Week four, and we have a budget:
Governor Gordon Statement on Passage of the Budget by Both Chambers
“The budget passed today restored almost all budget recommendations for the people of Wyoming.”
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - March 2, 2026 - Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) issued the following statement today regarding the passage in both chambers of The Essentials Budget.
“What a win for Wyoming! And what a win for the citizens across the state who got involved with their government, after the Freedom Caucus-controlled Joint Appropriations Committee members made sweeping cuts to an already lean budget, and came forward letting their voices be heard to their representatives.
I extend my gratitude to the members of the House who courageously opposed the proposed cuts and insisted on asking the tough questions, even late into the night. Questions that focused on transparency as well as, critically, the underlying reasons for making those cuts. These questions struck a chord statewide and were powerfully voiced right here in Cheyenne by citizens from across Wyoming.
I want to also thank the Senate, whose stalwart leadership paved the way to this amazing victory.
The budget passed today restored almost all budget recommendations for the people of Wyoming and, as one Senator said, is only $53M below my overall recommendation. By my back-of-the-napkin calculations, that’s close to 99%.
Wyoming's future is indeed bright. We must continue to invest in our potential, grow our industries, preserve our small-town identity, and stand firm against the hysteria of national groups seeking to undermine our state.”
The Governor would like to personally thank the members of the House who stood for Employee Compensation on third reading: Representatives Brown, L, Byron, Campbell, E., Chestek, Clouston, Connolly, Davis, Erickson, Filer, Fornstrom, Geringer, Harshman, Jarvis, Larsen, L., Larson, JT, Lawley, Lien, Nicholas, Posey, Provenza, Riggins, Sherwood, Singh, Storer, Styvar, Tarver, Thayer, Washut, Williams, Wylie and Yin.
As well, the Governor would like to personally thank the members of the Senate who stood for restoring the Governor’s budget recommendations on second reading: Senators Anderson, Barlow, Brennan, Case, Cooper, Crago, Crum, Dockstader, Driskill, Gierau, Jones, Kolb, Landen, Love, Nethercott, Olsen, Pappas, Rothfuss, Schuler, Scott
For more information:
Amy Edmonds, Communications Director, amy.edmonds@wyo.gov
Janelle Collins, Strategic Communications Director, janelle.collins@wyo.gov
The Freedom Caucus really didn't get its way on this. They seem to have just conceded. Probably the plan is to complain about the left wing RINO, DINO, WINO, radical press monarchist communist libertarians.
Cont:
Governor Gordon Signs First Bills of the 2026 Budget Session
February 27, 2026
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) signed his first bill of the 2026 Budget Session into law today, signifying his strong support of life by signing HEA0001 HB0004, Birthing centers - Medicaid coverage into law.
Amidst growing maternity deserts across rural Wyoming, this bill allows critically needed birthing centers to serve more pregnant mothers. By allowing medicaid coverage at these centers, Wyoming has provided another financial tool to keep these centers open and mothers have another option for their maternity care.
“I am pleased to sign my first bill today. HEA0001 helps our expectant mothers. And supporting life does not end with words, it requires action,” Governor Gordon said. “There are rural areas in Wyoming where accessing maternity care is a real challenge. This bill allows Medicaid coverage at birthing centers and is a common-sense step that strengthens access for mothers across our state. Healthy beginnings matter. When we invest in mothers and babies, we invest in Wyoming’s future.”
The Governor also signed the following enrolled acts into law.
HEA0002 HB0005 Oil and gas bonding pool-investment and earnings
HEA0003 HB0034 Firefighters-retirement plans
HEA0004 HB0035 Firefighters - paid leave and hazard pay
SEA0002 SF0018 Attendance of students in K-12 schools
SEA0003 SF0031 Uniform mortgage modification act.
SEA0004 SF0047 Increase of Hathaway scholarship awards.
SEA0005 SF0030 Elections-voter registration revisions.
SEA0006 SF0024 Lottery tickets-acceptance of debit card payments.
SEA0007 SF0011 Burials of indigent veterans-amendments.
SEA0008 SF0008 Absconding for criminal purposes-criminal offense.
SEA0009 SF0007 Theft amendments.
SEA0010 SF0005 Hospital bankruptcy proceedings.
SEA0012 SF0006 Eligibility for Medicaid-criteria.
SEA0013 SF0009 Fentanyl to minors-enhanced penalty.
SEA0014 SF0017 Good neighbor authority-amendments.
SEA0015 SF0032 911 funding.
SEA0016 SF0052 2026 large project funding.
SEA0017 SF0068 Water districts-funds for maintenance projects.
