Kara Sears
Wyoming residents are subject to both Wyoming state laws and U.S. federal laws. Wyoming state laws include the Wyoming Constitution, laws passed by the Wyoming legislature, and decisions by courts that interpret Wyoming laws. The Wyoming Statutes contain the laws passed by the Wyoming legislature, which consists of the Wyoming House of Representatives and the Wyoming Senate. A proposed law, or bill, can be introduced in either chamber of the Wyoming legislature and must be passed by both chambers to become a law. The Governor of Wyoming then has the option to sign the bill into law, take no action (in which case it becomes law), or veto the bill. If the Governor vetoes the bill, the legislature can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of members in the Wyoming House of Representatives | 60 |
| Number of members in the Wyoming Senate | 30 |
| Term length for members of the House of Representatives | 2 years |
| Term length for members of the Senate | 4 years |
| Number of chambers that must pass a bill for it to become law | 2 |
| Number of chambers that must pass a bill for it to become law if the Governor vetoes | 2, with a two-thirds majority vote required in each chamber |
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What You'll Learn
Propose a bill in the Wyoming House of Representatives or Senate
Wyoming residents are subject to both Wyoming state laws and U.S. federal laws. Wyoming state laws include the Wyoming Constitution, laws passed by the Wyoming Legislature, and decisions by courts that interpret Wyoming laws. The Wyoming Legislature comprises the House of Representatives and the Senate, and laws passed by this body are codified in the Wyoming Statutes.
To propose a bill in the Wyoming House of Representatives or Senate, you must be a member of either body. Bills are typically drafted with the assistance of the Legislative Service Office, which provides legal expertise and ensures that the bill complies with legislative rules. The process of proposing a bill typically involves the following steps:
- Introduction: The bill is introduced in the House or Senate by a member, who presents the bill's title and a brief description of its purpose.
- First Reading: The bill is assigned a number and is read for the first time. At this stage, no debate or voting occurs.
- Committee Referral: The bill is referred to a committee for review and consideration. Committees may hold hearings, take testimony, and make amendments to the bill.
- Committee Action: The assigned committee studies the bill and may hold meetings to discuss its merits. The committee may also invite experts, stakeholders, and the public to provide input and testimony.
- Committee Report: After its deliberations, the committee reports the bill back to the full House or Senate. The committee can recommend that the bill "ought to pass," "ought not to pass," or take no action.
- Second Reading: The bill is read a second time, and this time, it is open for debate and amendment. Members can propose amendments, which are then voted on.
- Third Reading: After all amendments have been considered, the bill is read a third time, and a final vote is taken. If the bill passes this stage, it is sent to the other chamber (House or Senate) for consideration.
- Action in the Other Chamber: The process outlined above is repeated in the other chamber. If the bill is amended in this chamber, it must return to the first chamber for approval of the amendments.
- Enrollment: If the bill passes both chambers, it is enrolled, or prepared in its final form, and sent to the governor for approval.
- Governor's Action: The governor can approve the bill by signing it, allowing it to become law without their signature (in most states), or veto it. If vetoed, the bill is returned to the Legislature, which can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
It is important to note that the specific rules and procedures for proposing a bill may vary, and the above outline is a general guide. The Wyoming Legislature may have its own unique processes and requirements, so consulting official sources and seeking guidance from legislative staff is essential.
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Get the bill through the committee phase
To change a Wyoming state law, a bill must be proposed and passed by the Wyoming State Legislature, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. After a bill is introduced, it will be referred to one or more standing committees. These committees play a crucial role in determining whether a bill should advance and can propose amendments. Here are some steps and strategies to navigate the committee phase successfully:
- Understand the Committee Structure: Familiarize yourself with the standing committees in the Wyoming State Legislature. Different committees have different areas of focus, such as agriculture, appropriations, education, or healthcare. Identify the committees that are most relevant to the subject matter of your proposed bill.
- Engage with Committee Members: Reach out to the members of the relevant committees. Express your support for or opposition to specific bills under their consideration. You can share your perspective, provide additional information, or suggest amendments. Building relationships with committee members can help you advocate for your desired changes to the state law.
- Provide Testimony and Expert Input: Offer to testify before the committee or provide written testimony if they are holding hearings on the bill. Your personal story or expertise can impact their decision-making process. Collaborate with other individuals or organizations who share your perspective to present a united front and reinforce the importance of your cause.
- Monitor Committee Amendments: Keep a close eye on any amendments that the committees propose to the bill. Committees have the power to modify the bill, and these changes can significantly impact the final version of the proposed law. If you have specific concerns or suggestions regarding amendments, communicate them to the committee members.
- Build a Coalition: Form alliances with like-minded individuals, community organizations, and advocacy groups who support your goal of changing the state law. Together, you can lobby the committee members and demonstrate widespread support for your proposed changes. A strong coalition can increase the likelihood of the committee advancing the bill to the next stage.
- Stay Informed and Adapt: Stay up to date with the committee's activities and be prepared to adapt your strategy. The legislative process can be dynamic, and unexpected developments or compromises may arise. By closely following the committee phase, you can ensure that your efforts are aligned with the evolving nature of the bill.
Remember, the committee phase is a critical step in the process of changing a Wyoming state law. By actively engaging with committee members, providing valuable input, and advocating for your proposed changes, you increase the chances of your bill advancing to the next stage and, ultimately, becoming law.
