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 legislative session. The Wyoming Legislature meets in general session in odd-numbered years and in budget session in even-numbered years, starting on the second Tuesday in January. 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 Wyoming legislative coverage:
Wyoming Business Council CEO resigns amid agency reform efforts
Josh Dorrell’s tenure saw the council navigate through a shifting economic and political landscape that included an effort to dismantle the agency.
Wyoming lawmakers take steps to further restrict online gaming
Select Committee on Gaming advances proposed ban on online sweepstakes games.
Lawmakers move to ease financial constraints for nursing home patients on Medicaid
Legislative committee to draft a bill that would bump personal spending and asset allowances for first time in decades.
Wyoming lawmakers could pursue some of the nation’s strictest limits on Flock-like cameras
Draft legislation would severely restrict the technology’s use in the Equality State.
Wyoming Supreme Court concludes crossover-voting ban is constitutional
The ruling clears the way for November’s general election to proceed with party-affiliation restrictions in place.
Teachers, hospital leaders launch $1M campaign to fight property tax ballot measure
Effort comes after 30,000 Wyomingites supported a 50% statewide tax break.
With lawsuit pending, Wyoming school choice program’s durability remains in question
Payments are underway to roughly 3,400 students and hundreds of vendors approved to receive state funds for private education costs. But after the program was abruptly frozen once, some are feeling skittish.
Wyoming lawmakers change course on property tax reform amid signs of waning support
Legislative panel votes down a bill that it supported a year ago to repeal residential property taxes.
Lawmakers walk out during Wyoming Business Council reform talks
Though two separate legislative committees each found agreement, some objected to mixing committee duties.
What cost the Wyoming Freedom Caucus its power?
Politicos of different stripes agree: Opposition to the caucus was better organized, and funded, than it was in 2024, when the group won control of the House.
Wyoming school finance committee moves toward funding solutions
Lawmakers continued work this week to address funding for Wyoming’s K-12 public education system after a judge ruled that the state failed to provide sufficient resources for key areas.
One Wyoming lawmaker with criminal history loses reelection bid. Another ekes out a victory.
Cheyenne Rep. Gary Brown, who served time in prison for felony intimidation, lost his reelection bid. Meanwhile, Natrona County Rep. Bill Allemand, who pleaded guilty to drunk driving last month, defended his seat in the Wyoming House.
In stunning upset, Wyoming Freedom Caucus loses most of its House seats, backslides in Senate
The caucus will likely have 10 reliable votes in the House come January, with two more possible lawmakers that often vote in line with the group. It had a consistent majority in the most recent legislative session.
Virginia-based PAC spends $549,000 largely backing Wyoming Freedom Caucus candidates
Make Liberty Win has spent half a million dollars in Wyoming since May, outspending several campaigns of the candidates the group is backing.
Republican legislative candidates cashed ‘Checkgate’ checks, new campaign records show
For some candidates, the reports marked the first time they formally acknowledged receiving such a donation.
Lawmakers reject proposal for online court records, streamed hearings
Resource burdens, concerns about releasing sensitive information lead to bill’s demise.
Felony intimidation is not Rep. Gary Brown’s only conviction. He pleaded guilty to harassment in 2013.
Police said they collected voicemails where a man they identified as Brown can be heard saying to his ex-girlfriend, “I’m praying that you die soon” and “I promise you I’m going after your daughter.”
Lawmakers mull new bill to prevent lawsuits aimed at silencing free speech
Committee will vote on draft bill in October after similar legislation has twice failed to become law. Wyoming is one of just a handful of states without an anti-SLAPP statute.
These legislative races could determine the balance of power in Cheyenne
After taking control of the House, the Wyoming Freedom Caucus has set its sights on the Senate.
Wyoming property tax cuts ripple down to childcare
To make up for a drop in tax revenues, Western Wyoming Community College charged students more for the subsidized childcare that’s long been considered an enrollment incentive.
Here’s where the Republican candidates for Wyoming governor diverge on policy
The top Wyoming gubernatorial candidates in 2026 differ on healthcare, data centers, abortion and library book bans.
Rep. Allemand’s DUI case surfaces previous domestic battery, trespass charges
The GOP representative, who is running for reelection, faced misdemeanor domestic violence and harassment charges when he lived in Kansas in the 2000s.
Wyoming GOP endorses candidates ahead of primary election, but says it won’t spend party funds backing endorsees
The endorsements are the latest development in a dispute over the party’s say in who is a Republican in Wyoming.
Wyoming Rep. Gary Brown served Colorado prison time for felony intimidation, records show
The lawmaker had his right to vote and hold public office legally restored before running for the Legislature.
Wyoming rolls out $205M to boost rural healthcare amid steep cost challenges
Providers can apply for Trump administration funds for Wyoming projects through early August. Healthcare advocate cautions about potential for waste, fraud and abuse.
Equalization Board agrees to apply tax cap while legal battle unfolds
The agreement, granted by a district court, is designed to minimize disruptions to Wyoming’s tax system.
Wyoming opens school-choice vouchers to new applicants as court challenge lingers
Beginning today, applicants can apply for up to $7K per student to spend on private-school costs. A judge has yet to determine whether the program aligns with Wyoming’s constitution.
