Wyoming State Senate

General Information
Party control: |  Republican
Session start:[1] |  February 14, 2022
Session end:[1] |  March 11, 2022
Term length: |  4 years
Term limits: |  None
Redistricting: | Legislature-dominant
Salary: |  $150/day
\+ per diem
Members
Total: | 30
Democrats: | 2
Republicans: | 28
Other: | 0
Vacancies: | 0
Leadership
President: |  Dan Dockstader (R)
Maj. Leader: |  Ogden Driskill (R)
Min. Leader: |  Chris Rothfuss (D)
Elections
Last election: | November 3, 2020
Next election: | November 8, 2022

The Wyoming State Senate is the upper chamber of the Wyoming State Legislature. Alongside the Wyoming House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Wyoming state government and works alongside the governor of Wyoming to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Wyoming State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Wyoming State Senate meets in the state capitol building in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

On March 25, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon (R) allowed the state’s legislative maps to become law without signing the redistricting bill approved by the legislature. The legislature approved Wyoming HB100 on March 11. The bill adds one Senate seat and two House of Representatives seats to the state legislature. The Senate passed legislative redistricting plans, voting 20-10 to approve an amended version of the Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Interim Committee's proposal.[2] The House rejected maps approved by the Senate in a 46-11 vote on March 8. Legislative leaders formed a committee of three representatives and three senators to resolve disputes over the proposals.[3] On March 11, the House passed the maps in a 44-12 vote, and the Senate passed the maps in a 17-12 vote.[4]

Click here for more information about redistricting after the 2020 census.

* Of the chamber's 30 seats, 15 seats are up for election in 2022.

* A total of 15 seats out of the chamber's 30 seats were up for election in 2020. The chamber's Republican supermajority increased from 27-3 to 28-2.
* Wyoming has a Republican trifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

This page contains the following information on the Wyoming State Senate.

* Which party controls the chamber
* The chamber's current membership
* Partisan control of the chamber over time
* Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
* A district map
* How redistricting works in the state
* Legislation currently under consideration
* Legislative session dates
* Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
* A list of committees

## Party control[edit]

### Current partisan control[edit]

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Wyoming State Senate as of April 2022:

Party  | As of April 2022

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| Democratic Party | 2
| Republican Party | 28
| Vacancies  | 1
Total |  30

## Members[edit]

### Leadership[edit]

Wyoming does not have the office of lieutenant governor, so the president of the Senate is selected from the membership.[5]

### Current leadership and members[edit]

* Senate president: Dan Dockstader (R)
* Majority leader: Ogden Driskill (R)
* Minority leader: Chris Rothfuss (D)

Office | Name | Party | Date assumed office

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Wyoming State Senate District 1 | Ogden Driskill | Republican  | 2011
Wyoming State Senate District 2 | Brian Boner | Republican  | April 10, 2015
Wyoming State Senate District 3 | Cheri Steinmetz | Republican  | January 7, 2019
Wyoming State Senate District 4 | Tara Nethercott | Republican  | January 2, 2017
Wyoming State Senate District 5 | Lynn Hutchings | Republican  | January 7, 2019
Wyoming State Senate District 6 | Anthony Bouchard | Republican  | January 2, 2017
Wyoming State Senate District 7 | Stephan Pappas | Republican  | January 5, 2015
Wyoming State Senate District 8 | Affie Ellis | Republican  | January 2, 2017
Wyoming State Senate District 9 | Chris Rothfuss | Democratic  | 2011
Wyoming State Senate District 10 | Dan Furphy | Republican  | January 4, 2021
Wyoming State Senate District 11 | Larry S. Hicks | Republican  | 2011
Wyoming State Senate District 12 | John Kolb | Republican  | January 4, 2021
Wyoming State Senate District 13 | Tom James | Republican  | January 7, 2019
Wyoming State Senate District 14 | Fred Baldwin | Republican  | January 2, 2017
Wyoming State Senate District 15 | Wendy Davis Schuler | Republican  | January 7, 2019
Wyoming State Senate District 16 | Dan Dockstader | Republican  | 2009
Wyoming State Senate District 17 | Mike Gierau | Democratic  | January 7, 2019
Wyoming State Senate District 18 | Tim French | Republican  | January 4, 2021
Wyoming State Senate District 19 | R.J. Kost | Republican  | January 7, 2019
Wyoming State Senate District 20 | Edward Cooper | Republican  | January 4, 2021
Wyoming State Senate District 21 | Bo Biteman | Republican  | January 7, 2019
Wyoming State Senate District 22 | Dave Kinskey | Republican  | 2014
Wyoming State Senate District 23 | Jeff Wasserburger | Republican  | January 5, 2015
Wyoming State Senate District 24 | Troy McKeown | Republican  | January 4, 2021
Wyoming State Senate District 25 | Cale Case | Republican  | 1999
Wyoming State Senate District 26 | Tim Salazar | Republican  | January 4, 2021
Wyoming State Senate District 27 | Bill Landen | Republican  | 2007
Wyoming State Senate District 28 | James Anderson | Republican  | January 7, 2013
Wyoming State Senate District 29 | Drew Perkins | Republican  | 2007
Wyoming State Senate District 30 | Charles Scott | Republican  | 1983

### Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislators

Salary| Per diem
$150/day| $109/day. Set by legislature. Vouchered. Legislators also receive an additional $300/month; 1/2 salary for 1 day of preparation for each day the legislator is engaged in work for the Management Council or any committee; and 1/2 salary for each day the member travels to/from an interim activity for which they are entitled to receive a salary.

### Swearing in dates[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Wyoming legislators assume office the first Monday in January in odd-numbered years.[6]

### Membership qualifications[edit]

See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

Section 2 of Article 3 of the Wyoming Constitution states, "Senators shall be elected for the term of four (4) years and representatives for the term of two (2) years. The senators elected at the first election shall be divided by lot into two classes as nearly equal as may be. The seats of senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the first two years, and of the second class at the expiration of four years. No person shall be a senator who has not attained the age of twenty-five years, or a representative who has not attained the age of twenty-one years, and who is not a citizen of the United States and of this state and who has not, for at least twelve months next preceding his election resided within the county or district in which he was elected."

## Historical party control[edit]

Between 1992 and 2020, partisan control of the Wyoming State Senate shifted in favor of the Republican Party. The table below shows the partisan history of the Wyoming State Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2020. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Wyoming State Senate Party Control: 1992-2020

Year  | '92  | '94  | '96  | '98  | '00  | '02  | '04  | '06  | '08  | '10  | '12  | '14  | '16  | '18  | '20

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Democrats | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2
Republicans | 20 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28

After the 1992 elections, Republicans held a 20-10 majority in the state Senate. The Republican majority gradually expanded until, after the 2020 elections, Republicans had a 28-2 majority. Republicans gained three seats in 2004 and 2010. The only election in which Democrats gained seats was in 1998, when they picked up one seat.

### Trifecta history[edit]

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government.

Between 1992 and 2021, Wyoming was under the following types of trifecta control:

* Democratic trifecta: None
* Republican trifecta: 1995-2002, 2011-2021
* Divided government: 1992-1994, 2003-2010

Wyoming Party Control: 1992-2022
No Democratic trifectas • Twenty years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year  | 92  | 93  | 94  | 95  | 96  | 97  | 98  | 99  | 00  | 01  | 02  | 03  | 04  | 05  | 06  | 07  | 08  | 09  | 10  | 11  | 12  | 13  | 14  | 15  | 16  | 17  | 18  | 19  | 20  | 21  | 22

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Governor | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R
Senate | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R
House | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R

## Elections[edit]

### Elections by year[edit]

Wyoming state senators serve staggered, four-year terms and half of the Senate is up for election every two years. Wyoming holds elections for its legislature in even years.

### 2022[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2022

Elections for the Wyoming State Senate will take place in 2022. The general election is on November 8, 2022. A primary is scheduled for August 16, 2022. The filing deadline is May 27, 2022.

### 2020[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2020

Elections for the office of Wyoming State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 18, 2020. The filing deadline was May 29, 2020.

In the 2020 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the Wyoming State Senate from 27-3 to 28-2.

