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WYOMING - 2025 WYOMING LEGISLATIVE REPORT

 

Below is the 2025 Wyoming Legislative update provided by our lobbyist Jonathan Downing. 

Overview

The Wyoming Legislature adjourned sine die on March 6, 2025.

The Wyoming Legislature considered approximately 550 bills this session.  Approximately 130 bills are set to become law and approximately 55 bills are on Governor Gordon’s desk.  Of those bills, he has fifteen days to act on them through either signature, veto or letting a bill become law without his signature. 

The Legislature’s Management Council will meet April 8, 2025, to discuss, prioritize and assign interim topics. Most Interim Committees are scheduled for two-day meetings at least three times during the Interim.

Committees which may have an impact on our issues are scheduled to meet the following dates (times subject to change):

Appropriations: June 23-24, August 18-19 and October 30-32

Revenue: June 3-4, August 20-21and November 18-19

Minerals: May 21-22, July 29-30 and September 11-12

Corporations: May 5-6, August 14-15 and November 3-4. 

Transportation: April 30-May 1, August 18-19 and October 20-21

The Legislature will have 23 legislative days available for next year’s 20-day Budget Session, which is set to convene February 9, 2026.

 

Outlook

Interim committee bills normally have a priority during a Budget Session.  A significant number of committee bills have been killed the last two Legislative Sessions.  The bills considered during a Budget Session require a 2/3 majority vote for introduction in their House of origin. 

For most Committees, I expect Interim Topics will be focused on issues legislators feel they can get support in both Chambers.  In general, we are in an education of new legislators’ mode for most of the issues which fall under the Association’s purview.  This last Session, we played defense on legislative topics which covered infrastructure investment, country and state of origin product labeling, tax/regulatory considerations on retail products and legislative mandates for our Wyoming business owners to comply with certain legislative policy objectives.  In general, this type of overreach was limited or did not become law.  While Wyoming is not as bad as other states, we must remain vigilant against future attempts to overregulate the private sector.   

 

Potential threats to success at a state and regulatory level 

No actionable defined threats have been expressed in upcoming formal legislative action/studies.  However, I am concerned about remarks made by some legislators in committees and hallways. Although their proposed ideas were ultimately not accepted, the potential state and local threats are listed below: 

 

  • Targeted taxes against small business owners.
  • Targeted regulations against small business owners.
  • Changes to regulatory entities staffing and budgets.
  • Changes to electricity generation and rate regulations.
  • State and local land use changes.

 

Opportunities

  • Government efficiency study for enhanced transportation investments.
  • Streamlining state regulations to align with new direction at federal level.

 

Bill status of topics which were tracked this year follows below.  As we get into the Interim Committee studies, if it becomes apparent that any of the threats or otherwise are on the table, I will flag them for attention.

 

Bill Status

Bill

Sponsors

Title

Last Action

Latest Version

WY 2025  

HB 24

Transportation

Alternative fuel tax-electricity amendments.

The bill amends existing laws related to the taxation and revenue of alternative fuels in Wyoming, specifically focusing on electric vehicles and alternative fuel taxes. It introduces a per kilowatt hour license tax on electricity used to charge all-electric vehicles at DC fast charging stations, set at four cents ($0.04) per kilowatt hour. Additionally, it establishes an annual decal fee of $200 for all-electric vehicles and $100 for plug-in hybrid vehicles, while also requiring signage to display the price per kilowatt hour, including applicable taxes. The bill includes various definitions related to electric and hybrid vehicles, and it imposes penalties for non-compliance with the signage requirement.    Furthermore, the bill repeals obsolete provisions and mandates the Department of Transportation to create necessary rules for implementation. It also specifies that the effective date for most provisions will be July 1, 2025, with certain sections taking effect earlier on January 1, 2026. The changes aim to modernize the taxation framework for alternative fuels, particularly in light of the growing use of electric vehicles. Statutes affected:   Introduced: 39-17-303

House, Feb 11, 2025: H COW:H Did not consider for COW

Introduced

WY 2025  

HB 28

Transportation

Commercial driver's licenses-revisions.

2025/Summaries/HB0028.pdfStatutes affected:   Introduced: 31-7-102, 31-7-114, 31-7-120, 31-7-305Enrolled: 31-7-102, 31-7-114, 31-7-120, 31-7-305

executive, Mar 4, 2025: Assigned Chapter Number 91

Enrolled

WY 2025  

HB 29

Transportation

Severance tax distribution-highway fund.

