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:
Where Wyoming’s gubernatorial candidates stand on budget cuts
WyoFile asked the five candidates whether they supported some of the more drastic proposals lawmakers will consider in the upcoming legislative session.
Wyoming faces $700M for statewide water infrastructure needs
Water office director points to old irrigation canals and aging town plants as lawmaker questions his operations.
Stiffer penalties and new rules: Wyoming justice, policing and public safety issues to watch this session
Lawmakers will mull issues ranging from housing inmates with mental health needs to funding Wyoming’s beleaguered 911 system.
Lawmakers will not strip $58M in tribal health funds from budget
Public decried January vote as unnecessary and cruel. Appropriations chair Bear assured it was an accounting maneuver and “the funding was never ever in jeopardy.”
After pushback, legislative committee scales back proposed cuts to public education
Lawmakers tweaked provisions that would have increased class size and omitted positions like school counselors from the funding model. This came after hours of testimony, much in opposition.
Rep. Bill Allemand asks judge to rescind court-ordered alcohol testing during upcoming legislative session
The Midwest lawmaker is contesting his DUI charge following his arrest last month in Johnson County.
A Wyoming lawmaker wants to sell state land at $1 per acre for affordable housing
A legislator wants to sell “unnecessary” state lands for “homestead clusters” of 10-acre lots to achieve the American Dream. Plus, he says it “might help the habitat.”
Nuclear waste, state land use top Wyoming Legislature’s energy agenda
Recent controversies over sprawling energy development have triggered a slate of bills to empower voters and communities in state-level energy ambitions.
Gordon quashes Board of Equalization lawsuit against property tax cap
The move by the governor comes a day after WyoFile reported that the board was planning to mount a legal challenge against another state agency.
Staring down possible layoffs, University of Wyoming’s president speaks out against proposed budget cuts
Ed Seidel has historically avoided wading into the day-to-day affairs of the Wyoming Legislature. But a proposal to slash UW’s recommended block grant by $40 million — a move that could result in job losses — pushed him to break his typical silence.
Wyoming Board of Equalization readies lawsuit challenging residential property tax cap
A complaint, expected Jan. 22, will argue the law, which the Legislature adopted in 2024, is unconstitutional.
Judge rejects effort to toss criminal case against Weston County clerk
Becky Hadlock’s attorney says lawmakers lacked the legal authority to subpoena his client, making the case against her invalid. The court was unswayed.
Rural health care dollars buoy Wyoming hospitals, providers as lawmakers get on board
Legislators took a first crack at a measure that will establish major components of Wyoming’s $205M plans. Representatives of facilities like Riverton’s new hospital are encouraged by proposed funding opportunities.
Lawmakers advance bill to dismantle Wyoming Business Council despite governor’s office objections
The legislative panel proposing to defund the economic development shop wants to shuffle some programs to other state agencies.
Wyoming lawmakers clash over where to stash $250M in surplus revenue
Members of the Joint Appropriations Committee split Wednesday over whether to put the quarter of a billion dollars into temporary or permanent savings accounts.
Stakeholders contemplate demise of Wyoming Business Council
Though dissatisfaction with the agency has been brewing for years, Gov. Gordon says he’ll fight to preserve the state’s primary economic development shop.
Tens of millions denied for Wyoming health department budget
Lawmakers moved to strip tens of millions of dollars from a Wyoming Department of Health funding increase.
Lawmakers move to defund Wyoming Business Council ahead of budget session
Despite pleas from Gov. Gordon and others, Joint Appropriations Committee debated whether economic development is the proper role of state government.
Lawmakers vote to axe UW’s block grant, defund Wyoming Public Media
Wyoming Freedom Caucus members on a key budget committee take aim at the state’s lone four-year public university.
Gov. Gordon asks lawmakers not to defund Wyoming Business Council
Some legislators are questioning the role and necessity of the state’s top economic development shop ahead of the budget session.
Wyoming Freedom Caucus aims at state spending, voting machines and the judicial branch in 2026 priorities
The group of conservative Republicans has promised cuts since last spring, but won’t say where and how deep.
Weston County clerk subpoena was valid, court filings argue
The Natrona County District Attorney maintains the Wyoming Legislature was acting in its legal authority.
What’s at stake if Wyoming lawmakers don’t act on $205M proposal to improve rural health?
Wyoming could leave $800M on the table if it doesn’t implement the proposals outlined in its application.
Lawmakers met privately about shrinking Wyoming Supreme Court following abortion ruling
The proposal would reduce the bench from five justices to three. Ultimately, lawmakers did not take any action.
Abortion-rights advocates cheer Wyoming Supreme Court ruling; opponents plan constitutional amendment
Governor calls for a rehearing and urges lawmakers to draft a constitutional amendment to let Wyoming voters settle the matter.
Rep. Bill Allemand arrested for drinking and driving
Wyoming Freedom Caucus member allegedly admitted that ‘he drinks while driving for anxiety,’ Johnson County Sheriff’s Office report says.
Year in review: Wyoming’s top political stories for 2025
From the Wyoming Freedom Caucus and rowdy town halls to legal battles over election laws and abortion restrictions, here’s a recap of the year in politics.
Gray hopes to revisit what failed in 2025, presents new slate of election reform bills
After only a few of the 45 election bills made it to the governor’s desk in 2025, the secretary of state is back with more election reforms for 2026.
A Q&A with Pine Bluffs’ Justin Fornstrom, Wyoming’s newest state lawmaker
Laramie County commissioners selected Fornstrom to represent a House seat vacated by the late John Eklund.
Embattled Weston County clerk asks court to dismiss subpoena case
The subpoena is void because lawmakers’ investigation was illegal, Becky Hadlock contends in motion to dismiss.
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.
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