SEA0018 SF0079 Sales and use tax reorganization.
SEA0019 SF0080 Department of revenue-electronic communication.
SEJR0001 SJ0001 State management-federal mineral leases.
Governor
Gordon Continues Bill Signing for the 2026 Budget Session
CHEYENNE,
Wyo. - March 2, 2026 - The Governor signed the following
enrolled acts into law.
SEA0011
SF0161 Subleasing of state lands-exemptions.
HEJR001
HJ0002 Federal mineral royalties - state share.
March 3, 2026
Governor Gordon Signed the Following Bills
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - March 3, 2026 - The Governor signed the following enrolled acts into law:
SEA0001 SF0002 Legislative Budget
SEA0020 SF0019 Epinephrine delivery methods.
SEA0021 SF0022 Unincorporated nonprofit associations-amendments.
SEA0023 SF0071 Wyoming department of homeland security.
SEA0024 SF0053 Keeping amateurism in high school athletics.
SEA0025 SF0012 Wyoming national guard reenlistment bonus program.
SEA0026 SF0013 Wyoming national guard member referral-amendments.
March 5, 2026
An early legislative post mortem.
Drake posts the thesis that the University of Wyoming proved to be a sleeping beloved bear that the out of state hillbilly freedom caucus poked when they didn't know what they were doing. I agree.
On WFC pet issues, this one bit the dust:
Speaking of the Freedom Caucus:
Being a Republican now days means never having to say you are sorry. We see this nationally and locally. Anyhow:
Allemand ought to resign.
And the legislature demonstrated that socialism by another name is okay if its for things you like:
The committee investigating Check Gate determined that there were no bribes.
This is not a surprise, and it is what we predicated. It'd be our further prediction that the Laramie County Sheriff's Office will determine the same thing.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this story, other than the sheer stupidity of it, is that just as with Rep. Allemand drinking and driving, the populist far right had a pity party here as well, perhaps most particular the check tosser, Bextel, who tried to blame things on Democrats posing as Republicans in the legislature, not realizing that most of the Freedom Caucus is just that, being a bunch of Dixiecrats. The level to which the GOP just refused to be adult is really amazing.
March 6, 2026
Usually they just adjourn and risk it:
But they know that, even though the Confederate Caucus was laragely sidelined, that htey let some dumb ones get by.
Governor Gordon Thanks Legislature for Good Work, Issues Concise Line-Item Vetoes to Protect Constitutional Balance of Powers
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today presented a series of concise line-item technical vetoes to The Essentials biennial budget, (SEA0027 SF0001) emphasizing the need to preserve Wyoming’s constitutional separation of powers and prevent the state budget from becoming a vehicle for legislative overreach that micromanages executive branch functions.
The Governor first thanked lawmakers in his veto message for producing a budget aligned with his priorities supporting key investments in Wyoming's future – including her families and communities – despite Joint Appropriations Committee actions in December and January cutting areas of value to the citizens of the Cowboy State.
In the letter to House and Senate leadership, Governor Gordon explained areas in the budget that crossed a constitutional boundary by attempting to direct how the executive branch manages its personnel and administers programs. Many of the vetoes in the 2027-2028 bill were similar to ones he had exercised in past budgets.
“In its simplest form, the Legislature passes legislation and the Executive branch enforces that legislation. Likewise the Legislature appropriates funds for the running of state government,” Governor Gordon said. “The Executive Branch sees that those funds are used expeditiously and efficiently. It is not the role (though it may be an understandable temptation) of the Legislature to attempt to assume the extent of executive functions such as deciding how many positions, the level of individual pay, or the classification of specific employees of the executive branch.”
The Governor noted that creeping legislative overreach language (beginning in 1971) has gradually been appearing in Wyoming budgets over the past few decades, often bypassing the constitutional limits of the Legislature and embedding micromanaging overreach inside appropriations bills. Gordon said his vetoes are intended to reaffirm constitutional boundaries while still respecting the Legislature’s authority over state spending.
“It is my intent that the executive agencies, subject to my approval, will be able to determine the number and duties of their employees within the confines of the amount of funds appropriated by the Legislature,” Governor Gordon said. “The Legislature’s categorical appropriations into series 100 provides sufficient restriction to ensure that the expenditures are limited to personnel costs and that there is no increase in cost to the State.”
Governor Gordon also vetoed provisions affecting programs such as economic development, the University of Wyoming, and reporting requirements that could hinder the ability of agencies to respond quickly to emerging needs.
Despite their differences, the Governor praised the Legislature for supporting key priorities that strengthen Wyoming’s workforce and communities.