Wyoming State Senate

Party  | As of November 3, 2020  | After November 4, 2020
| Democratic Party | 3  | 2
| Republican Party | 27 | 28
Total |  30 |  30

### 2018[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2018

Elections for the Wyoming State Senate took place in 2018. The closed primary election took place on August 21, 2018, and the general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline for major party candidates was June 1, 2018.[7]

In the 2018 elections, there was no change to the partisan balance of the Wyoming State Senate.

Wyoming State Senate

Party  | As of November 6, 2018  | After November 7, 2018
| Democratic Party | 3  | 3
| Republican Party | 27 | 27
Total |  30 |  30

### 2016[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the Wyoming State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 16, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was May 27, 2016.

A total of 15 seats out of the 30 seats in the Wyoming State Senate were up for election in 2016.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 26-4 majority. Republicans gained one seat in the election, giving them a 27-3 majority.

Wyoming State Senate

Party  | As of November 7, 2016  | After November 8, 2016
| Democratic Party | 4  | 3
| Republican Party | 26 | 27
Total |  30 |  30
Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

### 2014[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the Wyoming State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 19, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 30, 2014.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 26-4 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election.

| Wyoming State Senate

Party  | As of November 3, 2014  | After November 4, 2014
| Democratic Party | 4  | 4
| Republican Party | 26 | 26
Total |  30 |  30

### 2012[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2012

Elections for the office of Wyoming State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 21, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2012. A total of 15 seats were up for election.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 26-4 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election.

Wyoming State Senate

Party  | As of November 5, 2012  | After the 2012 Election
| Democratic Party | 4  | 4
| Republican Party | 26 | 26
Total |  30 |  30

The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.

2012 Margin of Victory, Wyoming State Senate

District  | Winner  | Margin of Victory  | Total Votes  | Top Opponent
District 8 |  Floyd Esquibel | 4.8% | 5,669 | Curtis Bryan Albrecht
District 28 |  Jim Anderson | 29.7% | 7,054 | Kim Holloway
District 18 |  Henry Coe | 42.8% | 8,755 | Various
District 6 |  Wayne Johnson | 54.2% | 7,961 | William Hill
District 24 |  Michael Von Flatern | 67.8% | 6,991 | Bradley Edward Kramer
District 14 |  Stan Cooper | 74.5% | 7,774 | John Vincent Love
District 30 |  Charles Scott | 78.5% | 6,396 | Various
District |  Phil Nicholas | 81.5% | 6,676 | Various
District 12 |  Bernadine Craft | 94.4% | 5,412 | Various
District 22 |  John Schiffer | 96% | 7,814 | Various

### 2010[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2010

Elections for the office of Wyoming State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 17, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was May 28, 2010. Of the 30 seats in the Senate, 15 were up for re-election.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 23-7 majority. Republicans gained three seats in the election, giving them a 26-4 majority.

Wyoming State Senate

Party  | As of November 1, 2010  | After the 2010 Election
| Democratic Party | 7  | 4
| Republican Party | 23 | 26
Total |  30 |  30

In 2010, the candidates for state Senate raised a total of $259,183 in campaign contributions. The top 10 donors were:[8]

2010 Donors, Wyoming State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Democrat (Party)  | $16,550
Meier, Curtis Eugine  | $16,516
Wyoming State Senate Republican Conference  | $10,000
Steinmetz, Corey A  | $7,978
Frisbie, Tom  | $5,000
Workers Help in Politics  | $5,000
Republican (Party)  | $4,500
Rothfuss, Chris  | $4,446
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association  | $4,150
Williams Companies  | $4,000

### 2008[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2008

Elections for the office of Wyoming State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 19, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008.

During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $232,124. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

2008 Donors, Wyoming State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Wyoming Realtors Association  | $15,250
Campaign For A Great State  | $14,200
Dockstader, Dan  | $9,635
Wyoming Democratic Party  | $8,600
Sherard, Robert & Phyllis  | $7,000
Wyoming Education Association  | $6,735
Findlater, Christopher (Chris)  | $6,500
Walters, Tom  | $5,000
Wyoming Contractors Association  | $4,550
Questar  | $4,350

### 2006[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2006

Elections for the office of Wyoming State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 22, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006.

