Lawmakers face school funding fight, UW cuts and wide-ranging bills in 2026

There are many significant bills and budget items that Wyoming state legislators will be discussing this session. Among the most closely watched are concerns over school funding following a court ruling that the state’s model is unconstitutional and proposed reductions to the University of Wyoming’s budget.

Here are just a few of the measures getting the most attention. Please note that amendments are occurring daily and this reflects the status as of February 3. The full bills can be seen at www.wyoleg.gov.

Budget item — School finance recalibration, class sizes and employee insurance

Lawmakers will debate the school finance recalibration bill, which includes proposed changes such as larger assumed class sizes, limits on how quickly district funding can decline as enrollment shifts and a requirement that districts move to the state employee health insurance plan.

Budget item — $40 million reduction proposed for University of Wyoming

Lawmakers are debating a controversial proposal to cut $40 million from the University of Wyoming’s state block grant.

Budget item — Cuts proposed for Wyoming Public Radio

A budget proposal would reduce about $1.69 million from Wyoming Public Radio as part of broader University of Wyoming funding reductions.

Budget item — Funding for Wyoming Business Council

Lawmakers are considering eliminating state funding for the Wyoming Business Council.

HB0007 — SNAP purchases could be limited to essential foods

House Bill 7 directs the state to seek a federal waiver to prevent SNAP benefits from being used to buy items like candy, chips, desserts, sugary drinks and condiments.

HB0010 — Libraries required to restrict sexually explicit materials

House Bill 10 would require school and county libraries to limit minors’ access to materials defined as sexually explicit and would allow residents to sue if libraries fail to comply.

HB0012 — Bill targets geoengineering and atmospheric releases

House Bill 12 would prohibit intentional release of substances into Wyoming’s airspace for the purpose of altering climate or weather.

HB0013 — Ivermectin would be sold over the counter

House Bill 13 would allow Ivermectin to be sold in Wyoming without a prescription.

HB0014 — Self-defense reimbursement and expungement

House Bill 14 allows reimbursement of legal costs and expungement when someone is acquitted based on lawful self-defense.

HB0015 — Right to repair for electronics

House Bill 15 requires manufacturers to provide parts, tools and repair information so devices can be repaired by owners and independent shops.

HB0019 — Corner-crossing across public land clarified

House Bill 19 states that moving from one public parcel to another at a shared corner is not trespassing if no private land is touched.

HB0030 — Older vehicles would see lower registration fees

House Bill 30 lowers registration fees for vehicles in their seventh year and beyond.

HB0031 — Riding a horse would not count as a DUI vehicle

House Bill 31 clarifies that riding a horse or other equine animal is not considered operating a vehicle under DUI laws.

HB0032 — Commercial drivers must show English proficiency

House Bill 32 requires commercial drivers to demonstrate English proficiency under federal standards.

HB0034 — Wildland firefighters added to law enforcement retirement plan

House Bill 34 allows certain firefighters to join the law enforcement retirement system.

HB0039 — Wyoming would recognize out-of-state firearms rights restoration

House Bill 39 says Wyoming will honor firearm rights restored in the state where a conviction occurred.

HB0040 — Suicide prevention education in schools

House Bill 40 requires school districts to provide suicide prevention education.

HB0046 — Solar and nuclear power added to wind tax system

House Bill 46 puts solar and nuclear under the same production tax system as wind, including the three-year startup exemption.

HB0047 — Duty to assist during emergencies

House Bill 47 would require a person to call law enforcement or emergency medical services when they see someone in imminent danger of serious injury or death, as long as doing so does not put them at risk.

HB0048 — Paper ballots required for in-person voting

House Bill 48 makes paper ballots the default voting method.

HB0049 — Ballot drop boxes would be banned

House Bill 49 prohibits ballot drop boxes for absentee ballots.

HB0056 — Low-carbon energy standard would be repealed

House Bill 56 removes Wyoming’s low-carbon energy requirements from state law.

SF0035 School districts required to adopt cell phone and smartwatch policies

This bill would require every Wyoming school district to adopt a policy governing how students may possess and use cell phones and smart watches at school and submit that policy to the state superintendent by July 1, 2026.

As the session unfolds, many of these proposals will be amended, combined or dropped as lawmakers work through the budget and policy details. What is clear already is that decisions made in the coming weeks could affect schools, taxes, elections and daily life across Wyoming. Residents who want to follow the progress of these bills can track them in real time at www.wyoleg.gov as the debate continues.