Wyoming officials would face limits on signing secrecy agreements

Officials could not sign agreements blocking disclosure of public spending, government commitments, local impacts, or information that public-records and open-meeting laws require them to share. The ban would cover Wyoming state, county, and municipal officials, employees, and others acting officially for those governments or their agencies, paid or unpaid. Local impacts include land use, property values, infrastructure, water, and power. Officials could still keep information private to the extent allowed by the referenced public-records exception.

Officials could not negotiate or pursue a covered project when another party requires secrecy before discussions or a review of the project. Covered projects would include proposals and activities that use public resources or create ongoing government obligations, financial risks, land-use impacts, infrastructure needs, or utility demand. The restriction would apply when another party makes nondisclosure a condition of discussion or review. Officials could still protect information to the extent allowed by the referenced public-records exception.

Violations would expose officials to criminal penalties and possible loss of their job or office. Agreements violating the disclosure ban would be void and unenforceable. Any Wyoming resident could ask a court to void an agreement or contract that violates these rules. A misdemeanor conviction could bring a fine of up to $1,000. A violation would provide grounds for dismissal or removal, but either action would have to follow the law. If enacted, the proposal would take effect immediately upon becoming law. It would apply to agreements and contracts entered into on or after that date and leave earlier agreements unchanged.