During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $368,423. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

2006 Donors, Wyoming State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Fecht, Robert (Bob)  | $22,497
Meier, Curt  | $17,317
Clapp, Larry & Deville, Carla  | $14,100
Wyoming Association Of Realtors  | $11,250
Bishop, John C & Shirley  | $10,502
Clapp, Larry R  | $10,000
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association  | $6,300
Herz, Chuck  | $5,700
Larson, Grant  | $5,500
Wyoming Education Association  | $5,420

### 2004[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2004

Elections for the office of Wyoming State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 17, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004.

During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $317,964. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

2004 Donors, Wyoming State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Meister, Cynthia A  | $11,380
Wyoming Association Of Realtors  | $10,100
Caller, Larry  | $9,479
Associated General Contractors Of Wyoming  | $6,800
Wyoming Education Association  | $6,400
Vinson, Mike  | $5,901
Wyoming Republican Party  | $5,700
Haller, James  | $5,000
Barrasso, John  | $5,000
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association  | $4,750

### 2002[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2002

Elections for the office of Wyoming State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 20, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002.

During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $126,509. The top 10 contributors were:[12]

2002 Donors, Wyoming State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Northrup, Laness D  | $5,583
Wyoming Education Association  | $4,800
Wyoming Association Of Realtors  | $3,850
Wyoming Republican Party  | $3,800
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association  | $3,600
Barrasso, John A  | $3,600
Barton, Bill  | $3,515
Associated General Contractors Of Wyoming  | $3,200
Hicks, Larry & Carolyn  | $2,976
Burns, Bruce  | $2,797

### 2000[edit]

See also: Wyoming State Senate elections, 2000

Elections for the office of Wyoming State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 22, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000.

During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $159,645. The top 10 contributors were:[13]

2000 Donors, Wyoming State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Wyoming Education Association  | $11,000
Wyoming Republican Party  | $7,750
Wyoming AFL-CIO  | $5,250
Wyoming Public Employees Association  | $4,000
Wyoming Association Of Realtors  | $3,850
Huff, Charles W  | $3,700
Sorensen, Kim  | $3,124
Associated General Contractors Of Wyoming  | $3,000
United Transportation Union  | $2,800
Petroleum Association Of Wyoming  | $2,800

### Vacancies[edit]

See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in the Wyoming State Legislature, the board of county commissioners representing the vacant district must select a replacement. The meeting to pick the candidates should take place no later than 15 days after the state central committee is notified of the vacancy. The state central committee of the political party that last held the seat must submit a list of three candidates to the board of county commissioners. Within five days of receiving the list of three candidates, the board of county commissioners shall appoint one of the candidates to fill the vacancy.[14]

See sources: Wyoming Const. Art. 3, Sec. 51 and Wyoming Stat., §22-18-111(a)(iii)

## District map[edit]

See also: Wyoming state legislative districts

The state of Wyoming has 30 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

## Redistricting[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Wyoming

Wyoming is home to one at-large congressional district, making congressional redistricting unnecessary. State legislative district lines are drawn by the state legislature. State legislative district plans are subject to veto by the governor.[15]

In 2011, a joint legislative committee adopted the following guidelines for state legislative redistricting:[15]

1. Districts should be contiguous and compact.
2. Districts should "reflect a community of interest."
3. Districts should "consider significant geographic features."
4. "A majority of the population of each county" should reside within a single district.
5. "Consideration should be given to nesting two House districts in each state Senate district."

### 2020[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Wyoming after the 2020 census

On March 25, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon (R) allowed the state’s legislative maps to become law without signing the redistricting bill approved by the legislature. The legislature approved Wyoming HB100 on March 11. The bill adds one Senate seat and two House of Representatives seats to the state legislature. The Senate passed legislative redistricting plans, voting 20-10 to approve an amended version of the Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Interim Committee's proposal.[16] The House rejected maps approved by the Senate in a 46-11 vote on March 8. Legislative leaders formed a committee of three representatives and three senators to resolve disputes over the proposals.[17] On March 11, the House passed the maps in a 44-12 vote, and the Senate passed the maps in a 17-12 vote.[18]

#### District map after 2020 redistricting[edit]

This map takes effect for Wyoming's 2022 legislative elections.