This bill amends the distribution of severance tax revenues in Wyoming, specifically altering how these funds are allocated to the highway fund. It introduces a new provision that stipulates for fiscal year 2026 and beyond, severance tax funds will be directed to the highway fund. Additionally, the bill modifies the existing allocation for fiscal year 2023 through fiscal year 2025, specifying that two-thirds of the tax collected will be equally divided between the permanent Wyoming mineral trust fund and the common school account within the permanent land fund.     Furthermore, the bill repeals a previous provision that allowed for the distribution of severance tax in the general appropriations bill, streamlining the process for allocating these funds. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025. Statutes affected:   Introduced: 39-14-801

House, Mar 3, 2025: H: Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to HR 5-4

Introduced

WY 2025  

HB 33

Transportation

Vehicle sales and use tax distribution-highway fund.

This bill amends the distribution of sales and use taxes on motor vehicles and trailers, directing these funds to the highway fund for the operation, maintenance, construction, and reconstruction of state highways. Specifically, it introduces new subsections in W.S. 39-15-111 and W.S. 39-16-111, which state that funds collected from sales and use taxes on motor vehicles and trailers, starting from July 1, 2025, will be appropriated annually to the highway fund. The Department of Revenue is tasked with crediting the highway fund with these amounts within ninety days after the end of each fiscal year.    Additionally, the bill appropriates $15 million from the legislative stabilization reserve account to the Department of Transportation for the repair and maintenance of tunnels on Wyoming Interstate 80, with specific conditions on the use of these funds. It also stipulates that any unspent funds from this appropriation will revert back to the legislative stabilization reserve account by June 30, 2027. The act is set to take effect immediately upon completion of the necessary legislative processes. Statutes affected:   Introduced: 39-15-111, 39-16-111Enrolled: 39-15-111, 39-16-111

executive, Mar 4, 2025: Assigned Chapter Number 92

Enrolled

WY 2025  

HB 34

Transportation

Department of transportation-efficiency study.

The bill mandates an independent efficiency study of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, funded by an appropriation of $750,000 from the highway fund. The study will evaluate the department's rules, policies, staffing, resources, and construction practices, and will include an anonymous employee survey to identify areas for increased efficiency. The independent third party conducting the study will provide a final report with findings and recommendations by July 1, 2026, to the governor, the department, and the joint transportation, highways, and military affairs interim committee.    The bill specifies that the funds for the study will not be distributed until April 1 and only if the bill becomes effective. Additionally, the effectiveness of this act is contingent upon the enactment of two other specified House Bills (2025 House Bill 0029 and 2025 House Bill 0033).

House, Mar 3, 2025: H: Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to HR 5-4

Introduced

WY 2025  

HB 126

Filer

Geringer

Larson, JT

Sales tax on services-repeal.

The bill proposes the repeal of the sales and use tax on services related to the repair, alteration, or improvement of tangible personal property in Wyoming. Specifically, it amends W.S. 39-16-103 by removing references to these services in both the taxable event and the basis of tax sections. Additionally, it repeals W.S. 39-15-103(a)(i)(J), which likely pertains to the taxation of these services. The Department of Revenue is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement this repeal by July 1, 2025.    The effective date of the bill is immediate for most provisions, while the specific sections related to the repeal will take effect on July 1, 2025. This legislative change aims to align the state's tax structure with the new policy of exempting certain service-related transactions from sales and use tax, thereby potentially reducing the tax burden on individuals and businesses engaging in repair and improvement services.Statutes affected:   Introduced: 39-16-103, 39-15-103

House, Mar 3, 2025: H:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to HR 5-4

Introduced

WY 2025  

HB 132

Smith, S

Allemand

Lien

Annual permits for specified commercial loads.

This bill amends existing laws regarding permits for hauling oversized and overweight vehicles in Wyoming. It introduces annual permits for the transportation of prefabricated buildings, panels, and trusses, alongside existing provisions for hauling forest products, baled hay, and combine headers. The new legal language specifies that permits can be issued for one year or for periods not exceeding ninety days, with associated fees set at $200 for a one-year permit for forest products and $400 for prefabricated structures. Additionally, the bill outlines size restrictions for the loads, including maximum widths and heights.    The bill also mandates the Wyoming Department of Transportation to create necessary rules for its implementation and establishes an effective date of July 1, 2025, for most provisions, while allowing immediate effectiveness for certain sections upon the bill's passage. The changes aim to streamline the permitting process for specific types of hauling, ensuring compliance with size regulations while providing clear fee structures for different permit durations.Statutes affected:   Introduced: 31-18-801, 31-18-804Engrossed: 31-18-804

executive, Feb 24, 2025: Assigned Chapter Number 15

Enrolled

WY 2025  

HB 323

Wasserburger

SNAP benefits-waiver request.