Audit spots some errors, but gives Wyoming Business Council passing grade
Wyoming’s embattled economic development shop is in the midst of legislative reforms after narrowly escaping effort to dismantle it.
Lawmakers mull reviving state program to funnel money to towns, counties for basic needs
Lawmakers first adopted the program in 2007 to allow local governments within each of Wyoming’s 23 counties to decide how to spend money earmarked for infrastructure.
Equalization board counter sues governor over tax cap after judge orders certification of property tax values
The counterclaim asks the court to declare unconstitutional a residential property tax cap that became law in 2024.
Rep. Allemand responds to DUI arrest bodycam: It ‘shows that I was not drunk’
The Midwest Republican tells WyoFile the episode has not soured his reelection bid.
Wyoming pols cheer as Supreme Court upholds laws banning transgender girls from athletic teams
The high court ruling comes three years after the Wyoming Legislature enacted a ban on transgender girls participating in middle and high school sports.
‘SUN Bucks’ could help feed more than 37,000 Wyoming children this summer
Gov. Gordon launched the program after the Legislature repeatedly opted out of the federally funded program to provide school-aged children with grocery money over the summer.
Lawmakers narrow in on potential fix for Wyoming school activity funding disparities
Under the state’s newly recalibrated model, certain districts face plummeting funding for sports and activities like speech and debate. A legislative committee aims to amend that.
Lawmakers call for answers from Wyoming Business Council leader
After slashing the agency’s budget, legislators examine the state’s role in economic development.
Budget pinch at beloved Lander pool a symptom of Wyoming school funding challenges
Districts statewide worry about impacts of the Legislature’s recent “recalibration” on school sports and activities. Lawmakers convene Wednesday to revisit school funding.
Judge backs Gordon on property tax cap question — for now
Meanwhile, the legal battle over a 4% tax cap passed by lawmakers is far from over.
‘These are purity tests’: Driskill, Neiman talk platform allegiance in political heavyweight matchup
Former Senate president and current House speaker compete for Senate District 1 seat. Both are ranchers, pro-life and anti-green energy but represent different GOP factions.
Wyoming’s latest abortion ruling reignites lawmaker criticism of judicial branch
“We’re battling an activist court,” Speaker of the House Chip Neiman said.
Gordon sues Board of Equalization, asks court to enforce property tax cap
The governor filed suit against the three-member board he appointed after it said it could not certify non-uniform residential property tax assessments.
Juvenile justice experts urge lawmakers to look at patterns driving teen drinking, drug use
Wyoming Legislature’s Tribal Relations committee discusses a lack of accountability for adults supplying children with alcohol, a problem that extends well beyond the Wind River Reservation.
House district rematch: Jarvis faces Ward after defeating her in 2024 GOP primary
Rep. Julie Jarvis is sticking to her constituent survey strategy of representation, while Ward touts her Freedom Caucus-style views.
Wyoming’s small schools have big ‘silo’ problems under new funding model
Pinch points likely to come up when the Legislature’s recalibration committee meets June 24-25 in Lander.
Local governments’ ability to collect property taxes in limbo due to uncertainty over 4% cap
“This is so unprecedented, we don’t really have a blueprint,” one official told WyoFile.
Wyoming judge strikes down ultrasound requirement, two other abortion laws
A 2012 amendment to the Wyoming Constitution continues to stymie attempts to curtail abortion in the Equality State.
Wyoming Supreme Court considers constitutionality of crossover-voting ban
Attorneys made their case to the high court at a Wednesday hearing.
Will the Wyoming Freedom Caucus win control of the Senate? Here are the races to watch.
Several caucus members and allies are leaving the House to pursue seats in the upper chamber.
Wyoming students spend less time in PE. An expert wants to change that.
Elementary students here get roughly 73 minutes per week of physical education — about half of national guidelines — researcher Dr. Ben Kern told lawmakers. He recommended minimum weekly standards.
Rep. Guggenmos will not run for reelection after residency dispute
The Riverton Republican did not file for reelection, citing his disqualification for temporarily living outside Fremont County’s House District 55.
‘It’s going to be a tough year.’ Officials prepare for severe fire season
Wyoming has more firefighting muscle thanks to a boost in funding from state lawmakers.
Wyoming lawmakers unmoved by Gray’s calls to reexamine electoral maps
Republican and Democratic legislators declined to take up the secretary of state’s request to take action in light of high court ruling.
Clerk says state rep can’t run for reelection, but Wyoming secretary of state will decide
Riverton Rep. Joel Guggenmos lived outside his district from September to April.
Tribal governments denounce Gray for ‘direct attack on Native voting’
The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho rejected Gray’s calls to examine electoral boundaries on the Wind River Indian Reservation in light of a new Supreme Court ruling.
100 candidates now running for office in Wyoming
With the opening of the candidate filing period, it’s officially election season in the Equality State.
Feds deny Wyoming’s proposal for long-term rural health funding, sending state back to drawing board
Perpetuity was envisioned as a sustainable fund to help prop up Wyoming’s precarious rural healthcare system. The state still hopes to receive millions in federal dollars through a Trump administration program.
