Back to Wyoming
Wyoming2026Did Not Pass

SF0036

Hathaway Lump Sum Merit Scholarship Act

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 2:25 AM

In one sentence

This act amends the Hathaway scholarship program by changing award timing, eligibility requirements, removing certain academic progress rules, and adjusting scholarship amounts.

What it does

  • Changes when students can receive their scholarships to allow for lump sum payments.
  • Modifies the criteria needed to qualify for different types of Hathaway scholarships.
  • Removes the requirement that students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep receiving scholarships.
  • Eliminates the need for continuous enrollment and minimum credit hour requirements for scholarship recipients.

Who it affects

  • High school graduates who qualify for Hathaway scholarships in Wyoming.

Limits and unknowns

  • This bill did not pass in its current session.
  • Details about how the changes will be implemented are not fully explained in the provided text.

Plain language

Terms to know

Academic term
A period of time, such as a semester or summer session, during which students can take classes and earn credits.
Total scholarship amount
The full dollar value of the scholarship awarded to a student when they first qualify for it.

Official record

Sources

Validated

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 6, 12:53 AM

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because it departs from the existing structure of the Hathaway program and raises concerns about how funds would be recovered if given upfront. They suggest that a lump sum approach fits better within the Wyoming's Tomorrow Scholarship parameters for non-traditional students.

Public statementFloor statement at 3:26:20 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker fears the bill could be easily abused by students who might take a lump sum payment and then drop out, as there appears to be no mechanism in place to recoup those funds if they do not complete their education.

Public statementFloor statement at 3:29:34 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker voted no due to concerns about accountability and the lack of grade point requirements, citing the risk of giving a large sum upfront without safeguards.

Public statementFloor statement at 3:31:52 Watch the statement

Gary Brown

R · H41

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because providing lump sums immediately upon graduation would create a significant financial hit to the trust fund, making it actuarially unsustainable without massive new appropriations.

Public statementFloor statement at 3:32:33 Watch the statement

Scott Heiner

R · H18

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker has reservations about giving large sums of money to young adults who may drop out or change their plans, questioning how the state would recoup those funds.

Public statementFloor statement at 3:34:22 Watch the statement

Julie Jarvis

R · H57

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because using funds upfront for a degree that is later changed could leave students without financial support to complete their education, creating a mess rather than helping them.

Public statementFloor statement at 3:38:01 Watch the statement

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

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

5 roll calls

H COW:Failed 3-51-8-0-02026-02-23 · House3 yes 51 no
H04 - Education:Recommend Do Pass 6-1-2-0-02026-02-21 · House6 yes 1 no
S 3rd Reading:Passed 28-2-1-0-02026-02-18 · Senate28 yes 2 no
S04 - Education:Recommend Do Pass 5-0-0-0-02026-02-13 · Senate5 yes 0 no
S Introduced and Referred to S04 - Education 22-9-0-0-02026-02-09 · House22 yes 9 no

Official activity

Bill history

  1. H COW:Failed 3-51-8-0-0House
  2. H Placed on General FileHouse
  3. H04 - Education:Recommend Do Pass 6-1-2-0-0House
  4. H Introduced and Referred to H04 - EducationHouse
  5. H Received for IntroductionHouse
  6. S 3rd Reading:Passed 28-2-1-0-0Senate
  7. S 2nd Reading:PassedSenate
  8. S COW:PassedSenate
  9. S Placed on General FileSenate
  10. S04 - Education:Recommend Do Pass 5-0-0-0-0Senate
  11. S Introduced and Referred to S04 - Education 22-9-0-0-0Senate
  12. S Received for IntroductionSenate
  13. Bill Number AssignedLSO