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:
Wyoming remains one of 10 states without a law to prevent lawsuits intended to silence free speech
A bill to curb strategic lawsuits against public participation died this session, but these so-called SLAPPs are a likely interim topic.
Wyomingites call for lobbying investigation in response to ‘Checkgate’ controversy
At least 2 people have filed complaints seeking answers about Bextel’s alleged lobbying.
Lawmakers look to curb fraud enabled by Wyoming’s limited business regulations
Although a draft bill died in the House, an interim committee could study how to crack down on scammers’ use of registered agents in Wyoming.
What you need to know about the Wyoming Legislature’s just completed budget session
WyoFile reporters share their takeaways from a budget session full of controversies and debate.
Abortion providers: Wyoming’s heartbeat law creates untenable hardships
Health professionals say they are scrambling to understand implications around invasive ultrasounds, what constitutes a medical emergency and how to avoid “draconian” penalties.
Cheyenne Roundup 2026: Episode 6 | The Wyoming budget session is over. What’s next?
The Legislature adjourned with a budget and over 90 new laws on the books. So, what passed and what happens next?
Wildlife and public lands in Cheyenne: ‘Pleasant’ surprises, little ‘defense’ needed in 2026 Legislature, advocates say
Cheatgrass funding was mostly replenished, the last remaining landowner hunting license bill was shot down and state lawmakers took a stand for retaining public lands.
Complaints dismissed against Wyoming lawmakers who revealed ‘Checkgate’
Reps. Karlee Provenza and Mike Yin did not break any legislative rules by telling the public or the press about campaign donations handed out on the House floor, a group of lawmakers concluded.
Public payroll deductions for union fees stand after House fails to override Gov. Gordon’s veto
The measure would have barred public employers from offering voluntary payroll deductions for specific public worker unions, including a teachers’ union that has taken the Legislature to court.
Governor’s veto holds, spelling end to controversial Wyoming gun law changes
While Second Amendment Protection Act enhancements didn’t make it across the finish line, Gordon signed two other gun bills into law.
Wyoming abortion rights defenders ask judge to block state’s new ban on most abortions
The latest challenge comes a day after Gov. Mark Gordon signed the Human Heartbeat Act into law, warning that it could end up in court.
Controversial Wyoming gun law changes would hinder Trump agenda, Gordon argues in veto message
The governor vetoed proposed changes to state gun law that restricts enforcement of federal gun orders.
Wyoming lawmakers override four of Gov. Gordon’s budget vetoes
All four motions relate to state employees and their salaries.
Measure to block Wyoming public employee payroll deductions for union fees heads to governor’s desk
House Bill 178 sparked intense debate in the Senate over whether targeting specific groups is unconstitutional.
K-12 school funding recalibration bill becomes law without Gordon’s signature
The governor expressed concern the bill encroaches on local control.
Abortions in all but earliest weeks now illegal in Wyoming, as new court battle brews
Casper clinic says it’s ready to challenge the new ban in court after Gov. Gordon signs new law.
Governor signs into law bill to address lengthy mental health holds in Wyoming jails
Health and law enforcement officials have pushed for the law to lift financial strain and address the backlog of inmates waiting for a bed and mental health treatment at the state hospital.
Cheyenne Roundup 2026: Episode 5 | Wyoming budget inked, ‘Checkgate’ checked
Wyoming has a budget for the next two years! After weeks of divisive lead up, how did we get here? Plus, the House issues its report on an activist handing out campaign checks on the House floor.
Governor signs literacy bill that advocates declare ‘a win for Wyoming children’
Effort to revise, update and standardize the way Wyoming teaches K-12 students to read has been nearly a decade in the making.
Wyoming House narrowly rejects sweeping property tax bill
Lawmakers worried it was too many changes too fast.
Gov. Gordon signs Wyoming’s next two-year budget while vetoing two dozen items
The Legislature’s budget came in about $53 million shy of Gordon’s $11 billion in recommendations.
