Banks: Rural Wyoming a priority as legislative session begins

“I want to make sure rural Wyoming is not an afterthought,” Rep. Dalton Banks, R-Cowey, said this week as the 2026 budget session of the Wyoming Legislature gets underway.

As the legislature convened Monday morning, the work was just beginning for Banks and other lawmakers focused on protecting schools and essential services in the state’s smallest communities.

With multiple high-stakes issues in play, Banks said his priorities this session are grounded in constitutional responsibility and the needs of rural Wyoming.

“The most important things to me are our two constitutional responsibilities: pass a balanced budget and pass a recalibration bill,” Banks said. “Some others are important, especially direct distribution for our towns and counties. These are the priorities this session.”

That work has already become more complicated. The House this week voted not to introduce a recalibration bill, leaving lawmakers uncertain about how school funding adjustments will move forward.

“So we are kind of in limbo right now,” Banks said. “Constitutionally, we need to recalibrate, so we now need to weigh what our next options are. We might be able to put the funding increases we need into the budget. The other Big Horn Basin legislators and I are working on options.”

Banks, who represents House District 26, is entering his fourth year in the Wyoming House of Representatives. As lawmakers prepare for the 2026 session, he said the stakes are especially high for rural communities.

“This legislative session is especially important for rural Wyoming,” Banks said. “The decisions we make will directly affect our local economies, infrastructure, access to services and the long-term viability of small towns and agricultural communities.”

Born in Powell, Banks lives in Cowley and works throughout the Big Horn Basin as a maintenance operator and rancher. He and his wife, Alexa, have one child and are currently building a home. A graduate of the University of Wyoming with a degree in public administration, Banks said he shares many of the same frustrations faced by young families across the region.

“Rural areas often feel the impact of state and federal policy first,” he said, “whether it’s rising costs, workforce shortages or regulations that don’t always fit how rural Wyoming works.”

His concerns are reflected in his committee assignments for the upcoming session. Banks will serve on the House Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee, the House Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee and the Select Water Committee.

“My focus this session is on protecting agriculture, strengthening local communities and school districts, maintaining essential services and being responsible with taxpayer dollars,” Banks said. “At the same time, it’s important that rural voices are heard and respected at the Capitol.”

Banks is sponsoring or co-sponsoring several bills this session that he said stem directly from constituent concerns. Among them are HB0014, dealing with self-defense reimbursement protections; HB0039, focused on firearms rights restoration amendments; and HB0066, addressing judicial deference to administrative agencies.

Additional measures include HB0028, addressing sexual exploitation of children; HB0081, known as the “Less Is More Plate Act”; and HB0090, calling for a consumptive water use study by the state engineer. Banks is also co-sponsoring SF0066, which would amend statutes related to donated hunting licenses.

Outside the Legislature, Banks is active in agricultural organizations including the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and the United States Cattlemen’s Association. He said that involvement helps keep him connected to producers and landowners facing economic pressure and regulatory challenges.

As the session begins, Banks said constituent engagement remains critical.

“I encourage people to stay involved, follow the process and share their perspectives,” he said. “The best policy is made when the people most affected have a seat at the table.”

His goal, he said, remains simple.

“I want to make sure rural Wyoming is not an afterthought,” Banks said. “The people who live and work here understand what our communities need. My job is to make sure that understanding is part of every conversation we have in Cheyenne.”

Banks said he welcomes input from constituents. His email address and cell phone number are publicly listed on the Wyoming Legislature website. He can be reached at Dalton.Banks@wyoleg.gov or 307-272-7255.