### 2010[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Wyoming after the 2010 census

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Wyoming's population increased from just under 494,000 to over 563,000 from 2000 to 2010.[19] This increase of 14.5 percent was higher than the national average, but Wyoming still had less people than the average size for one Congressional district.[20]

The Joint Interim Committee on Corporations, Elections, and Political Subdivisions decided to keep single-member districts and the current configuration of 30 members in the Senate and 60 members in the House. Only 34 of the 90 old House and Senate districts were within the accepted five percent margin of error from the ideal population, suggesting that many districts would have to be reshuffled.[21] After having public hearings, the Committee adopted a complete map in December of 2011, and gave it final approval in January of 2012. The Senate and the House both passed the final map by wide margins (28-2 in the Senate and 51-8 in the House) and Governor Matt Mead (R) signed the map into law on March 6, 2012.[22][23]

## Sessions[edit]

### Legislation[edit]

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Wyoming State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

### Dates of legislative sessions in Wyoming by year[edit]

### 2022[edit]

See also: 2022 Wyoming legislative session and Dates of 2022 state legislative sessions

In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on February 14, 2022, and adjourn on March 11, 2022.

### 2021[edit]

See also: 2021 Wyoming legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions

In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 12, 2021, and adjourn on April 7, 2021.

### 2020[edit]

See also: 2020 Wyoming legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions

In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on February 10, 2020, and adjourn on March 12, 2020.

#### Effect of coronavirus pandemic[edit]

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.

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Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The Wyoming State Legislature convened a special session on May 15, 2020. The legislature adjourned May 16, 2020.[24]

### 2019[edit]

See also: 2019 Wyoming legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions

In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2019, through February 28, 2019.

### 2018[edit]

See also: 2018 Wyoming legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions

In 2018, the legislature was in session from February 12, 2018, through March 15, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

### 2017[edit]

See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 10, 2017, through March 3, 2017.

### 2016[edit]

See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

In 2016, the legislature was in session from February 8 through March 4.

### 2015[edit]

See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 13 to March 12.

#### Major issues in 2015[edit]

Medicaid and the state's budget topped the list of major issues in the 2015 legislative session for Wyoming. The state considered options to expand Medicaid coverage for the thousands of working poor in the state, but Governor Matt Mead (R) and Senator Charles Scott (R) proposed competing plans, and House Republicans looked to block any expansion of the program.[25]

### 2014[edit]

See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

In 2014, the legislature was in session from February 10 through March 7.

#### Major issues in 2014[edit]

Major issues in the 2014 legislative session included addressing the state's budget, requiring for-profit hospitals to accept a percentage of charity care, increased school accountability, and reforming retirement systems of state agencies.[26]

### 2013[edit]

See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 8 to February 27.

#### Major issues in 2013[edit]

Major issues in the 2013 legislative session included opting out of the Affordable Healthcare Act and Medicaid, a 10-cent fuel tax increase, infrastructure improvements, and reforms to sex crime laws.[27]

### 2012[edit]

See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

In 2012, the legislature was in session from February 13 through March 9.

### 2011[edit]

See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

In 2011, the legislature was in regular session from January 11 through March 3.[28]

### 2010[edit]

See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

In 2010, the legislature was in regular session from February 8 to March 5.[29]

### About legislative sessions in Wyoming[edit]

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[30] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Article III of the Wyoming Constitution establishes when the Wyoming State Legislature, of which the Senate is a part, is to be in session. Sections 6 and 7 of Article III contain the relevant provisions. The Legislature is to convene in regular session for no more than sixty legislative working days every two years, and no more than forty legislative days in any year. In odd-numbered years, the Legislature meets for a general and budget session, beginning on the second Tuesday of January. In even-numbered years, the Legislature meets for a session devoted to budgetary matters.

Section 7 of Article III contains the provisions for convening special sessions of the Legislature. Special sessions can be convened by the proclamation of the Governor of Wyoming, or the Legislature can convene a special session of up to twenty legislative days if the session is requested by a majority of the members of each legislative house.

## Legislative roles and procedures[edit]

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, and procedures for filling membership vacancies.

### Veto overrides[edit]

See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Wyoming are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members in both chambers.

