Priorities identified — Interim focus set as Legislature turns to summer studies

With the Wyoming Legislature out of session, lawmakers are shifting their attention to interim work, identifying key issues for study and potential legislation ahead of the 2027 General Session.

The Legislature meets for 60 business days each biennium, split between a 40-day general session in odd-numbered years and a 20-day budget session in even-numbered years, according to Rep. JD Williams, R-Lusk. The months between sessions — known as the interim — are when legislative committees take a deeper look at policy issues and develop bills.

Topics are first suggested by individual legislators, prioritized within committees and ultimately approved by the Legislature’s Management Council, which is made up of leadership from both chambers, Williams said.

Among the highest-profile interim topics this year are issues tied to water, agriculture, energy and property taxes — all areas with direct impacts on Weston County.

Sen. Cheri Steinmetz, R-Torrington, said in an email that water policy will be a central focus as Wyoming continues to grapple with drought conditions and long-term resource management.

“Wyoming being a headwaters state means we must be very intentional about protecting our water for agriculture, our communities and businesses,” Steinmetz said.

Speaker of the House Rep. Chip Neiman also mentioned water during a discussion with the News Letter Journal, stating that “we must make sure we prevent water leaving Wyoming.” He said it is critical for Wyoming to keep Wyoming’s water in Wyoming. 

Agriculture-related concerns will also remain front and center, including livestock management practices, water rights protections and emerging regulatory issues affecting producers. These discussions are especially critical given ongoing drought conditions across the region, Steinmetz noted.

“In a year like this, with drought conditions, these conversations carry even more weight for Weston County’s agriculture community,” she said. 

Energy policy is another priority, particularly as the state evaluates increasing demand from industrial users and potential impacts on residents. Steinmetz pointed to concerns over rising electricity costs, including a proposed 32% residential rate increase affecting local ratepayers.

“That level of increase raises serious questions about affordability, cost allocation and whether existing ratepayers are being asked to subsidize broader system changes,” she said.

Legislators will also examine infrastructure needs and economic development tools, including a comprehensive review of the Wyoming Business Council and potential funding mechanisms to help communities address aging systems.

At the committee level, the interim agenda spans a wide range of policy areas.

The Joint Judiciary Committee, according to Williams, plans to study public access to court records, review the state’s criminal code and examine issues such as vehicular homicide, driving under the influence and probate law updates.

He noted that the Joint Appropriations Committee will focus on the Wyoming Business Council, the state retirement system and potential creation of a commission for the deaf and blind. Lawmakers will also review statutory responsibilities, including education funding adjustments and state employee compensation structures.

Neiman said that education will be a big topic of discussion during the interim, from funding to nutrition, school resource officers, mental health and technology and whether or not the state continues to develop and grow that footprint. 

Meanwhile, the Joint Revenue Committee is expected to tackle property tax reform, including potential alternatives to residential property taxes, as well as electricity taxation and government property tax exemptions.

Neiman also mentioned continued discussion on the election process and transportation funding. He noted that the Legislature is looking at more ways to fund transportation and highways and the proper use of the funding. 

Neiman said water rights and land use issues — including so-called “orphan” water rights and access to state lands — are also expected to be part of interim discussions, reflecting ongoing growth and development pressures in parts of the state.

Williams emphasized that the interim process is critical to shaping legislation before it is formally introduced, and they encourage public engagement throughout the process.

“All legislators need to be held accountable and that can only be accomplished when citizens are informed and engaged,” he said, encouraging residents to follow committee work through the state’s legislative website and participate in upcoming elections.

Committee meetings will take place throughout the summer and fall, with draft legislation expected to emerge ahead of the 2027 session.

Senator Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, did not respond with comment on interim topics by press time.