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Wyoming2025Did Not Pass

SF0178

Fixing Reading Failure

Last scannedOct 24, 2026, 2:19 AM

In one sentence

This act modifies reading programs in schools to help students who struggle with reading from kindergarten through fourth grade.

What it does

  • Defines terms related to reading difficulties and dyslexia.
  • Requires school districts to screen all students for early signs of reading problems at least three times a year.
  • Creates individualized reading plans for students showing signs of reading difficulty, involving parents in the process.

Who it affects

  • Students from kindergarten through fourth grade who struggle with reading.
  • Teachers and school districts that must implement new screening and intervention programs.
  • Parents of students identified as having reading difficulties, who will be involved in creating individualized plans for their children.

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill did not pass and therefore has no legal effect.
  • High performing school districts are exempt from some requirements, but details about these exemptions are limited in the provided text.

Plain language

Terms to know

Reading difficulty
A problem with reading or understanding written words that includes dyslexia and other issues.
High performing school district
A district where at least 60% of students score proficient or advanced on the English language arts test for two out of three years.

Official record

Sources

Source checked

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 5, 3:12 AM

Evie Brennan

R · S31

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker questions whether mandatory retention should be decided by schools alone, arguing that parents must have a say in holding their children back. She also expresses concern that the statewide testing used may not accurately measure reading skills and notes a lack of resources to empower teachers.

Public statementFloor statement at 48:21 Watch the statement

Bill Landen

R · S27

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because it includes punitive measures for teachers regarding fraud, which he finds unnecessary. He also argues that mandatory retention infringes on parental rights and believes parents should decide if a child repeats a grade.

Public statementFloor statement at 52:03 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker expresses concern that the bill allows districts to enforce reading plans without parental consent, which she feels undermines necessary collaboration between parents and schools. She also notes the bill is overly complicated.

Public statementFloor statement at 54:41 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill as a necessary reform to stop socially promoting students who cannot read, arguing that current policies are failing too many children. He emphasizes the need for parental involvement and teacher training.

Public statementFloor statement at 57:29 Watch the statement

Gary Crum

R · S10

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because he believes it adds unnecessary bureaucracy rather than fixing problems, despite appreciating its intent to improve reading.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:05:03 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because schools are already fatigued by constant legislative efforts to tweak education, and he believes this issue requires deeper committee work done in cooperation with districts.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:06:24 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

2 roll calls

Official activity

Bill history

  1. S 3rd Reading:Failed 6-24-1-0-0Senate
  2. S 2nd Reading:PassedSenate
  3. S COW:PassedSenate
  4. S Placed on General FileSenate
  5. S04 - Education:Recommend Amend and Do Pass 3-2-0-0-0Senate
  6. S Introduced and Referred to S04 - EducationSenate
  7. S Received for IntroductionSenate
  8. Bill Number AssignedLSO

Changes

Amendments

2 stored

SF0178S2001

The amendment removes specific requirements related to teacher evaluations, licensure scores, and instructional practices from the bill.

SF0178SS001

The amendment modifies the bill to clarify definitions, add requirements for identifying and addressing reading difficulties in students, and specify actions for school districts with low performance on state assessments.