Bill > SF0041

This bill amends Wyoming statutes to expand the legislature's legal authority to initiate lawsuits related to federal acts and land use plans. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Wyoming legislature to prosecute actions for declaratory judgments involving federal environmental and land management regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and others. The legislature asserts its standing to protect state interests based on constitutional provisions and Wyoming's equal footing with original states. The bill allows the legislature or its management council to commence legal actions by majority vote, either when in session or during interim periods. A significant new provision permits the management council to utilize up to $75 million from the legislative stabilization reserve account for litigation purposes, with the funds intended to support legal challenges to federal acts and land use plans. The bill emphasizes the legislature's view that federal land use plans within Wyoming are matters of substantial public interest, and it seeks to establish a clear legal mechanism for challenging or seeking clarification of federal regulations that impact the state. The changes take effect on July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources (J)

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/SF0041