Wyoming law funds legislative work and allows approved travel

The law provides $26,118,778 for legislative costs through June 30, 2028. The money goes to the legislative service office for legislative operations, including staff, lawmakers’ costs, travel, and administrative support. The Management Council may move money between expense categories as legislative activities require. The appropriation covers costs through June 30, 2028.

The law carries forward certain unspent legislative funds for use through June 30, 2028. The funds include prior money for legislative work on K-12 education, proceeds from laptop sales, and other unspent 2024 appropriations. Education consultants require Management Council approval. Other carried funds may pay for replacement laptops or extraordinary expenses and may supplement expense categories. The funds do not revert on June 30, 2026, and may be spent from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.

The law allows certain incoming legislators to receive training pay and travel costs before taking office. This applies to people elected in the 2026 general election who are not current legislators, and people appointed after that election to fill a legislative vacancy, before they are sworn in. The Management Council must authorize the payments. The law sets aside $34,000 for this purpose. This applies after the state canvassing board certifies the 2026 election results and before the legislator is sworn in.

The law allows reimbursement for approved out-of-state travel tied to specified economic development efforts. Legislators may travel, including internationally, for efforts to diversify Wyoming’s energy and industrial economy, attract businesses, or improve access to domestic and international markets. Reimbursement depends on available money and Management Council approval. The council must give preference to legislators who intend to serve during the 2027 and 2028 sessions. This section takes effect immediately upon completion of the steps needed for the bill to become law.

The law sets aside money for conference costs, a Capitol subcommittee, and economic modeling. The money goes to the legislative service office for lawmakers attending the state treasurer’s investment conference, legislative members of the Capitol exhibits and wayfinding subcommittee, and regional economic modeling. The conference money covers registration, mileage, and per diem. The modeling money covers software and maintenance for legislative analysis and other legislative work. Conference costs are covered for the 2026 or 2027 interim. Economic modeling is funded for the 2027–2028 budget period.