“It has been a difficult session at times, and Wyoming should appreciate your hard work this budget session,” Governor Gordon said. “Still, you have kept on task to provide Wyoming with a true biennial, constitutionally sound budget.”
The Governor ended his message with this, “Our founders wisely established well-reasoned separate branches of government so that each could perform its responsibilities effectively while maintaining the proper balance of power. Our Constitutions do not give us rights. Those are given by God. The Constitution keeps government in check so that it does not usurp our rights. Preserving that balance of power ensures Wyoming’s government remains accountable, efficient, and faithful to the Constitution we are sworn to uphold.”
The Governor’s veto message has been transmitted to legislative leadership for consideration.
The Governor also signed the following enrolled acts into law today:
HEA0005 HB0112 Riverton state office task force-sunset.
HEA0006 HB0106 Smokebuster module leaders.
HEA0007 HB0032 English proficiency-commercial motor vehicle drivers.
HEA0008 HB0008 Stalking of minors.
HEA0009 HB0026 Vehicle registration fees-tribal governments.
HEA0010 HB0105 K-12 school facilities appropriations-2.
HEA0011 HB0107 Local government distributions.
HEA0012 HB0009 Grooming of children-offenses and amendments.
HEA0013 HB0028 Sexual exploitation of children-amendments.
HEA0014 HB0025 Wyoming's tomorrow scholarship program amendments.
HEA0015 HB0024 Review of charter school applications.
HEA0016 HB0002 Fast Track Permits Act.
HEA0020 HB0087 Omnibus water bill-planning.
SEA0022 SF0027 Leashed dogs for tracking-black bear.
March 8, 2026
March 6, 2026
Governor Gordon Signs Bills, Vetoes SF 119, Citing Constitutional Concerns and Budget Restrictions
March 06, 2026
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today vetoed Senate Enrolled Act No. 29 / Senate File 119 – Strategic investments and projects account – repeal, citing concerns in his veto letter that the legislation unnecessarily restricts the Executive Branch’s constitutional role in recommending and balancing the state budget.
The bill repeals the statutory mechanism allowing a portion of earnings from the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund (PMTF) to flow into the Strategic Investments and Projects Account (SIPA) and redirects those funds to reserve accounts instead of the General Fund.
“Upon review of each section of this Act, something less innocuous may also be afoot: limiting the Chief Executive’s ability to make budget recommendations by reducing access to revenue, thereby establishing an unreasonable one-sidedness between the Executive and Legislative branches,” Governor Gordon said.
According to the January 2026 Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG) forecast, the legislation would prevent the Governor from utilizing approximately $496.7 million that was available for his recommended budget.
Governor Gordon noted that while transparency in the budget process is an important goal, the bill does not accomplish that objective and instead creates new limitations on the Governor’s ability to responsibly propose and balance Wyoming’s budget.
“If the intent is to simplify the budget process, this is not a forthright avenue,” Governor Gordon said. “I cannot agree with an approach by the Legislature which attempts to restrict the Executive Branch’s ability to propose a responsible budget within the limits set by our Wyoming Constitution.”
A copy of the Governor’s veto letter has been transmitted to the Legislature and is available upon request.
The Governor signed the following enrolled acts into law:
HEA0017 HB0023 Participation in school activities.
HEA0018 HB0128 Enhanced oil recovery-severance tax exemption.
HEA0019 HB0075 Virtual currency kiosks.
HEA0021 HB0122 Wyoming rural health transformation program.
HEA0022 HB0003 Wyoming pregnancy centers-autonomy and rights.
SEA0028 SF0067 Wyoming state guard-amendments.
SEA0030 SF0041 Portable benefit accounts.
SEA0031 SF0048 Stem Cell Freedom Act.
SEA0032 SF0020 Data privacy-government entities.
SEA0033 SF0010 Contracts for holding and treating mentally ill detainees.
SEA0034 SF0004 Medicaid rate increase-EMS services.
SEA0035 SF0026 Game and fish property tax exemption-amendments.
SEA0036 SF0090 School facilities-use fees.
SEA0037 SF0105 Real estate brokers-duties and disclosure amendments.
SEA0038 SF0044 Gambling amendments.
SEA0039 SF0046 Skill based amusement games-licensed liquor establishments.
SEA0040 SF0014 Literacy position for K-3 reading program.
SEA0041 SF0107 Motor vehicle registration and plate issuance system.
SEA0042 SF0070 Omnibus water bill-construction.
SEA0043 SF0059 K-12 language and literacy program.
SEA0044 SF0056 Kratom product regulation.
SEA0045 SF0021 Wyoming stable token-amendments.
