward
As lawmakers mull penalizing libraries that allow children to access inappropriate books, opponents have quoted the Bible and lawmakers have read lists of sex acts.
As Wyoming lawmakers rehash election reforms, two familiar camps remain divided
A committee voted to sponsor three failed bills from the 2025 session that would continue the overhaul of Wyoming’s elections system.
Lawmakers are mulling changes to public records rules. But will they reconsider exempting themselves?
The committee chose not to sponsor legislation to tighten deadlines and increase fines for noncompliance, but could revisit the matter.
Wyoming Senate panel rebuffs effort to give lawmakers more control over judicial nominations
The Wyoming Freedom Caucus began criticizing the court’s judiciary after rulings against its initiatives. A narrow vote Tuesday indicated debate is likely to continue.
Judge keeps freeze on spending state funds for private education
Cheyenne court says the injunction against voucher law will remain as schools chief appeals the order to the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Wyoming property tax relief prompts Casper to reduce maintenance of city parks
Facing a $1.8 million shortfall, city decides to make up for loss by cutting back on fertilizing, irrigating and otherwise maintaining public parks and landscaping.
Republican lawmakers urge Wyoming’s federal delegation to give state larger share of coal royalties
A $50 million annual revenue loss resulting from the Big Beautiful Bill spurred the request.
Forecasters: Big Beautiful Bill will cost Wyoming $50M in coal royalties
Higher severance and ad valorem payments are not expected to offset federal mineral royalty reductions, according to state financial forecasters.
Proposal to address ‘nation’s worst workforce exodus’ fails to get support from Wyoming lawmakers
The Wyoming Business Council says it has more policy ideas forthcoming to address “vicious” shrinking workforce conundrum.
Lawmakers table bill to allow nuclear waste storage in Wyoming
A legislative panel heard hours of public comment that mostly cautioned against prematurely changing state law to accommodate nuclear microreactor manufacturers.
Wyoming’s carbon capture mandate withstands legislative repeal effort
Rep. Christopher Knapp says the mandate is too costly for ratepayers and it hasn’t resulted in a coal plant retrofit.
Citing a lack of evidence, state asks Supreme Court to overturn school funding decision
“The suggestion that Wyoming is somehow shortchanging or harming students through inadequate funding is a premise detached from reality,” appeal reads.
Wyoming Freedom Caucus uses obscure committee to launch investigations, audits
The panel voted to audit the Legislative Service Office, subpoena several local officials and investigate the Weston County clerk.
Wyoming’s school voucher program remains in limbo as court order extends block on spending
UPDATE: The Wyoming attorney general’s office filed a notice of appeal on July 17, signaling the state will challenge the injunction. -Ed. Money for Wyoming’s universal school voucher program will remain in limbo after a Laramie County District Court judge on Tuesday extended his temporary block on the new system. The controversial program was slated…
Is Wyoming’s ‘prison gerrymandering’ overrepresenting some districts while depriving prisoners of political representation?
Incarcerated people can’t vote, but are counted as residents of the legislative district where they’re incarcerated, not where they actually call home, a new report finds.
Celebrate Statehood Day with new Wyoming Capitol exhibits
Thursday will mark the unveiling of a multi-year collaboration meant to welcome and engage statehouse visitors.
Fremont County library flap, a symptom of broader property tax pains, angers patrons
News of $300K in cuts to county’s libraries had patrons up in arms. County officials warn it’s just the beginning as more Wyoming tax cuts could be on the way.
Porn industry, Supreme Court weigh in as Wyoming requires age verification on adult sites
As of Tuesday, Wyomingites’ access to some corners of the internet was restricted by a new law requiring age verification for viewing pornography.
Transgender woman protests new law with visit to a Wyoming Capitol bathroom
Rihanna Kelver used the women’s restroom at the Wyoming Capitol building Tuesday in defiance of a new law prohibiting transgender people’s use of public facilities.
Judge blocks abortion restrictions in Wyoming’s new off-label medication law
Plaintiffs argued the statute would indirectly ban abortion medications by threatening providers with disciplinary action for off-label prescription use.
Concealed carry allowed in many Wyoming state government buildings starting Tuesday
New rules allow members of the public and state employees to go armed in government buildings, with exceptions including courthouses and law enforcement facilities.
Judge orders Wyoming to temporarily withhold school voucher payments
The state’s new program was slated to start releasing funds to families for private schooling and other non-public school costs on Tuesday. Now, a judge has temporarily blocked the release of any funds.
Births fall in Wyoming hospitals as lawmakers study maternity care gaps
Legislators mull increasing Medicaid payments, enhancing provider recruitment programs and other potential remedies.
Politicians, experts try to keep up with gambling’s meteoric rise in Wyoming
More than $2 billion were wagered last year at gambling establishments in the Equality State. Now, politicians are talking about tax hikes and experts are studying the implications of gambling’s rise.
In shadow of court ruling, Wyoming begins to ‘recalibrate’ public school funding
Process is mandated every five years, but this one comes charged with new court ruling that Wyoming is violating state constitution by short-changing public education.
Wyoming worker exodus threatens economic decline, business council says
The state agency proposes “major” reforms to a business loan program, and a broader discussion on Wyoming’s economic future.
Wyoming lawmakers forewarned of school voucher lawsuit as they debated program’s constitutionality
Legal challenge asks court to block the new universal voucher program, which already has nearly 4,000 applicants.
Wyoming Education Association files lawsuit to stop school voucher payments
Complaint argues that the state funding private education violates the Wyoming Constitution in two key ways.
Wyoming lawmaker apologizes for anti-Japanese slur
Wyoming State Rep. John Winter used a racist slur before lawmakers visited the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, a site memorializing Japanese Americans’ forced internment during World War II.
Wyoming lawmaker uses slur for Japanese people before visiting Heart Mountain internment site
Rep. John Winter made the remark while discussing logistics for a tour of the former internment camp, where more than 14,000 Japanese Americans were held against their will during World War II.
Wyoming lawmakers step toward bill clarifying corner crossing’s legality
Some agricultural industry lobbyists urged a legislative committee to wait and see whether the U.S. Supreme Court takes the case, but others — including law enforcement — testified that they could use precise legal directions.
People want more Wyoming trails. Lawmakers ponder ways to pay for them.
Legislators to pursue bills to raise non-motorized-trail-building money through lottery funds, state park fees.
State biologists warned of wildlife conflicts at proposed shooting complex site. Wyoming approved the location anyway.
Crucial mule deer range and sage grouse core habitat caused wildlife managers to ask that the large commercial operation be relocated, but the requests, which haven’t been discussed publicly, have had little bearing on plans so far.
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