Transportation

HB 82 authorizes Wyoming to use up to $250 million from the permanent mineral trust fund to provide low-interest loans for highway construction projects approved by the transportation commission, with repayment required by 2030. The bill specifically directs funds toward adding passing lanes on U.S. Highway 20 between Casper and Shoshoni after traffic studies. It requires the state auditor to transfer funds from a "strategic investments account" back to the mineral trust fund starting in 2027, capping annual transfers at $50 million or remaining loan balances. The bill also modifies how transportation funds are distributed and requires annual reports on public-purpose investments. This directly affects the Department of Transportation, mineral trust fund finances, and drivers using Highway 20.

HB 136 redirects 1% of total wagered amounts from historic pari-mutuel events and simulcasting (e.g., horse racing betting) to the state highway fund instead of distributing it to local counties or cities. This affects racetracks and pari-mutuel venues that pay these fees, changing how those funds are allocated. Previously, 1% went to local governments for the state fair account; this bill eliminates that local distribution and channels all such funds directly to highway funding. The bill failed to pass in the Wyoming House on February 11, 2026, with a vote of 17-44-1.

HB 114 sets new safety rules for railroad operations in Wyoming. It limits train lengths to 8,500 feet or the shortest passing track/siding, requires wayside detection systems every 10 miles on main lines to identify equipment problems (like overheating parts), and mandates visual inspections and operator reporting. Railroad companies operating in Wyoming must install these systems, train staff on their use, and report detection alerts or system failures. Violations could result in civil penalties ranging from $500 per foot over length limits to $250,000 for severe safety failures causing injury. The bill directly affects all railroad companies operating trains within the state.