Wyoming's SF 81 revises how state funds support K-12 public schools by implementing updated funding formulas based on the 2025 cost of education study. The bill establishes specific teacher staffing requirements: core teachers (1 FTE per 16-25 students depending on grade level), minimum teacher thresholds for smaller schools, and additional staff for English learners (1 FTE per 100 students), at-risk students (for summer/extended day programs), and career education. It directly affects all Wyoming public school districts by changing how state education funds are distributed based on student needs and school size, rather than solely on enrollment. The bill also restricts how schools can spend funds from the school foundation program and requires districts to join the state employees' health insurance program.
Wyoming's SF 123 creates the Wyoming Energy Dominance Fund, administered by the Wyoming Energy Authority, to support the state's traditional energy industries. The fund receives a portion of severance tax revenues (50% for fiscal years 2027-2028, then 50% for 2029 onward) that would otherwise go to the permanent mineral trust fund or school accounts. It provides grants and loans for projects like coal innovation, natural gas, uranium processing, and pipeline infrastructure - requiring a 1:1 match from non-state funds - but explicitly excludes wind and solar energy projects. The fund aims to bolster Wyoming's energy sector, which supports over 60,000 jobs and generates significant state revenue.
Wyoming's HB 105 appropriates $31.66 million from the state education fund for K-12 school facility maintenance and repairs, primarily benefiting public school districts across the state (e.g., Big Horn #3 High School, Sheridan #2 Junior High). It also allocates $6.33 million for charter school lease expenses for the 2026-2028 school years. Funds must be spent by specified deadlines (July 2026-June 2028), with unspent amounts reverting to the education fund. The bill requires schools to meet safety/security standards to access grant funds and mandates annual progress reports to state committees.
This bill creates a full-time literacy position at Wyoming's Department of Education to help K-3 schools implement state reading standards (W.S. 21-3-401). It appropriates $240,000 for the position and $300,000 for supporting contractual services, both for the period July 2026-June 2028. School districts directly affected will receive assistance through this new role and related support services. The bill requires annual reports to the education committee and specifies that unspent funds will revert on June 30, 2028.
This bill creates two key accounts to manage Wyoming's stable token program. The "Wyoming Stable Token Trust Account" holds all funds from token sales to back redemptions (ensuring each token can be exchanged for its value), with strict rules limiting investments to cash or short-term U.S. treasury securities. Any earnings exceeding 102% of the tokens' total value are moved to the "Wyoming Stable Token Administration Account," which distributes excess funds quarterly to the public school foundation program. The bill directly affects token holders and the state's financial management of stable tokens, with provisions taking effect July 1, 2026.
Wyoming's HB 23 requires public school districts to allow students residing in the district (but not enrolled full-time as students) to participate in grades 6-12 extracurricular activities, such as sports or clubs, starting with the 2026-2027 school year. The bill applies to activities sanctioned by the Wyoming High School Activities Association and excludes students under suspension or expulsion. School districts must permit this participation without charging additional fees beyond standard activity costs. The law directly affects non-enrolled resident students and school districts managing these programs.
HB 24 amends Wyoming's timeline for reviewing charter school applications, directly affecting new charter school applicants and local school districts or state bodies acting as authorizers. It requires authorizers to notify applicants within 30 days whether an application is complete, hold a public hearing within 60 days of receiving a complete application, and make a final approval or denial decision within 120 days of receipt. The bill does not change the requirements for community or parental support, but streamlines the review process by setting specific deadlines. This legislation applies to new applications submitted after its effective date.
HB 25 repeals a requirement that students receiving Wyoming's Tomorrow scholarships must maintain continuous enrollment to keep their funding. This change directly affects scholarship recipients by allowing them to pause their education (e.g., for medical reasons, family needs) without losing eligibility. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and removes Section 21-16-1904(c)(iv) from Wyoming law.
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.
This bill increases funding for Wyoming's Hathaway scholarship program. It raises per-semester award amounts for three scholarship tiers: opportunity ($840 → $1,180), performance ($1,260 → $1,770), and honor ($1,680 → $2,360) scholarships for students meeting specific GPA and test score criteria. The bill also increases the maximum annual need-based scholarship award from $1,575 to $2,120. These changes apply to eligible Wyoming students pursuing degrees or certificates at approved institutions, effective July 1, 2026.