SEA0046 SF0035 School district-cell phone and smart watch policies.
SEA0047 SF0050 State engineer-surface and ground water study.
SEA0048 SF0058 Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act sunset repeal.
SEA0049 SF0095 Driver's and motor vehicle services-third party providers.
SEA0050 SF0102 Wyoming energy transmission study.
SEA0051 SF0045 Local approval for simulcasting.
SEA0052 SF0088 Sex offenders-residence near child care facilities.
SEJR0002 SJ0006 Shared parenting day.
SEJR0004 SJ0009 Keeping public lands protected and decisions local.
March 12, 2026
Governor Gordon Signs Human Heartbeat Act into Law
March 09, 2026
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today signed Enrolled Act No. 29 / House Bill 126, the Human Heartbeat Act, into law, reaffirming his commitment to protecting unborn life while raising concerns about the law’s durability under Wyoming’s current constitutional framework since State v. Johnson, the recent Wyoming Supreme Court decision that removed abortion restrictions.
In a signing letter to Speaker Chip Neiman, the Governor acknowledged the deeply held moral convictions, convictions he himself shares, that motivated the legislation, but cautioned that Wyoming continues to face significant legal uncertainty surrounding abortion policy.
“Life is sacred,” Governor Gordon said. “Despite the upright, moral intentions behind HEA 29, I believe this Act very likely puts us back in the all too familiar and unfortunate territory of pro-life litigation. It does not offer the durable solution I had hoped for, and it does not put the issue before the people of Wyoming from whom, according to Article 1 of our Wyoming Constitution, all governmental power derives.”
Governor Gordon has repeatedly emphasized the need for a long-lasting policy solution that will likely require either a constitutional amendment or a narrowly crafted legislative approach that addresses the Supreme Court’s interpretation. Governor Gordon has previously called on the Legislature to find solutions that both protect life and withstand constitutional scrutiny so that Wyoming can move beyond repeated cycles of litigation on the issue. While this Act did not achieve that solution, the Governor wished to reaffirm his strong defense of the unborn.
“I resoundingly share the determination to defend the lives of unborn children and support the intentions behind the Human Heartbeat Act,” Governor Gordon said. “Regrettably, this Act represents another well-intentioned but likely fragile legal effort with significant risk of ending in the courts rather than in lasting, durable policy. Rather than finding a remedy that saves the unborn, I fear we have only added another chapter to the sad saga of repeatedly trying to force a specific solution.”
It looks like this will be challenged in court, making such a challenge openly an effort in support of infanticide.
Governor Gordon Vetoes HB 178, Cites Disparity Between Groups as Chief Concern
March 10, 2026
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today vetoed House Enrolled Act No. 35 / House Bill 178 Public unions-transparency and dues withdrawal limitations. In his veto letter, the Governor cited several concerning elements of the legislation, including the non-uniform treatment of types of public employees.
The legislation would prohibit certain public employees from voluntarily deducting labor organization dues from their paychecks and potentially criminalize public employers and employees who take part in the practice. Wyoming is a “Right to Work” state, meaning workers cannot be compelled to join labor organizations. Currently, public employees must opt in to having union dues deducted from their compensation–at a negligible cost to public employers.
Governor Gordon raised concerns about the state deciding how employees can and cannot spend their duly-earned compensation, the non-uniform treatment of public employees, the exposure to criminal liability, and the lack of deliberation on unintended consequences should the bill become law.
When considering the issue of non-uniformity, the Governor prescribed his chief concern: “The notion that we should carve out automatic payroll deductions based upon the type of employment should alarm anyone who values freedom. Our public safety personnel, public health workers, teachers, and other public servants all work rigorously to ensure the ongoing operations of our state, counties, and towns. Creating disparity between those employees by allowing the simple convenience of an opt-in automatic deduction from earned compensation for some but not others is unnecessarily punitive at best and subject to legal challenge at worst.”
Governor Gordon also expressed frustration with the increasing trend of out-of-state interests influencing legislation.
“With alarming regularity, these think-tanks-for-hire use our legislative process to enact solutions to problems we do not have,” Governor Gordon said. “Chalking up a win in Wyoming to augment their scoresheet across the nation does very little for our state, but it allows them to continue to raise funds for the fat cats who support these efforts.”
The Governor also signed the following enrolled acts into law.
HEA0023 HB0045 Long-term homeowner tax exemption-revisions.
HEA0024 HB0111 State funded capital construction.
HEA0025 HB0036 Forestry division wildland fire modules.
HEA0026 HB0041 WHP, DCI and warden retirement benefits-amendments.
HEA0027 HB0096 Carrying of concealed weapons-age requirement.