Controversial changes to Wyoming gun law clear Legislature, head to governor’s desk
All 23 Wyoming sheriffs opposed the bill, which would open the door to lawsuits and stiff fines if local authorities enforce certain federal gun control measures.
Wyoming lawmakers to recess until Wednesday, when they’ll have a chance to override vetoes
Legislature meets Friday, but not Monday or Tuesday. That way, the House Speaker said, legislators are positioned to challenge any rejections from the governor.
Wyoming could enact more citizenship checks for SNAP recipients, collect hospital data for noncitizens
Senate File 106’s current version would require every SNAP applicant to be checked for citizenship status and direct hospitals to collect information about uncompensated care for noncitizens and undocumented patients.
Campaign checks did not constitute bribery, but conduct ‘must never occur again,’ Wyoming legislative panel concludes
Following last week’s hearing, the committee released its findings and final recommendations, which included rule changes and legislator training.
Measure to ban ‘explicit’ books from libraries falters as clock runs out in Wyoming Senate
The measure easily cleared the House of Representatives and narrowly passed a Senate committee. But it failed to advance ahead of a procedural deadline.
Fossil fuel subsidies prevail while Wyoming lawmakers pass on more local input on state land development
Some of Wyoming’s most contentious energy issues, including nuclear waste storage, fell by the wayside in the budget session.
Amid ‘Checkgate’ controversy, sheriff says criminal inquiry is ‘not politically motivated’
Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak has faced criticism from some lawmakers for pursuing a law enforcement inquiry into the check passing.
Senate rejects amendment to proposed gun bill despite law enforcement concerns
While lawmakers rejected the amendment, they adopted another that would allow courts to award damages to defendants in lawsuits they deem to be frivolous.
House amends school funding bill. Teton County legislator says it’s now unconstitutional.
Green River Republican Scott Heiner says amendment levels the playing field for all Wyoming school districts. Critics call the change ‘a bill killer.’
Legislature fails to conform Wyoming law to court’s OK of corner-crossing
Seeking to simplify a complex court ruling, some saw the bill expanding public access rights. Others said it would do the opposite.
Heartbeat bill emerges to restrict abortion in wake of Supreme Court’s decision
Advocates say it’s a way to prohibit late-term procedures. Opponents call it a de facto ban.
Wyoming House, Senate vote to approve state budget
Gov. Mark Gordon calls Legislature’s final compromise for state spending “a win for Wyoming!”
Wyoming Senate squashes housing bill at center of check controversy
The upper chamber voted to effectively kill legislation, citing “a cloud of suspicion and mistrust.”
‘Don’t handcuff us’: Why law enforcement and lawmakers are butting heads over proposed changes to a Wyoming gun law
Two bills propose major changes, including steep civil penalties, to current Wyoming law that restricts federal gun regulation enforcement.
Wyoming GOP takes no action on check controversy
Republican leaders cite process rules in shutting down resolutions to condemn lawmakers.
Lawmakers restore most UW funding in unified budget, including $40M block grant
Lawmakers on the Joint Conference Committee made unusually quick work of the budget on Friday, opting to restore most of the school’s funding with some caveats.
Cheyenne Roundup 2026: Episode 4 | Bridging the House and Senate’s $170M budget gap
Wyoming lawmakers are working to agree on the state’s budget for the next two years. And they’re still plowing through a lot of other bills – and the continuing reverberations of “Checkgate.”
Bill to remove triple taxation on Wyoming EV drivers advances
Proponents say the measure equalizes the state fuel tax among electric and petrol consumers — a fix that lawmakers have contemplated for years.
Bextel, lawmakers maintain no wrongdoing as Wyoming House panel questions witnesses
During the House Special Investigation Committee’s five-hour hearing, two more Wyoming lawmakers acknowledged receiving campaign donations from Rebecca Bextel on the House floor. The conservative activist chose to cast blame elsewhere during her testimony.
