HB 76 repeals a Wyoming law that previously blocked landowners from objecting to city annexations when part of the annexed area borders an existing city or town. This change directly affects landowners in properties adjacent to municipal boundaries who may now file objections to proposed annexations. The bill removes a specific barrier (W.S. 15-1-406(c)) that prevented such objections, allowing landowners to formally challenge annexation efforts in perimeter-contiguous cases. The repeal applies to all annexation proceedings initiated on or after July 1, 2026, with the law taking effect on that date. This is a procedural change to annexation rules, not a substantive policy shift.
Wyoming's SF 104 creates a dedicated $51.2 million university faculty research project account at the University of Wyoming to fund faculty research. The bill requires universities to secure at least 1:1 nonstate matching funds for most projects (except graduate student stipends), which can cover equipment, donor-aligned research, or business-requested projects matching the university's strengths. Profits from funded research must be split equally between the university and faculty researchers, with annual reports required to state committees on project details and spending. This directly affects University of Wyoming faculty, graduate students receiving stipends (up to $1,500/month), and external donors or businesses partnering on research.
HB 117 requires Wyoming abortion providers to obtain written informed consent before performing an elective abortion, ensuring patients receive complete information about the procedure and alternatives. The bill defines coercion (e.g., threatening job loss, scholarship revocation, or physical harm) as a violation, allowing women harmed by negligent or non-consensual abortions to sue providers. It creates civil liability for providers who fail to verify consent or knowingly perform abortions under coercion. The law applies directly to abortion providers and patients in Wyoming, focusing on preventing coercion through legal accountability.
This bill prohibits Wyoming cities, towns, and counties from imposing fees, conditions, or concessions related to workforce housing, unmet housing needs, or affordable housing on new residential or commercial development projects. It applies to all permit applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, and does not affect existing contracts or obligations for projects approved before that date. The law creates new state code sections (15-1-612 for municipalities and 18-5-209 for counties) to enforce this prohibition, directly affecting local governments and developers by removing potential requirements for affordable housing projects.
HB 103, the Wyoming First Amendment Protection Act, protects individuals and groups from lawsuits when they exercise rights like speaking publicly about issues, assembling peacefully, petitioning government, or expressing religious views. It creates automatic immunity from lawsuits (called "SLAPPs") that target these activities, requiring courts to dismiss such cases early in the process. If a defendant successfully uses this immunity, they receive their legal fees and costs. The law directly affects citizens, activists, journalists, and organizations engaging in public discourse on matters of community concern.
This bill prohibits Wyoming state agencies and local law enforcement from using state funds to enforce federal gun regulations that conflict with Second Amendment rights. It creates criminal penalties (up to 1 year in jail or $2,000 fine) and civil penalties of $50,000 per violation for agencies that enforce such federal rules. The law specifically exempts cooperation with federal authorities on non-gun-related matters and defines key terms like "federal regulation" and "law abiding citizen."
Wyoming's SJ 5 is a joint resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically asks for a convention limited to proposing amendments that impose spending limits on the federal government, restrict federal power over states, and limit terms for federal officials and Congress members. The resolution includes specific safeguards, such as requiring two-thirds of states to agree on the same purpose before Congress acts, ensuring states vote equally, and prohibiting consideration of any changes to the Bill of Rights. This request directly affects Wyoming's legislative action and the broader process for amending the Constitution, though it does not create new law itself.
SF 126 establishes the Wyoming-Ireland Trade Commission to promote economic ties between Wyoming and Ireland. The commission, composed of nine members (including two appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and business representatives), will advance bilateral trade, investment, academic exchanges, and policy collaboration. It must report annually to the governor and legislative leaders on its activities and recommendations. The bill creates the structure for this body but does not change existing laws or allocate new funds.
Wyoming's SF 72 creates the "Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact," enabling teachers licensed in one participating state to more easily obtain licensure in another member state. The bill directly affects teachers seeking employment across state lines, particularly military spouses relocating due to service. Key provisions establish a streamlined process for recognizing out-of-state licenses, require states to share disciplinary information, and remove barriers to hiring qualified educators. It does not apply to ongoing licensing requirements after initial placement. The compact aims to simplify mobility while maintaining each state's authority over teacher regulation.
HB 159 protects students' religious, political, and ideological speech in Wyoming public schools. It prohibits schools from discriminating against students for expressing these views in class discussions, assignments, club activities, or clothing - similar to how other student speech is treated. The bill creates a legal cause of action for violations, allowing students or clubs to seek at least $5,000 in damages plus other remedies. Exceptions include unprotected speech (per the First Amendment) or conduct that disrupts school operations or creates a hostile environment.
HB 127 requires voter approval before school districts or county commissioners in Wyoming can impose new mill levies for recreational facilities and public recreation systems. It limits new levies to one mill (one dollar per $1,000 of assessed property value) and mandates that any new levy must be approved by a majority vote at the same election as the general election. The levy would expire after four years unless reapproved by voters at subsequent general elections held every four years. Existing levies not approved by voters before December 31, 2028, would also expire. This directly affects local governments seeking to fund recreation programs through property taxes.
HB 147 ensures that Wyoming's current homeowner property tax exemption ends if voters approve a people's initiative creating a similar exemption. It adds a provision to repeal the existing exemption (under W.S. 39-11-105) on the date the Secretary of State certifies voter approval of such an initiative. This affects homeowners currently benefiting from the exemption, as the exemption would no longer apply for the 2027 tax year if the initiative passes. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2026, but the exemption repeal only triggers upon certification of voter approval.