HEA0028 HB0098 Prohibit Red Flag Gun Seizure Act-penalty amendments.
HEA0030 HB0043 Anti-money laundering.
HEA0031 HB0080 Identification cards-renewal for care facility residents.
HEA0032 HB0102 Protecting kids from deepfakes and exploitative images.
HEA0033 HB0145 Removing triple taxation for resident EV drivers.
HEA0034 HB0120 Energy product reclassification and sovereignty act.
HEA0036 HB0016 Secretary of state-expedited filings.
HEA0037 HB0092 Registered sex offenders prohibited from public office.
HEA0038 HB0039 Firearms rights-restoration amendments.
HEA0039 HB0069 Department of health-land transfers.
HEA0040 HB0044 Revisor's bill.
HEA0041 HB0078 Forest health grant program.
SEA0061 SF0113 2026 election hand count comparison.
SEA0062 SF0084 Voluntary water conservation program.
SEA0063 SF0099 Prescriptive easements for electricity delivery.
SEA0065 SF0121 Wyoming Pharmacy Act amendments.
SEA0066 SF0028 Elections-voting machine and voting system tests.
SEA0067 SF0069 Waste and storm water infrastructure study.
SEA0068 SF0106 Welfare Fraud Prevention Act Amendments.
SEA0069 SF0123 Wyoming energy dominance fund.
Trump Administration Supports Governor Gordon’s Veto of Anti-Law Enforcement Bill
March 10, 2026
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today vetoed Senate File 101 / Senate Enrolled Act No. 64, citing serious concerns raised by Wyoming Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police. Those concerns were echoed by the Trump Administration federal law enforcement officials, who warned the legislation could weaken critical cooperation between Wyoming law enforcement and federal agencies combating violent crime, firearms trafficking, and cartel activity.
In a letter to the Governor, Acting Director Todd Lyons of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cautioned that the bill, while framed as a Second Amendment protection measure, could instead undermine law enforcement efforts.
“The legislation undermines law enforcement by threatening Wyoming police officers with criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and steep financial penalties for their employers simply for cooperating with federal law enforcement on firearm investigations, even when those investigations target violent offenders, traffickers, or organized criminal networks,” Lyons wrote.
The ICE letter further warned that restricting cooperation between federal and local law enforcement could make it harder to dismantle criminal networks responsible for firearms trafficking and cross-border smuggling.
“Many of the most serious gun crimes today—international firearms trafficking, cross-border smuggling, terrorist cartel-linked straw purchasing, airport security violations, and financial crimes tied to arms trafficking—are primarily federal offenses. In many of these cases, Wyoming law has no parallel statute at all. Without federal cooperation, these serious crimes may never be prosecuted,” Lyons wrote.
Governor Gordon noted in his veto letter that the concerns raised by federal law enforcement reinforce warnings raised throughout the legislative session by Wyoming’s own law enforcement leaders.
“Please note that every single one of Wyoming’s twenty-three duly elected sheriffs, numerous community police chiefs, and state law enforcement officials spoke out to list their concerns throughout the legislative session to no avail,” Governor Gordon wrote in his veto message.
The Governor emphasized that Wyoming strongly supports the Second Amendment but warned the legislation could create serious unintended consequences for law enforcement and public safety.
“This legislation is an ambulance chasing activist litigator’s meal ticket wrapped in a politically sacred wrapper of ‘Second Amendment Protection,’” Governor Gordon said. “Illegal immigration, drug smuggling, human trafficking – major enforcement initiatives of President Trump’s – will all be hindered as a consequence of this bill.”
Governor Gordon reiterated that Wyoming law already protects against federal overreach under the U.S. Supreme Court’s anti-commandeering doctrine established in Printz v. United States.
“If an order is given on the federal level to seize law-abiding Wyoming citizens’ firearms, state and local law enforcement cannot be forced to administer or enforce any of their regulations,” the Governor wrote.
This veto was a
good one, although support by the increasingly authoritarian Trump interregnum is disturbing.
And this:
Those who filed the complaints should have been removed from office, and the voters shouldn't return them to office. In Natrona County, Locke, who is now now worthy of his office, was one who filed one. What a child.
And the session adjourned yesterday.
I haven't kept up on all the passed bills, so this may receive a few updates if additional legislation is signed, goes into law, or is vetoed.
A post session analysis shall, of course, be done.
Last edition:
Labels: 2020s, 2026, 2026 Wyoming Legislature, Abortion, Check Gate, Dixiecrats, Education, Ignorance, Populism, Republican Party, University of Wyoming, Wyoming Freedom Caucus
