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 HB 92 prohibits individuals convicted of sex offenses from holding specific public offices. The bill bars registered sex offenders (as defined by Wyoming law) from running for or serving as school district trustees, community college board members, county/district attorneys, county commissioners, city/town governing body members, mayors, or county sheriffs. Election officials must refuse to certify ineligible candidates, and those already in office would be deemed vacant. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to all offices filled on or after that date.
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 SF 59 establishes a statewide K-12 language and literacy program requiring all public school districts to implement evidence-based instruction, screening, and support for students. It mandates districts to create written plans identifying students with reading difficulties, provide individualized reading plans (IRPs) for at-risk students, and use validated screening tools. The bill requires teachers to receive professional development on literacy instruction, aligns materials with research-based practices, and creates a new literacy division within the state education department to oversee reporting and rulemaking. This directly affects every K-12 student, school districts, and educators across Wyoming.
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.
This bill (SF 18) ensures Wyoming public K-12 schools are equally free and accessible to all children, including those attending part-time. It requires schools to operate for a minimum of 175 days per year (unless an alternative schedule is approved by the state board after public meetings), and mandates annual evaluations of alternative schedules. Parents or guardians of eligible children may apply for an Education Savings Account (ESA) program under existing law. The changes apply starting the 2026-2027 school year.
This bill amends Wyoming's Hathaway scholarship program to provide recipients with a single lump sum payment instead of semester-by-semester disbursements. It eliminates requirements for satisfactory academic progress, continuous enrollment, and minimum credit hours, simplifying access to funds. Eligibility remains based on high school GPA and standardized test scores, with three scholarship tiers: $6,720 for a 2.50 GPA/43rd percentile, $10,080 for a 3.0 GPA/56th percentile, and $13,440 for a 3.5 GPA/79th percentile. The changes directly affect Wyoming students pursuing degrees or certificates who meet the academic criteria.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Wyoming's Article 7, Section 1 regarding public school funding. It would require the legislature to establish a funding formula for public schools (subject to judicial review for constitutionality) but explicitly state that the *amount* appropriated for that formula cannot be challenged in court. If funding falls short, spending would be reduced uniformly across all schools rather than through court intervention. The amendment directly affects Wyoming's public school funding process, state courts, and the legislature's budget authority. It does not change how funding is calculated but removes judicial oversight of the final appropriation amount.
