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HB0178 • 2026

Public unions-transparency and dues withdrawal limitations.

AN ACT relating to labor and employment; prohibiting public employers and specified organizations from automatic deductions of dues and uniform assessments as specified; specifying penalties; providing and amending definitions; making conforming amendments; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

Crime Labor
Vetoed

The latest official action shows the governor vetoed this bill. Check the bill history to see whether lawmakers later overrode that veto.

Sponsor
Representative Williams
Last action
2026-03-10
Official status
inactive
Effective date
1/1/2027

Plain English Breakdown

The bill was vetoed by the governor on March 10, 2026. It is unclear if lawmakers will override this veto.

Public Unions Transparency and Dues Withdrawal Limitations

This bill stops public employers from automatically taking union dues or fees from workers' paychecks without their permission, sets penalties for breaking this rule, and requires unions to disclose member information.

What This Bill Does

  • Prohibits public employers from deducting union dues or fees from employees’ wages on behalf of a labor organization or political entities without their permission.
  • Specifies that any person who violates the prohibition against automatic deductions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to penalties including fines up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
  • Amends existing laws to include penalties for violating the new rule against automatic deductions.
  • Requires labor organizations to disclose member names and identifying information.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Public employers in Wyoming
  • Labor organizations representing public employees
  • Public employees who are members of unions

Terms To Know

public employer
The state of Wyoming, any city, town, county or political subdivision and their agencies.
labor organization
A group that represents workers in collective bargaining with employers.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Does not apply to public safety agencies as defined by W.S. 9-2-1101(b)(i).
  • The bill was vetoed by the governor, but it is unclear if lawmakers will override this veto.
  • Effective date of January 1, 2027, may be delayed or changed depending on any future legislative actions.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

HB0178H3001

3rd reading • Representative Washut

Withdrawn

Plain English: 1 HB0178H3001 1 Page 6-line 19 After "27-10-109" insert ", including the 2 right to bargain for payroll deductions".

  • 1 HB0178H3001 1 Page 6-line 19 After "27-10-109" insert ", including the 2 right to bargain for payroll deductions".
  • 3 WASHUT
HB0178H3002

3rd reading • Representative Andrew

Adopted

Plain English: 1 HB0178H3002 1 Page 6-line 19 Delete the Washut third reading amendment 2 (HB0178H3001/A) entirely and further amend as 3 follows: after "27-10-109" insert ", including 4 the ability to collectively bargain for 5 deductions from wages".

  • 1 HB0178H3002 1 Page 6-line 19 Delete the Washut third reading amendment 2 (HB0178H3001/A) entirely and further amend as 3 follows: after "27-10-109" insert ", including 4 the ability to collectively bargain for 5 deductions from wages".
  • 6 7 Page 7-line 7 Delete "." and insert ";".
  • 8 9 Page 7-after line 7 Insert: 10 11 "(vii) Require any labor organization to disclose the 12 names or identifying information of its members.".
  • ANDREW, WASHUT
HB0178HS001

Standing Committee • House Education Committee

Adopted

Plain English: 1 HB0178HS001 1 Page 2-line 5 Delete "for a labor".

  • 1 HB0178HS001 1 Page 2-line 5 Delete "for a labor".
  • 2 3 Page 2-line 6 Delete "organization".
  • 4 5 Page 2-after line 21 Insert and renumber as necessary: 6 7 "(E) Any candidate for federal, state or local 8 office.".
  • ANDREW, CHAIRMAN
HB0178VT001

Veto Override

H Failed

Plain English: 1 HB0178VT001/HFAILED (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Override governor's veto to House Enrolled Act No.

  • 1 HB0178VT001/HFAILED (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Override governor's veto to House Enrolled Act No.
  • 0035, being 2 original House Bill 178.
HB0178S2001

2nd reading • Senator Jones

Adopted

Plain English: 1 HB0178S2001 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Page 9-line 1 Delete "July" and insert "December".

  • 1 HB0178S2001 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Page 9-line 1 Delete "July" and insert "December".
  • JONES
HB0178S3001

3rd reading • Senator Kolb

Withdrawn

Plain English: 1 HB0178S3001 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Page 8-line 10 Delete ""Public".

  • 1 HB0178S3001 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Page 8-line 10 Delete ""Public".
  • 2 3 Page 8-lines 11 through 13 Delete entirely.
  • KOLB, CRUM
HB0178S3002

3rd reading • Senator Cooper

Withdrawn

Plain English: 1 HB0178S3002 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Delete the Kolb, et al.