The bill mandates that the director of the Department of Family Services in Wyoming must request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture by July 1, 2025, to exclude candy and soft drinks from the list of eligible foods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill defines "candy" and "soft drink" for clarity, specifying that candy includes various sweetened preparations and that soft drinks are nonalcoholic beverages with natural sweeteners, excluding those containing milk or more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice.    If the waiver is granted, the director will prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks using SNAP benefits. Should the waiver not be granted, the director is required to continue requesting the waiver annually until it is approved. The act is set to take effect immediately upon the completion of all necessary legislative processes as outlined in the Wyoming Constitution.

Senate, Mar 3, 2025: S:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to SR 5-4

Engrossed

WY 2025  

SF 84

Steinmetz

Boner

Ide

Country of origin label-USA beef.

The bill mandates country of origin labeling for beef products derived from cattle that are born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States. It introduces new legal language that requires such beef to be clearly labeled as a product of the United States of America. Additionally, the bill specifies that beef labeled as United States of America beef can include designations like Wyoming beef or local beef, provided the beef meets the criteria of being sourced from U.S. cattle.    In terms of amendments, the bill updates existing definitions related to meat and labeling. It replaces the previous definition of "meat" and introduces a new definition for "beef," which encompasses any meat from cattle, including veal. The bill also makes conforming amendments to ensure consistency in the labeling regulations for meat products, particularly in distinguishing between cell cultured, plant-based products, and traditional meat. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.Statutes affected:   Introduced: 35-7-111, 35-7-119Engrossed: 35-7-111, 35-7-119

executive, Mar 3, 2025: Assigned Chapter Number 84

Enrolled

WY 2025  

SF 163

Pappas

Filer

Partial tobacco products tax repeal.

The bill proposes the repeal of a state excise tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes and removes the mandate regarding the disposal of confiscated cigarettes. It includes several amendments to existing laws, specifically redefining terms related to tobacco taxation. Notably, the term "wholesaler" is modified to clarify that it applies regardless of physical location, and the definition of "cigarette" is introduced to specify what constitutes a cigarette for regulatory purposes. Additionally, the bill preempts local governments from imposing taxes on the sale of cigarettes, while still allowing them to regulate public use.    Furthermore, the bill outlines compliance and enforcement measures for wholesalers and establishes penalties for violations related to the sale of cigarettes. It specifies that cigarettes seized may be sold to licensed wholesalers, with proceeds going to the state treasury. Several sections of the existing law are repealed to streamline the regulatory framework, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.Statutes affected:   Introduced: 39-18-101, 39-18-103, 39-18-106, 39-18-107, 39-18-108, 39-18-102, 39-18-104, 39-18-111

Senate, Feb 11, 2025: S COW:S Did not consider for COW

Introduced

WY 2025  

SF 194

Crum

Cooper

Landen

E-cigarette and vapor material manufacturer licenses.

The proposed bill establishes a regulatory framework for electronic cigarettes and vapor materials in Wyoming. It mandates that manufacturers obtain a license from the Department of Revenue, which will maintain a publicly accessible list of licensed manufacturers starting July 1, 2025. The bill prohibits the sale of electronic cigarettes and vapor materials from manufacturers not on this list and outlines the requirements for manufacturers to file annual certifications, including compliance with federal regulations. Additionally, it imposes a $1,000 annual licensing fee and requires nonresident manufacturers to maintain a $25,000 bond.    The bill also introduces new definitions related to the sale of nicotine products, specifically defining "delivery sales" and establishing penalties for violations. Retailers, distributors, and wholesalers will be subject to biannual inspections to ensure compliance, with penalties for noncompliance escalating for repeated violations. The legislation aims to enhance oversight and accountability in the sale of electronic cigarettes and vapor materials, thereby promoting public health and safety. Statutes affected:   Introduced: 14-3-301, 39-18-101, 39-18-106, 39-18-108

Senate, Mar 3, 2025: S:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to SR 5-4

Introduced