By The Sheridan Press staff
Via- Wyoming News Exchange

SHERIDAN — The Wyoming Legislature has reached the midway point of the 2026 Budget Session, which began on Feb. 9. Tuesday marked the final day for bills to receive a third reading in the house of origin. Bills that did not pass third reading will not advance to the opposite chamber for further consideration.

At the start of the session, a total of 335 bills and resolutions were numbered for introduction. At crossover, 154 bills remain active.

The Senate introduced 101 pieces of legislation and advanced 90 bills to the House.

The House introduced 91 bills and sent 64 bills to the Senate.

In total, 143 bills were not considered for introduction, failed introductory votes, or were withdrawn by the sponsor.

Among committee-sponsored bills, 67% (76 bills) passed the chamber of origin; 35% (78 bills) of individually sponsored bills advanced for further consideration.

Upcoming deadline dates for the remainder of session, as outlined in the session schedule adopted by the Management Council, include the following:

• March 2: Last day for bills to be reported out of Committee in the second chamber
• March 3: Last day for Committee of the Whole on bills in the second chamber
• March 5: Last day for third reading in the second chamber
• March 11: Potential veto overrides and anticipated adjournment of the 2026 Budget Session

In addition to bills currently being debated, legislators are finalizing work on the State’s 2027-2028 biennial budget and K-12 School Finance Recalibration. 

Throughout the remainder of session, the House and Senate will reconcile differences between their respective versions of bills through joint conference committees. 

Once both chambers concur, legislation will be sent to the governor to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without his signature. The legislature will have the opportunity to override any vetoes with a two-thirds majority vote by both bodies.

The online form for submitting interim topic proposals is available on the legislature’s website through Friday at Noon. Suggested topics may originate from any source but must be submitted and presented to a joint committee by a legislator. Submissions will be considered by joint interim committees during the final week of session.

The Wyoming Legislature encourages the public to stay engaged in the legislative process. To view bills, watch live proceedings, or contact legislators, see wyoleg.gov.