  • 1 HB0178S3002 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Delete the Kolb, et al.
  • third reading amendment (HB0178S3001/AE) 2 entirely.
  • COOPER
HB0178S3003

3rd reading • Senator Barlow

Divided

Plain English: 1 HB0178S3003 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Delete the Jones second reading amendment (HB0178S2001/AE) 2 entirely and further amend as follows: 3 4 Page 2-line 2 After "(a)" insert "Except as provided in 5 subsection (d) of this section,".

  • 1 HB0178S3003 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Delete the Jones second reading amendment (HB0178S2001/AE) 2 entirely and further amend as follows: 3 4 Page 2-line 2 After "(a)" insert "Except as provided in 5 subsection (d) of this section,".
  • 6 7 Page 7-after line 12 Insert and renumber as necessary: 8 9 "(d) A public employer may deduct funds from the pay of a 10 public employee at the public employee's request for any one (1) 11 or more of the following purposes: 12 13 (i) The funds are used for the necessary support of the 14 poor and the public employee receives no compensation or 15 consideration in return; 16 17 (ii) The public employee requests the deduction of funds 18 to complete any lawful transaction, provided that the public 19 employee agrees to pay all reasonable costs incurred by the public 20 employer associated with the deduction of funds.".
  • 21 22 Page 9-line 1 Delete "July 1, 2026" and insert "January 1, 23 2027".
  • BARLOW
HB0178S3003.01

3rd reading • Senator Barlow

Corrected, Adopted

Plain English: 1 HB0178S3003.01 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) (CORRECTED COPY) [DIVIDED AMENDMENT] 1 Delete the Jones second reading amendment (HB0178S2001/AE) 2 entirely and further amend as follows: 3 4 Page 9-line 1 Delete "July 1, 2026" and insert "January 1, 5 2027".

  • 1 HB0178S3003.01 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) (CORRECTED COPY) [DIVIDED AMENDMENT] 1 Delete the Jones second reading amendment (HB0178S2001/AE) 2 entirely and further amend as follows: 3 4 Page 9-line 1 Delete "July 1, 2026" and insert "January 1, 5 2027".
  • BARLOW
HB0178S3003.02

3rd reading • Senator Barlow

Corrected, Failed

Plain English: 1 HB0178S3003.02 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) (CORRECTED COPY) [DIVIDED AMENDMENT] 1 Page 2-line 2 After "(a)" insert "Except as provided in 2 subsection (d) of this section,".

  • 1 HB0178S3003.02 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) (CORRECTED COPY) [DIVIDED AMENDMENT] 1 Page 2-line 2 After "(a)" insert "Except as provided in 2 subsection (d) of this section,".
  • 3 4 Page 7-after line 12 Insert and renumber as necessary: 5 6 "(d) A public employer may deduct funds from the pay of a 7 public employee at the public employee's request for any one (1) 8 or more of the following purposes: 9 10 (i) The funds are used for the necessary support of the 11 poor and the public employee receives no compensation or 12 consideration in return; 13 14 (ii) The public employee requests the deduction of funds 15 to complete any lawful transaction, provided that the public 16 employee agrees to pay all reasonable costs incurred by the public 17 employer associated with the deduction of funds.".
  • BARLOW
HB0178SS001

Standing Committee • Senate Judiciary Committee

Adopted

Plain English: 1 HB0178SS001 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Page 1-line 4 Delete entirely.

  • 1 HB0178SS001 (TO ENGROSSED COPY) 1 Page 1-line 4 Delete entirely.
  • 2 3 Page 1-line 5 Delete "specified;".
  • 4 5 Page 1-line 6 Delete "repealing".
  • 6 7 Page 1-line 7 Delete "obsolete provisions;".

