The Wyoming Legislature has officially concluded its 37-day session, marking the first under the leadership of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus in the House of Representatives.
Lawmakers introduced 556 bills and resolutions during the session, with 178—approximately 32%—successfully passing both chambers, according to the Legislative Services Office.
Governor Mark Gordon praised the Legislature’s efforts while acknowledging some missed opportunities, particularly the failure to pass a supplemental budget.
“The aim of this body has remained true for the citizens of Wyoming,” Gordon said.
The Governor encouraged lawmakers to stay engaged with their constituents and bring forward their concerns in future sessions.
Several key issues dominated this year’s session, including education funding, property tax relief, Second Amendment rights, and election policies.
Bills That Passed
- Education Funding: Lawmakers approved restoring full cost adjustments to the K-12 school block grant, ensuring continued funding for teacher salaries, classroom resources, and energy costs.
- School Choice: The Legislature passed The Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act, a universal school voucher program allowing state funds to support private and homeschool education.
- Gun Rights: The Wyoming Gun-Free Zones Repeal Act, effective July 1, permits concealed carry in government buildings, public schools, and certain airport areas not restricted by federal law. Governor Gordon declined to sign the bill, calling it a “legislative power grab,” but it will become law nonetheless.
- Transgender Athlete Ban: The Legislature passed a bill prohibiting transgender athletes from competing on women’s college sports teams, which now awaits Governor Gordon’s signature. Another bill restricting transgender individuals from women-only spaces was signed into law earlier in the session.
Bills That Did Not Pass
- Supplemental Budget: Despite efforts, the Legislature failed to pass a supplemental budget, which had not happened in years. This resulted in the loss of $4 million in proposed funding for child development centers.
- Gun Legislation: A proposed “enhanced” concealed carry permit did not advance.
- Education Policy: A bill banning cellphone use in public schools was unsuccessful.
- Affordable Housing: All measures aimed at addressing Wyoming’s affordable housing crisis failed to pass.
- Election Policies: Secretary of State Chuck Gray’s election integrity proposals faced resistance, with only 8 out of 45 related bills making it to the governor’s desk. Bills seeking to ban ballot drop boxes, mandate hand-count audits, and prohibit electronic voting machines were among those that failed.
This session marked a significant shift in Wyoming’s political landscape, with the Freedom Caucus gaining influence in the House following the 2024 elections. House Speaker Chip Neiman, a Freedom Caucus member, said legislative priorities were based on what lawmakers heard from Wyoming residents.
Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Landon Brown, urged their colleagues to maintain civility despite political differences, referencing the divisive nature of recent campaign attacks. Governor Gordon echoed Brown’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in achieving meaningful progress.
As the session wraps up, lawmakers reflect on their achievements and the road ahead, with some already looking toward the next election cycle. While this session saw notable policy shifts, debates over budgeting, education, and election laws are likely to continue in future sessions.
With input from Cowboy State Daily and Wyoming Tribune Eagle.