Two-thirds of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 40 of the 60 members in the Wyoming House of Representatives and 20 of the 30 members in the Wyoming State Senate. Wyoming is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

Authority: Article 4, Section 8 of the Wyoming Constitution.

"Every bill which has passed the legislature shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the governor. If he approve, he shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it with his objections to the house in which it originated, which shall enter the objections at large upon the journal and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of the members elected agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if it be approved by two-thirds of the members elected, it shall become a law; but in all such cases the vote of both houses shall be determined by the yeas and nays, and the names of the members voting for and against the bill shall be entered upon the journal of each house respectively."

### Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Wyoming state budget and finances
Wyoming on

Check out Ballotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
Budgets • Civil liberties • Education • Elections • Energy • Environment • Healthcare • Pensions

* * *

The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[31]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in June.
2. State agencies submit their budget requests in August.
3. Agency hearings are held September through November.
4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the Wyoming State Legislature by December 1.
5. The Wyoming State Legislature adopts a budget in March. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.
6. The biennial budget cycle begins in July.

Wyoming is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[31]

In Wyoming, the governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget. In addition, the legislature is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget.[31]

## Committees[edit]

See also: List of committees in Wyoming state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

* Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
* Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
* Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Wyoming State Senate has 12 standing committees:

* Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee
* Senate Appropriations Committee
* Senate Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee
* Senate Education Committee
* Senate Journal Committee
* Senate Judiciary Committee
* Senate Labor, Health and Social Services Committee
* Senate Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee
* Senate Revenue Committee
* Senate Rules and Procedure Committee
* Senate Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee
* Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee

## Constitutional amendments[edit]

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Wyoming Constitution can be amended:

See also: Article 20 of the Wyoming Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Wyoming
Wyoming Constitution

Preamble
Articles
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21

Article 20 of the Wyoming Constitution defines the two ways it can be amended.

* Section 1 lays out the process of a legislatively referred constitutional amendment.

* Either branch of the Wyoming State Legislature can propose amendments.
* Regardless of where the amendment originated, two-thirds of all the members of each of the two houses, voting separately, have to agree to put it on the ballot for a vote of the state's electors.
* Any proposed amendments that receive a two-thirds (66.67 percent) supermajority vote of both chambers are to go on the ballot at the next general election.
* The proposed amendment must be published for at least 12 consecutive weeks, prior to a vote being held on it "in at least one newspaper of general circulation."
* To be enacted, the amendment must be approved by a majority of the electors.
* If more than one amendment is proposed, they are to be voted on separately.

* A constitutional convention can be called according to Section 3 of Article 20.

* A convention can be called if a two-thirds (66.67 percent) supermajority vote in both houses of the legislature agree to put a constitutional convention question on the state's next general election ballot.
* A majority of those voting must approve the call for a convention.
* If they do, the legislature is required to organize that convention in its next session.
* Article 20 does not specify how many delegates a convention must have, except to say that the number of delegates must be "not less than double that of the most numerous branch of the legislature."
* Any constitutional changes recommended by a duly-called constitutional convention don't go into effect unless and until they are approved in a statewide vote of the people.

Historical context:

* Between 2000 and 2020, 20 measures appeared on the ballot in Wyoming.
* From 2000 and 2020, an average of two measures appeared on the ballot in even-numbered years.
* Between 2000 and 2020, 12 of 20 measures (60%) were approved, and 8 of 20 measures (40%) were defeated.

Legislatively-referred constitutional amendments, 1995-2020

Total number | Approved | Percent approved | Defeated | Percent defeated | Even-year average | Even-year median | Even-year minimum | Even-year maximum
20 | 12 | 60% | 8 | 40% | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4

2023 measures:

See also: 2023 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures were certified for the ballot.

No measures to list

2022 measures:

Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2022 ballot by the legislature.