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-10 Governor

    Governor Vetoed HEA No. 0035

  2. 2026-03-06 Senate

    S President Signed HEA No. 0035

  3. 2026-03-06 House

    H Speaker Signed HEA No. 0035

  4. 2026-03-06 LSO

    Assigned Number HEA No. 0035

  5. 2026-03-06 House

    H Concur:Passed 44-16-2-0-0

  6. 2026-03-06 House

    H Received for Concurrence

  7. 2026-03-05 Senate

    S 3rd Reading:Passed 21-10-0-0-0

  8. 2026-03-04 Senate

    S 2nd Reading:Passed

  9. 2026-03-03 Senate

    S COW:Passed

  10. 2026-02-27 Senate

    S Placed on General File

  11. 2026-02-27 Senate

    S01 - Judiciary:Recommend Amend and Do Pass 4-1-0-0-0

  12. 2026-02-24 Senate

    S Introduced and Referred to S01 - Judiciary

  13. 2026-02-24 Senate

    S Received for Introduction

  14. 2026-02-23 House

    H 3rd Reading:Passed 36-22-4-0-0

  15. 2026-02-21 House

    H 3rd Reading:Laid Back

  16. 2026-02-20 House

    H 2nd Reading:Passed

  17. 2026-02-19 House

    H COW:Passed 34-22-6-0-0

  18. 2026-02-19 House

    H Placed on General File

  19. 2026-02-19 House

    H04 - Education:Recommend Amend and Do Pass 4-3-1-0-1

  20. 2026-02-17 House

    :Rerefer to H04 - Education

  21. 2026-02-16 House

    :Recalled from Committee Pursuant to House Rule 5-6: 32-29-1-0-0

  22. 2026-02-13 House

    H Introduced and Referred to H06 - Travel 44-17-1-0-0

  23. 2026-02-11 House

    H Received for Introduction

  24. 2026-02-11 LSO

    Bill Number Assigned

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
26LSO-0241

ORIGINAL House

ENGROSSED
Bill No
.
HB0178

ENROLLED ACT NO. 35,

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SIXTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2026 Budget Session

AN ACT relating to labor and employment; prohibiting public employers and specified organizations from automatic deductions of dues and uniform assessments as specified; specifying penalties; providing and amending definitions; making conforming amendments; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:

Section 1
.

W.S. 27
‑
7
‑
116 is created to read:

27
‑
7
‑
116.

Public employee labor organizations; limitations on support.

(a)

No public employer, nor its agents or representatives or any persons acting on behalf of the public employer, shall use or authorize the use of public funds or facilities to support or fundraise by:

(i)

Deducting dues, fees, assessments, fines or contributions from the pay of any public employee on behalf of a:

(A)

Labor organization or its affiliate;

(B)

Political action committee governed under title 22, chapter 25 of the Wyoming statutes;

(C)

Political organization as defined by 26 U.S.C. § 527(e)(1);

(D)

Political committee as defined by 52 U.S.C. § 30101(4);

(E)

Any candidate for federal, state or local office.

(b)

Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c)

Nothing in this section shall be construed to:

(i)

Authorize a governmental entity that does not independently possess the authority to engage in collective bargaining with a labor organization;

(ii)

Permit any conduct prohibited by W.S. 9
‑
13
‑
105;

(iii)

Permit a public employee to be required to have a connection with a labor organization as a condition of employment, in violation of W.S. 27
‑
7
‑
112;

(iv)

Impair the right of fire fighters to collectively bargain as provided by W.S. 27
‑
10
‑
101 through 27
‑
10
‑
109, including the ability to collectively bargain for deductions from wages;

(v)

Require a governmental entity to take actions that would violate 49 U.S.C. § 5333(b) or jeopardize its continued eligibility to receive federal transit administration funding;

(vi)

Prohibit a public employee from paying dues, fees, contributions or other charges directly to a labor organization or a political fund organized by or associated with the labor organization;

(vii)

Require any labor organization to disclose the names or identifying information of its members.

Section 2.

W.S. 27
‑
7
‑
108 by creating new subsections (c) and (d) and 27
‑
7
‑
115 are amended to read:

27
‑
7
‑
108.

Right to work; definitions.

(c)

"Public employee" means an employee of a public employer.

(d)

"Public employer" means the state of Wyoming, any city, town, county or political subdivision in Wyoming and any agency or instrumentality thereof. "Public employer" shall not include a public safety agency as defined by W.S. 9
‑
2
‑
1101(b)(i) or a corporate authority as defined by W.S. 27
‑
10
‑
101(a)(ii).

27
‑
7
‑
115.

Right to work; penalties.

Any person convicted of a misdemeanor, as defined in this act
or as specified in W.S. 27
‑
7
‑
116
, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or imprisonment in the county jail for a term not to exceed six (6) months, or both.

Section 3
.

Nothing in this act shall be construed to alter, amend or impair any contract or other agreement entered into before the effective date of this act.

Section 4
.

This act is effective January 1, 2027
.

(END)

Speaker of the House

President of the Senate

Governor

TIME APPROVED: _________

DATE APPROVED: _________

I hereby certify that this act originated in the House.

Chief Clerk

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