Checkgate hearing live: Bextel takes shots at ‘fake news media,’ Democrats and ‘counterfeit Republicans’
Follow along as WyoFile brings you the latest news from the legislative committee investigating the House check-passing controversy.
Senate committee narrowly OKs children’s book bill opposed by Wyoming librarians
House Bill 10 supporters say the measure protects children, but critics call it a “book ban” that exposes Wyoming schools and libraries to lawsuits.
School literacy bill advances to House despite concerns of increasing teacher burdens
Reluctance was overruled by advocates who say the measure is overdue. “I’m tired of Wyoming being late to the party,” education chief Degenfelder said.
GOP lawmakers knock Democrat for leaking ‘Checkgate’ photo. But others have used press to question colleagues.
The legislators, including several involved in the controversy, say an internal, confidential process should have been used instead to examine and resolve the problem.
Recreation supporters worry legislation could spell trouble for Wyoming communities
Draft bill requiring repeat voter approval could lead to rec center closures and program cuts, undermining quality of life for Wyoming youth and adults, advocates warn.
Speaker, former Freedom Caucus leader not on list as House investigative panel sends testimony invitations
When a committee investigating checks distributed in the Wyoming Capitol convenes Thursday, it will largely stick to hearing testimony about a highly publicized House floor check hand-off — not exchanges that happened in quieter parts of the capitol.
Northern Wyoming dam survives two attacks in Senate
Lawmakers tried to enforce a deadline and prohibit condemnation of private land for the controversial, over-budget project, but fell short.
Wyoming Freedom Caucus fills House negotiating team tasked with bridging $170M budget gap
The Speaker of the House chose himself and four Freedom Caucus allies to serve as negotiators for the lower chamber. The Senate hasn’t named its representatives.
Wyoming Business Council future unclear as two chambers support different visions
Senate and House budget bills for next two years include very different dollar amounts for the state’s economic development arm.
Wyoming lawmakers: Fossil fuels need taxpayer dollars to ‘dominate’
A Trump-backed bill would create a $105 million “energy dominance” fund, while a 2% tax break would go to ‘enhanced oil recovery’ producers.
Wyoming Game and Fish seeks $400,000 in property tax relief
The wildlife agency wants property tax relief amid cost-cutting as the department braces for a revenue decline due, in part, to fewer hunting licenses for rebounding mule deer and antelope herds.
Wyoming House check investigation committee to begin work Thursday
The investigative panel is charged with examining distribution of campaign checks to lawmakers on the House floor.
Medicaid bills for ground ambulance, birth center services advance
Measures would increase reimbursement to EMS services and authorize it for birth centers, giving a financial leg up for two medical areas that struggle for sustainability.
After abortion ruling, lawmaker tries to deny Wyoming court security funding
The House struck down Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams’ amendment to deny about $3.6M in funding for court security.
Smooth sailing so far for bill to address long mental health holds in jails
The measure would allow the state to reimburse county sheriffs for providing mental health services and housing inmates awaiting competency evaluations. It cleared its first hurdle Friday in the House.
Wyoming House now pursuing UW funding cut of at least $20 million
The cut could grow to $40 million if the university does not report to lawmakers with $5 million in cost savings by December.
Senate finishes last round of budget changes while House only scratches the surface
By the time their Senate colleagues completed business late Friday afternoon, House lawmakers still had almost 100 budget amendments to go.
Cheyenne Roundup 2026: Episode 3 | All the budget’s amendments. Plus, a Checkgate update
Week two of the budget session is when all lawmakers get their first chance to weigh in on how much, and on what, the state will spend over the next two years. There were late nights and tense debates.
Freedom Caucus stays firm on $13 million cheatgrass-spraying cut as invasive grass tightens its grip on Wyoming
Efforts to restore funding in the House failed in a 26-34 split, with further-right lawmakers aligned with the caucus voting as a block to reduce spending on addressing invaded rangelands.
