Wyoming Lawmakers Recess Until Wednesday, Setting Up Potential Veto Override Votes

Wyoming lawmakers are wrapping up the 2026 budget session with a strategic pause: they’ll recess Friday and won’t return until Wednesday, positioning themselves to override any gubernatorial vetoes.

Thursday marked the last day for third reading of legislation, while Friday is the final opportunity to resolve differences between chambers and send bills to Gov. Mark Gordon’s desk. That starts the 72-hour clock for the governor to sign, veto or let legislation become law without his signature.

If the Legislature adjourned before that window closed, the governor’s deadline would extend to 15 days—leaving lawmakers with no immediate recourse. By recessing rather than adjourning, they preserve the ability to challenge any rejections.

“It is extremely difficult to assemble a Legislature two weeks after [adjournment],” Speaker of the House Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, told lawmakers Thursday. “That’s why we saved those extra days. It’s just specifically for this.”

The move comes after 2024, when Gordon signed the budget after lawmakers had adjourned. The Wyoming Freedom Caucus immediately called for a special session to override several decisions, but legislators ultimately voted against returning.

Overriding a veto requires two-thirds support in both chambers.

Gordon was expected to make a decision on the budget Thursday, but had not done so by publishing time. Around 40 other bills also await his decision.