See also: Wyoming 2022 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures were certified for the ballot.
Local Government Stock Investing Amendment| Democrats| Republicans

|
|

Senate:| Required: 20| Yes votes: 25 (83.33%)| No votes: 5 (16.67%)| Yes: 2; No: 0| Yes: 23; No: 5
House:| Required: 40| Yes votes: 46 (76.67%)| No votes: 13 (21.67%)| Yes: 7; No: 0| Yes: 38; No: 12
Wyoming Judicial Retirement Age Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 20| Yes votes: 20 (66.67%)| No votes: 10 (33.33%)| Yes: 2; No: 0| Yes: 18; No: 10
House:| Required: 40| Yes votes: 54 (90.00%)| No votes: 5 (8.33%)| Yes: 7; No: 0| Yes: 45; No: 5

## See also[edit]

Elections |  Wyoming State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics

|
|
|

* Wyoming State Senate elections, 2022
* Wyoming State Senate elections, 2020
* Wyoming State Senate elections, 2018

* Wyoming State Legislature
* Wyoming House of Representatives
* Governor of Wyoming
* Wyoming Supreme Court

* State legislative elections, 2022
* State legislative elections, 2021
* State legislative elections, 2020
* State legislative elections, 2019
* State legislative elections, 2018

* State government trifectas
* State government triplexes
* State executives
* State courts
* Ballot measures

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 This date reflects the regularly-scheduled date and does not reflect any change made as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. For more information on changes to state legislative sessions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, click here.
2. ↑ Wyoming Tribune Eagle, "Senate sends 60-30 redistricting plan back to House," March 3, 2022
3. ↑ Casper Star-Tribune, "Wyoming House votes down redistricting map, triggers joint committee," March 8, 2022
4. ↑ Wyoming Legislature, "HB0100 - Redistricting of the legislature.," accessed March 29, 2022
5. ↑ Wyoming Legislature, "About the Legislature," accessed February 16, 2021
6. ↑ Justia, "2020 Wyoming Statutes Title 22 - Elections Chapter 2 - General Provisions Section 22-2-107 - When Elected State and County Officers Assume Offices.," accessed November 4, 2021
7. ↑ Wyoming Secretary of State, "2018 Key Election Dates," accessed June 2, 2017
8. ↑ Follow the Money, "Wyoming Senate 2010 Campaign Contributions," accessed June 10, 2014
9. ↑ Follow the Money, "Wyoming 2008 Candidates," accessed August 14, 2013
10. ↑ Follow the Money, "Wyoming 2006 Candidates," accessed August 14, 2013
11. ↑ Follow the Money, "Wyoming 2004 Candidates," accessed August 14, 2013
12. ↑ Follow the Money, "Wyoming 2002 Candidates," accessed August 14, 2013
13. ↑ Follow the Money, "Wyoming 2000 Candidates," accessed August 14, 2013
14. ↑ Wyoming Legislature, "Wyoming Election Code," accessed February 16, 2021 (Statute 22-18-111 (iii)-(A))
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 All About Redistricting, "Wyoming," accessed April 28, 2015
16. ↑ Wyoming Tribune Eagle, "Senate sends 60-30 redistricting plan back to House," March 3, 2022
17. ↑ Casper Star-Tribune, "Wyoming House votes down redistricting map, triggers joint committee," March 8, 2022
18. ↑ Wyoming Legislature, "HB0100 - Redistricting of the legislature.," accessed March 29, 2022
19. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "2010 Census: Wyoming Profile," accessed June 10, 2014
20. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "Congressional Apportionment," November 2011
21. ↑ Wyoming Tribune Eagle, "Redistricting process gaining momentum," May 22, 2011
22. ↑ Wyoming Tribune Eagle, "Redistricting plan clears both House and Senate," March 10, 2012
23. ↑ Pinedale Roundup, "Gov. Mead signs redistricting plan into law," March 8, 2012
24. ↑ Oil City News, "RARE WYOMING LEGISLATURE SPECIAL SESSION TO TAKE ON COVID-19," May 15, 2020
25. ↑ Ben Neary, The Washington Times, "Medicaid and budget issues face Wyoming Legislature," January 25, 2015
26. ↑ wyofile.com, "Legislature 2014: What you need to know about the budget session," December 3, 2013
27. ↑ Cody Enterprise, "Wyoming Legislature set for ‘wild ride’," January 2, 2013
28. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed June 6, 2014(Archived)
29. ↑ Wyoming Legislative Service Office, "2010 session dates for Wyoming Legislature," accessed August 1, 2014
30. ↑ Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2015," accessed February 5, 2021

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