Wyoming lawmakers pursue more gambling legislation
As the multi-billion-dollar industry expands, legislators eye taxes, horse racing, charitable gambling and foreign iGaming.
Fremont County pols skeptical of push to reexamine electoral boundaries
Secretary of State Chuck Gray raised the issue in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling on racial gerrymandering.
Riverton lawmaker at the center of Wyoming’s latest legislative residency dispute
The Wyoming Constitution does not require legislators to continue to reside in their district following their election. Rep. Joel Guggenmos is now under investigation for a temporary move.
Lawmakers break ground on Wyoming Business Council reform effort
The state’s top economic development shop narrowly avoided a legislative effort to defund and dismantle it earlier this year.
Judge dismisses defamation case against Wyoming Freedom Caucus PAC
There was insufficient evidence to indicate the PAC had made statements against two lawmakers with actual malice, the judge ruled.
State approves $5M for housing projects after citizenship debates
Projects securing funding included Rawlins, Buffalo, Kemmerer, Cheyenne, Lander, Ranchester, Newcastle/Upton, Ten Sleep and Washakie County.
Judge temporarily blocks Wyoming’s newest abortion ban
The ban, which prohibits abortion in all but the earliest days of pregnancy, is now on hold while a lawsuit proceeds.
Senate showdown between Neiman and Driskill highlights Republican divide
Neiman is one of several House lawmakers and Freedom Caucus members who say they intend to run for the Senate.
Judge mulls whether to halt Wyoming’s ‘heartbeat’ abortion restrictions amid legal challenge
In the meantime, abortion will remain illegal beyond around the sixth week, when it’s first possible to detect fetal cardiac activity.
Wyoming’s top officials will tackle housing again after slowdown over citizenship requirements
Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board meets Thursday to decide how to spend $5M for ‘unmet’ housing needs after receiving $53M in requests.
Executive order ensures summer food assistance for Wyoming kids
Gov. Gordon’s one-time funding effort comes after the Wyoming Legislature declined to fund the “SUN Bucks” program in the recent session.
Former House Speaker Albert Sommers seeks to win back Wyoming legislative seat
The Sublette County rancher didn’t plan to attempt a return to the Legislature following his 2024 defeat. But “the direction of the Wyoming House” changed his mind.
$3M from Legislature could resolve hot spring dispute in Wyoming state park
The Star Plunge aquatic facility has been closed for more than a year as the long-term concessionaire and state wrangle in court. Despite that, Hot Springs State Park enjoyed increased visitations in 2025.
Wyoming lawmakers expand legislative ethics training after ‘Checkgate’ controversy
Expanded House and Senate rules may be on the table, and some lawmakers would like to see new laws addressing campaign finance and lobbying.
Lawmakers kick corner crossing can but OK power rate review, curling-stone study
Mother of all committees wants legislators to examine maternity-care deserts, public records access, wild horse slaughter, threats to Miracle Mile fishery.
Wyoming’s new ban on most abortions violates constitution, new lawsuit contends
The same plaintiffs who defeated two past abortion bans argue the state’s ‘heartbeat’ law imposes ‘sectarian beliefs’ on all Wyoming citizens.
Judge denies request to add Wyoming’s new anti-abortion law to ongoing lawsuit
The group of abortion rights defenders contesting the new “heartbeat” law must now file a separate complaint to challenge the measure.
Wyoming has one university. Can it survive its own Legislature?
The state’s flagship dodged a $40 million cut, but not the bigger questions it raised.
From microschools to basements to boats, Wyomingites embrace school choice with or without state money
CASPER—It’s the Friday before Thanksgiving, and Bree Uresk is trying to wrangle her students to sit quietly. She knows the last day before a holiday break is particularly hard for 6- and 7-year-olds to be still. “You guys are being extra silly today,” she tells her eight students. It’s a typical school scene, but with…
How will Wyoming enforce its new anti-abortion law?
Criminal investigations could include examining a patient’s medical records, which would require a warrant. Wyoming’s sole abortion clinic said it would fight to protect patient privacy.
Uncertainty reigns as school districts face new school funding mandates
Lawmakers just passed Wyoming’s first recalibration bill since 2010. But districts lack clarity to implement what one superintendent called a “pretty complex overhaul.”
After budget battle, Seidel looks optimistically to University of Wyoming’s future
University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel was at a gas station filling his car some days ago when a stranger approached him. “Wow, you guys really did it,” Seidel recalled the person saying to him. “Congratulations!” The stranger’s words came after a hand-wringing legislative session for the university. As the session began, the school faced…
Lawmakers in Wyoming, other states push to protect crisis pregnancy centers as abortion clinic numbers shrink
Wyoming’s version of the law passed the Legislature earlier this month. It bars government entities from adopting rules that target the centers based on their anti-abortion views.
Lawmakers weighed Wyoming Health Department budget cuts. They never came.
Lawmakers fully fund the agency — and then some. But health care advocates say the status quo still comes up short.
Momentum builds to reform Wyoming Public Records Act
Although a draft bill failed to advance, lawmakers and stakeholders plan to keep working on a compromise for 2027.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.