Wyoming2026Did Not Pass

HB0088

No Public Money for Lobbying

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 2:25 AM

In one sentence

The bill prohibits government entities from using state funds or resources to lobby the legislature and requires yearly certifications of compliance.

What it does

Prohibits any governmental entity in Wyoming from using state funds or resources to engage in lobbying activities, including hiring lobbyists or paying dues to organizations that lobby on behalf of governmental entities.
Requires each governmental entity to submit a certification annually by February 1st stating they did not use public funds for lobbying during the previous calendar year.
Authorizes the attorney general or district attorneys to take legal action if a governmental entity violates this prohibition.
Allows any taxpayer or resident of Wyoming to sue and seek injunctive relief if they believe a governmental entity has violated the ban on using public funds for lobbying.

Who it affects

All units of state and local government, including branches, subdivisions, agencies, school districts, and special districts.
Taxpayers and residents who can report violations and seek legal action.

Limits and unknowns

The bill did not pass in the session it was introduced.
It does not apply to for-profit organizations that provide services under a government contract.
Details on specific penalties and enforcement mechanisms are not provided beyond legal action by authorities or citizens.

Plain language

Terms to know

Governmental entity: Any unit of state or local government, including branches, subdivisions, agencies, school districts, and special districts. It does not include for-profit organizations that provide services under a government contract.
Lobbying: Attempting to influence legislation by communicating with lawmakers or their staff.

Official record

Sources

Validated

Official bill page Introduced text Official digest Current bill text Stored full record

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 5, 1:27 AM

J.T. Larson

R · H17

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because elected local officials need public funds to represent their constituents' positions, just as legislators are paid with public funds for their own lobbying efforts.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:16:03 Watch the statement

Art Washut

R · H36

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because testimony from associations is invaluable for understanding ground-level realities and making informed decisions without having to fix mistakes later.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:17:00 Watch the statement

Paul Hoeft

R · H25

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker argues the bill is necessary because taxpayers seek relief from being lobbied against by their own government officials who use public funds.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:17:58 Watch the statement

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

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

1 roll call

H Failed Introduction 27-34-1-0-02026-02-10 · House27 yes 34 no

Yes: 27
No: 34
Absent: 0
Excused: 1
Conflict: 0

Excused 1

Tom KellyR · H30

Official activity

Bill history

2026-02-10H Failed Introduction 27-34-1-0-0House
2026-02-05H Received for IntroductionHouse
2026-02-03Bill Number AssignedLSO

HB0088

The bill prohibits government entities from using state funds or resources to lobby the legislature and requires yearly certifications of compliance.

What it does

Who it affects

Limits and unknowns

Terms to know

Sources

Why lawmakers voted

J.T. Larson

Art Washut

Paul Hoeft

Recorded votes

Yes 27

No 34

Excused 1

Bill history