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Wyoming2026Did Not Pass

SF0118

Eminent Domain for Water Projects

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 2:25 AM

In one sentence

This act requires the Wyoming legislature's approval before using eminent domain for water projects that use state funds.

What it does

  • Requires the legislature to approve the use of eminent domain for water projects funded by state money.
  • Makes changes to existing laws about eminent domain and water projects.
  • Specifies when these rules apply.
  • Sets an effective date for the new law.

Who it affects

  • The Wyoming legislature
  • Water project sponsors using state funds

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill did not pass during its session.
  • It does not specify what happens if the legislature does not approve a project after funds are appropriated.
  • Details about how the approval process works are not provided in the summary.

Plain language

Terms to know

eminent domain
The power of a government to take private property for public use, with compensation.
water projects
Projects that involve the construction or improvement of water systems like dams, reservoirs, and pipelines.

Official record

Sources

Validated

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 5, 12:43 AM

Larry Hicks

R · S11

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill to ensure oversight on projects receiving significant state funding and to prevent delays by confirming easement requirements early in the process.

Public statementFloor statement at 5:42:44 Watch the statement

Bo Biteman

R · S21

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because they believe eminent domain decisions should be made by courts, not the legislature, viewing this as a separation of powers issue.

Public statementFloor statement at 5:43:45 Watch the statement

Taft Love

R · S06

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill because they believe significant state spending requires serious justification and oversight regarding eminent domain use.

Public statementFloor statement at 5:44:46 Watch the statement

Tim French

R · S18

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill as a way for the legislature to justify and oversee the use of eminent domain when large amounts of public money are involved.

Public statementFloor statement at 5:45:48 Watch the statement

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

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

3 roll calls

S COW:Failed 9-17-5-0-02026-02-20 · Senate9 yes 17 no
S05 - Agriculture:Recommend Do Pass 4-0-1-0-02026-02-19 · Senate4 yes 0 no
S Introduced and Referred to S01 - Judiciary 22-9-0-0-02026-02-13 · Senate22 yes 9 no

Official activity

Bill history

  1. S COW:Failed 9-17-5-0-0Senate
  2. S Placed on General FileSenate
  3. S05 - Agriculture:Recommend Do Pass 4-0-1-0-0Senate
  4. :Refer to S05 - AgricultureSenate
  5. S Introduced and Referred to S01 - Judiciary 22-9-0-0-0Senate
  6. S Received for IntroductionSenate
  7. Bill Number AssignedLSO