Wyoming Legislature Advances Key Bills on Livestock Identification and U.S. Beef Labeling

CHEYENNE - The Wyoming Legislature has taken significant steps in addressing key agricultural and consumer issues, with two critical bills passing the Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands, and Water Resources Committee. These bills, sponsored by Senator Cheri Steinmetz, reinforce Wyoming’s commitment to supporting its livestock industry and ensuring transparency for consumers purchasing U.S.A. beef.

Senator Steinmetz, who represents Senate District 3, has been a strong advocate for Wyoming’s agriculture industry and rural communities. She is dedicated to preserving the rights of local producers and enhancing consumer confidence through clear product labeling.

Key Legislative Advancements

Senate File 0064 – Wyoming Opposes Mandatory Electronic ID Devices (EID) for Livestock
This bill establishes that Wyoming livestock producers have the right to continue using historically reliable, affordable, and voluntary methods of livestock identification, such as brands, backtags, tattoos, and ear tags. It also reinforces the confidentiality of producer information as outlined in Wyoming Statute 11-18-117. Wyoming’s livestock board has supported this effort by passing resolutions opposing the federal mandatory EID rule implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. SF0064 has passed the Senate Agriculture Committee and will move to the Senate floor for further debate.

Senate File 0084 – Country of Origin Labeling for U.S. Beef
SF0084 mandates that beef products born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the U.S.A. must be labeled accordingly to provide consumers with transparency and assurance. Acceptable labels include "Product of the U.S.A." or region-specific alternatives such as "Wyoming Beef" or "Local Beef." This legislation aims to promote consumer awareness and support domestic beef producers. The bill passed the Senate Agriculture Committee and will be considered on the Senate floor.

Additional Legislative Updates

Several other bills have successfully passed the Wyoming Senate and moved to the House for further consideration, including:

• SF0043 – Temporary Water Use Agreements: Limits temporary water use agreements to a maximum of ten years to prevent their use as de facto permanent transfers.
• SF0033 – Non-Citizen Driver’s License Identification: Requires non-citizen driver’s licenses to be marked with “Not U.S.” to aid in identification and prevent voting-related confusion.
• SF0072 – Summer Preservation Act: Establishes a reduced school year that starts after Labor Day and ends before Memorial Day.
• SF0044 – Fairness in Sports Act: Mandates that student-athletes' gender eligibility be determined by their birth certificates to preserve fairness in women's sports.
• SF0063 – State Lands Fencing Requirements: Ensures state lands contribute equally to partition fencing costs with neighboring landowners.
• SF0080 – Water Rights Abandonment Protections: Provides an extension process for water rights affected by infrastructure rehabilitation and repair projects.
• Property Tax Bills:  There are several bills dealing with property taxes which still need further vetting.  I will have a separate overview on this topic later in the week.

Bills That Did Not Advance

• SF0021 – Ban on Cellphones in Schools: Failed to pass, leaving the decision to local school boards.
• SF0014 – Imagination Library Program: A proposal to provide preschool books to households did not advance.

Stay Informed

Wyoming citizens are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with the legislative process by tracking bills, contacting your legislators and watching live sessions at wyoleg.gov.

About the Wyoming Legislature:
The Wyoming State Legislature is a citizen-run government body that meets annually to address state policy and budget matters. The legislature consists of a Senate with 31 members and a House of Representatives with 62 members, all dedicated to representing the interests of Wyoming’s citizens.

About Senator Cheri Steinmetz:
Senator Cheri Steinmetz serves Senate District 3 and is committed to advocating for agriculture, water rights, and rural development issues. Senator Steinmetz represents Goshen, Niobrara and Weston Counties.