Senate approves school recalibration bill with additional funding
The additional money would increase teacher salaries, add nurse and counselor positions at elementary schools and set a minimum number of teachers for small school districts, among other changes.
Lawmakers pull the cord on plug-in solar bill
Utilities warned of safety hazards. Proponents insist reputable products meet national codes, help customers combat rising electricity rates.
Wyoming House OKs move that could fund community colleges’ construction projects
Amendment sparks debate while seeking to restore the state’s traditional match for community college projects.
Emotional night in Wyoming House as Speaker Neiman tells ‘whole story’ of check controversy
Meanwhile, lawmakers voted against the wishes of a special committee leader. The House will now conduct its inquiry in parallel with a Laramie County enforcement investigation.
‘It looks bad’: Checkgate investigation reverberates around Wyoming
Elected officials, politicians, constituent question timing and location of campaign donations, with one calling it ‘an absolute stain.’
Zoning protest bill passes Senate committee
The bill aims to enable the construction of more affordable housing.
House rebuffs attempt to restore $40M to UW, but adds back funding for athletics
Some lawmakers questioned why a blanket $40 million cut was the path their colleagues chose to address concerns about the school.
Senate bill tries more flexible approach to cellphones in classrooms
Legislation would require school districts to adopt policies that govern student possession and use of cellphones and devices in schools.
House trails behind Senate as first round of budget deliberations slogs into second day
House lawmakers have a long day ahead as they work through remaining budget amendments Wednesday. The Senate, meanwhile, concluded its first round of budget negotiations Tuesday afternoon.
Desperate in failing Colorado River negotiations, Wyoming water officials pitch conservation bill at home
Historically bad snow and water conditions raise stakes for Colorado River basin states as feds prepare to intervene.
Senate and House budgets diverge as upper chamber rejects funding cuts
With more work expected Thursday, the two chambers are already set for a budget showdown.
Gov. Mark Gordon bans campaign contributions in state buildings in response to Wyoming check controversy
Ban does not apply to areas where the Wyoming Legislature has jurisdiction, including the Wyoming House and Senate.
Wyoming House special committee pauses check-passing investigation while sheriff’s office conducts criminal inquiry
Rep. Art Washut, committee’s chairman, said the pause was needed to avoid interfering with law enforcement.
Funding for Wyoming’s first professional wildland firefighting teams clears the House
Frontrunner locations for where two ground-based crews might be based are Lander and Douglas.
Effort to save, reform Business Council advances; Freedom Caucus presses to defund it.
A Senate committee passed a measure Monday to reform the agency, with an amendment to put lawmakers in charge rather than form a task force.
Freedom Caucus lawmaker Bear accepted controversial campaign check from activist; other legislators remain mum
Gillette Republican Rep. John Bear said he accepted a check from Bextel, but not on the House floor.
Lummis touts One Big Beautiful Bill, digital assets in address to state lawmakers
Senator announces Kraken, a cryptocurrency exchange, will contribute to Trump Accounts for Wyoming babies born in 2026.
Freedom Caucus wants UW to change course, setting up budget negotiations at statehouse
After reviewing budget recommendations for the state’s lone four-year university, lawmakers will start Tuesday to add amendments to shape state funding, including for the school.
Strapped at the Cap’: Lawmakers and lobbyists take advantage of the Wyoming Capitol’s repealed gun-free zone
The 2026 budget session is the first time lawmakers and others are allowed to bring concealed firearms into the Wyoming Capitol while the Legislature conducts its business. Some Capitol denizens are taking advantage.
Laramie County sheriff launches criminal investigation into Wyoming Legislature check controversy
The inquiry will examine whether campaign donation checks distributed to lawmakers amount to bribery.
Senate panel advances bill to increase accountability for commercial registered agents
More than 830,000 LLC filings generated almost $60M for Wyoming last year, but secrecy raises concern about fraud, scams.
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