This page is designed to give you the information to help you take part in the legislative process. Select the links below for more information on the legislative process.
The Legislature meets in General Session in odd-numbered years, beginning on the second Tuesday of January. The General Session is limited to 40 legislative days, but generally lasts about 38 days.
The Legislature meets in budget session in even-numbered years beginning on the second Monday of February. A typical Budget Session lasts 20 legislative days. Except for the budget bill, any other bill requires a two thirds vote of the House or Senate for introduction in the Budget Session.
Participating in the Process
Staying Informed
Using Resources
Contacting Legislators
Visiting the Capitol
Attending Committee Meetings
Understanding Bills
2007 General Session Information
Explanation of the Budget Process
Participating in the Process
The Wyoming State Legislature is a citizen body composed of every-day people who have stepped forward to serve the people of Wyoming. They have been elected to serve our interests, but they also live in our communities, working and living side by side as neighbors and community leaders.
Wyoming's Legislature does not operate full time, but convenes annually for either four or eight-week sessions as stipulated by the Wyoming Constitution. Legislators are available to you when in session and by appointment when not in session. They are always interested to from their constituents. Wyoming is unique because of the accessibilty of our legislators and the ease of communicating with them on issues. The following information will help you stay informed and active in the process.
To help you remain informed about day-to-day legislative issues, we have included information about participating in the session, bill status, committee meeting times, and an explanation of the legislative process. It may seem like a lot to take in, but this website and the Wyoming State Legislature web site are helpful guides.
You don’t have to be in Cheyenne to be part of the process or make your voice heard. There are several different ways to access information and communicate with legislators.
Use the internet to get information on demand and specific to your information needs. In addition to the Wyoming Prosperity Project web site browse news sites, association sites, and the Wyoming State Legislature web site.
Newspaper, TV and radio provide periodic and current information on what’s happening in the Legislature.
Call the Voter Hotline (1-866-966-8683) to leave a message encouraging a legislator to vote for or against a bill.
- To leave a detailed message for one particular legislator call (House of Representatives) 307-777-7852 or (Senate) 307-777-7711.
- The fax number is 307-777-5466.
- E-mail legislators by selecting the Contact Your Legislators link at the left.
- Bill Status Hotline - - Call 1-800-342-9579.
Did you know you can listen to legislators discuss bills in the House and Senate live on the internet? Live Audio Broadcasts and archived broadcasts are available online.
Select the House or the Senate to tune in.
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Contacting Legislators
Your legislators are elected to serve you and are accessible throughout the legislative session. You can e-mail, call, or arrange to meet with them in person. Your local legislator would be pleased to meet you between floor or committee meetings or possibly for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Be brief and concise if you wish to speak with them in the House or Senate lobby.
Most legislators do not have their own staff and do their own research or rely on information from the Legislative Services Office, interns or lobbyists. Your information is very valuable to them and could make a difference in the outcome of legislation.
All Wyoming citizens are welcome to watch the Legislature in action and making the trip to Cheyenne to see the session is very worthwhile.
The Capitol Building is a beautiful structure full of Wyoming history. Two-hour parking is available around the building located on Capitol Avenue near Downtown Cheyenne. Take time for a tour of the building and get a map and brochure to help you find your way. An information desk is always staffed to answer visitors’ questions and provide you with a tour or information.
Not only the House and Senate conduct business in the Capitol Building, but so do the Governor, the Secretary of State, the State Treasurer, and the State Auditor. The Superintendent of Public Instruction’s office is located on the second floor of the Hathaway Building also on Capitol Ave. These officials and their staff welcome you to visit and learn about their roles in Wyoming government.
Anyone is welcome to attend a committee meeting to listen to the discussion, or to give testimony by providing comments or relevant information. Committee meetings are held in the morning prior to the session, during the noon adjournment and after the day’s session has adjourned.
Committee meetings are held in the many smaller rooms throughout the Capitol Building. It is recommended you find out what time the meeting starts and be there early to find a seat. To testify at a committee meeting, address the chairman of the committee by saying “Thank you Mr./Madam Chairman” and state your name and who you represent, whether it is yourself or an organization. Briefly offer your position or information for the committee and always recognize the chair before speaking. Legislators appreciate citizen participation and take their testimony into serious consideration.
Guidelines For Attending Committee Meetings
Committee Members - Contact Info
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Understanding Bills
Sometimes bills can be hard to understand. First go to the bills listed on the legislative web site. There are two links. The first contains House Bills and the second contains Senate Files.
The bills are listed by number and title. Select 'title' to read the full text. Select 'digest' to read action taken on the bill. If the content is confusing there are ways to find out the meaning of the bill and what it will do if passed. If the bill relates to your place of work, ask your employer for more information. Ask a sponsor of the bill or a member of the committee discussing the bill. The news media also cover many of the legislative issues and can be a great resource of information.
You can check with the Wyoming Business Alliance, sponsor of the Wyoming Prosperity Project. Give us a call (577-8000) or e-mail (wyba@qwest.net), and we can help answer your questions.
Legislative Web Site
Bills Filed in the House and Senate
How a Bill Becomes Law
How to Talk to a Legislator
The Prosperity Project does not manage information on sites viewed outside of this web site. Links are administered by other entities. The Wyoming Business Alliance welcomes your questions, comments or input. Please feel free to contact us at 577-8000 or e-mail wyba@qwest.net.