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Pass the bill in both chambers of the legislature
Passing a bill in both chambers of the Wyoming Legislature is a multi-step process. A bill is typically introduced by a legislator in either the Wyoming House of Representatives or the Wyoming Senate. The legislator sponsoring the bill presents it to their respective chamber (first reading). The Speaker of the House or President of the Senate decides the order of bills to be introduced to their respective chambers. During the budget session, a bill must pass with a two-thirds majority vote to be introduced. This step is skipped in a General Session.
If the bill passes the introductory vote, the Speaker or President assigns it to a Standing Committee. The Committee Chair decides when, or even if, a bill will be heard by the committee. If the committee hears the bill, they review it, consider public input, discuss potential amendments, and vote on whether to recommend the bill to the full chamber. If the committee approves the bill, it is scheduled for floor debate in the chamber where it was introduced.
During the floor debate, legislators can discuss the bill's merits, propose amendments, and voice their support or opposition. Once the debate concludes, a vote is taken. If the bill receives a majority vote in the chamber where it was introduced, it advances to the other chamber, where the process is repeated.
If there are any differences between the versions of the bill passed by the two chambers, a conference committee is formed, consisting of members from both chambers. This committee works to reconcile the differences and develop a compromise version of the bill. Once both chambers agree on the bill's language, it is presented for a final vote in each chamber. If the bill is approved by both chambers in its final form, it proceeds to the next step.
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Get the governor's signature or a two-thirds majority vote to override a veto
Wyoming state laws include the Wyoming Constitution, laws passed by the Wyoming legislature, and decisions by courts that interpret Wyoming laws. The Wyoming Statutes contain the laws passed by the Wyoming legislature, which are often interpreted by the Wyoming Supreme Court. The federal Wyoming District Court also issues decisions that may affect Wyoming residents.
A veto is an act of disapproval by an executive, such as a governor or president, that prohibits a bill passed by a legislature from becoming law. A veto override occurs when a legislature votes to reverse a veto. All 50 states give their legislatures the power to override gubernatorial vetoes. The authority for the override power is specified in a state's constitution, along with the number of legislators required to override a veto.
Wyoming residents are subject to Wyoming state laws and U.S. federal laws. To change a Wyoming state law, one option is to get the governor's signature or a two-thirds majority vote to override a veto. The number of votes required to override a veto varies by state, with 36 states requiring a two-thirds vote from both chambers of the legislature. While I cannot find explicit confirmation that Wyoming requires a two-thirds majority vote to override a veto, it is the most common requirement across the U.S.
The process of overriding a veto involves the legislature voting to reverse the veto. In some states, such as Kansas and Kentucky, one party can hold a veto-proof majority, allowing them to override the veto of a governor from the opposing party. This is also known as a supermajority. After the 2024 elections, 28 states had a supermajority in both chambers, with 20 controlled by Republicans and eight by Democrats.
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Interpret the new law through the Wyoming Supreme Court
Wyoming residents are subject to both Wyoming state laws and U.S. federal laws. The Wyoming Supreme Court is the only appellate court in the state and is responsible for interpreting the Wyoming Constitution and the laws passed by the Wyoming legislature. The court also exercises administrative supervision over the Wyoming State Bar, regulating the practice of law in the state and admitting new attorneys.
The Wyoming Supreme Court is located in Cheyenne and is the highest level of court in the state. Its decisions are final unless a case involves a question of federal law, in which case it can be appealed to the United States Supreme Court. The Wyoming Supreme Court is composed of five justices, each serving an eight-year term. When a vacancy occurs, the Judicial Nominating Commission submits a list of three qualified nominees to the governor, who makes the appointment. A justice must be a lawyer with at least nine years of experience, be at least 30 years old, and be a United States citizen who has resided in Wyoming for at least three years.
The Wyoming Supreme Court decides appeals from litigants who are dissatisfied with decisions of district courts. In doing so, the court sets forth definitive statements on Wyoming law that are binding upon all other courts and state agencies unless changed by legislative action. The court's decisions may follow previous cases or existing statutes, but sometimes the court must interpret and apply statutes or extend previous decisions to cover new issues. When circumstances change or existing case law no longer serves the interests of justice, the court may reject a previous decision and apply a new rule of law.
The Wyoming Supreme Court established the Wyoming Judicial Council, formerly known as the Board of Judicial Policy and Administration (BJPA), to make policy decisions for the Wyoming Judicial Branch. The court also has the authority to review decisions by the federal Wyoming District Court, which may issue decisions that affect Wyoming residents.
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Frequently asked questions
A proposed law, or bill, can be introduced in either chamber of the Wyoming legislature, which consists of the Wyoming House of Representatives and the Wyoming Senate. If the bill passes through the committee phase, it will return to the chamber in which it was introduced. If each chamber of the legislature passes the bill, the Governor of Wyoming will review it. The Governor may sign the bill into law, or choose not to take action, in which case the bill will become law. If the Governor vetoes the bill, it will return to the legislature, which can vote to override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber.
You can refer to the Wyoming Session Laws, which contain the final bills passed by both Houses and signed by the governor, with any textual changes identified.
The original Wyoming state laws can be found in the Wyoming Statutes, which contain the laws passed by the Wyoming legislature. These laws are often interpreted by the Wyoming Supreme Court.
