Back to Wyoming
Wyoming2025Did Not Pass

SJ0006

Amending Wyoming Constitution for School Construction

Last scannedOct 25, 2026, 2:19 AM

In one sentence

This resolution proposes changing the Wyoming Constitution to make local school districts responsible for building public schools, with optional state funding mechanisms.

What it does

  • Proposes a change in the Wyoming Constitution that makes each local school district mainly responsible for providing school buildings and facilities through bonds or other means.
  • Requires equalization of bond costs so that no district's property tax rate exceeds what it would be if all districts had an average valuation per person.
  • Gives the state legislature the option to provide additional funding to help districts with financial difficulties.

Who it affects

  • Local school districts in Wyoming

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill did not pass in the Wyoming Senate.
  • It is unclear how much additional funding the state legislature would provide to help districts with financial difficulties.

Plain language

Terms to know

Equalization aid
Money provided by the state to help local school districts pay for building and maintaining school facilities.
Capital construction
Building or improving physical structures like schools, roads, or bridges.

Official record

Sources

Source checked

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 5, 3:01 AM

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the amendment because it creates inequity, as some communities may be unable to pass bond issues for new schools while others with high assessed valuations can build them easily.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:54:06 Watch the statement

Brian Boner

R · S02

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the amendment as a balanced solution that addresses the problem of running out of state funds by shifting responsibility to local communities while providing new revenue streams.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:55:45 Watch the statement

Dan Laursen

R · S19

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the amendment as a form of local control, arguing that citizens in each area should decide if they need to replace their schools.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:57:03 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the amendment because it controls expenses by returning to a system where those benefiting from new schools pay for them, preventing funding cuts to operating budgets.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:58:23 Watch the statement

Bill Landen

R · S27

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the resolution because it forces the state to fund schools in districts that may not need them and creates unfairness for charter or private school initiatives.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:06:12 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the resolution primarily due to timing concerns, citing ongoing lawsuits and recalibration issues that make this an uncertain moment for such a change.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:08:53 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes adding school construction as an expense during a period of high inflation and escalating property taxes.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:11:47 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 18-12-1-0-0Senate
  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

1 stored

SJ0006SS001

The amendment changes the Wyoming Constitution by shifting the responsibility of building public schools from the state to local communities.