We’ve arrived at the beginning of week 7! Things are starting to slow down and committees are beginning to consider interim topics. We will continue tracking and working on the bills that are still in progress, as well as preparing to advocate for Wyoming’s wildlife and public lands after the session is over. There are only a handful of bills left for us to keep an eye on, but that also means we need to stay engaged for the final push to the end of session!
What are we still watching?
- HB0118-Limitations on net land gains for the federal government which prohibits any sale or transfer of public or private lands that would result in an acreage gain of federal lands has been received for introduction by the Senate. It has not yet been referred to a Committee.
- HB0005-Fishing outfitters and guides-registration of fishing boats passed its first reading in the Senate and will continue moving through the process
- HB0275-Treatment of animals passed Senate TRW Committee and will be heard on the Senate floor this week
- HB0211-Hunting wildlife from vehicles will be heard on the Senate floor this week
- HB0221-Bighorn and domestic sheep relocation-effective date repeal passed the Senate Agriculture Committee. It no longer repeals the effective date, but instead, moves the effective date from 2026 to 2028, giving our national delegation more time to coordinate to pass federal legislation to work in tandem with Wyoming law. It will be heard on the Senate floor this week.
- HB0227-Executive orders-time limitations has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- SF0099-Game and fish property tax exemptions has been referred to the House TRW Committee.
- SF0139-Trapping requirements-licenses, seasons, and setbacks has been received for introduction by the House.
- SF0179-Sage grouse-compensatory mitigation amendments passed the House TRW Committee and will be heard on the floor this week.
Which bills passed last week?
- HB0045-Removing otters as protected animals passed its third reading in the Senate, meaning it will be heading to the Governor’s desk! This bill reclassifies otters from protected to a nongame animal, giving the Game and Fish more authority and flexibility in their management. The Wyoming protected species list predates the Endangered Species Act, and is significantly more restricted. As a state protected species, otters currently cannot be handled for any purpose except research, which restricts what Game and Fish can do if conflict arises. Even live-trapping and relocating a protected species is illegal. As a nongame species, otters will still be protected under Wyoming law and cannot be hunted or trapped. However, the Game and Fish Department could coordinate with landowners on a case-by-case basis to deal with conflicts by trapping and relocating, as is done with beavers, or by lethal removal under a Chapter 56 permit if necessary. The Department will have full authority to review every conflict case through the administrative process already in place under Chapter 56 to determine the best course of action.
- SF0088-2025 large project funding will also be heading to the Governor’s desk for a signature! This bill approves 10 large projects being funded by the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust. The trust brings in $5-$7 for every $1 they spend, providing an invaluable resource for wildlife habitat restoration and management in Wyoming. The projects funded this year include cheatgrass management, roadway safety, stream restoration, and vegetation management for the improvement of ungulate and sage-grouse habitat across the state.
- SF0149-Wildlife conservation plates-amendments passed its third reading in the House and will be sent on to the Governor. This law makes it easier to obtain a Wyoming Conservation plate by making them available through the county treasurer, just like regular license plates. If you’ve been putting off getting your plate because of all the red tape, keep an eye out for this bill going into effect July 1, or next time it’s time to renew!
- SF0063-State lands-fencing 2 passed its third reading in the House and will be sent to the Governor for a signature. The bill concerns cost allocation of fencing on state lands among the state, leaseholders, and adjacent landowners.
Which bills died last week?
- SF0002-Hunting licenses-weighted bonus points system died in the House TRW Committee.