The Wyoming Freedom Caucus has announced an ambitious legislative plan for the 2025 session, outlining its intent to pass five “key bills” within the first 10 days of the general session.
This marks a significant moment as the group, made up of hardline Republicans, prepares to take control of the Wyoming House for the first time.
The plan, dubbed the “Five and Dime Plan,” includes a series of legislative priorities that center on elections, immigration, education, and fiscal policies. Key proposals include restricting voter registration, invalidating out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to unauthorized immigrants, banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education, prohibiting state investments in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) funds, and revisiting a property tax relief bill vetoed by Governor Mark Gordon earlier in 2024.
These priorities reflect ongoing issues within the state and campaign promises made by the caucus during the 2024 election.
One of the centerpiece initiatives involves tightening voter registration requirements. The caucus plans to propose legislation that would require proof of US citizenship and Wyoming residency for voter registration, echoing calls from Secretary of State Chuck Gray for stricter verification processes. Additionally, the caucus intends to introduce measures aimed at ensuring consistency in state laws related to unauthorized immigrants, including a proposal to prohibit individuals with out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to unauthorized immigrants from operating vehicles in Wyoming.
Another significant focus is on the University of Wyoming and other state institutions. The caucus plans to introduce legislation to ban discriminatory hiring practices and continued education programs that, in their view, promote divisive ideologies based on immutable characteristics. This builds on earlier cuts to the University of Wyoming’s budget and the elimination of its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Additionally, the caucus intends to address ESG investments, seeking to prohibit the state from investing in funds that prioritize environmental, social, and governance criteria. This proposal aims to shift investment focus toward higher financial returns, potentially redirecting state funds away from companies with ESG policies.
The Freedom Caucus also plans to reintroduce a property tax relief bill that was vetoed by Governor Gordon earlier in the year. This bill would provide tax exemptions to homeowners but also ensure local governments are compensated for any revenue loss.
In addition to these initiatives, the caucus has signaled interest in pushing forward additional priorities, such as repealing gun-free zones, establishing universal school choice, and banning ballot drop boxes.
The Freedom Caucus holds a strong majority in the 62-member Wyoming House, and its leadership has already secured key positions within the chamber. This gives the group significant control over the legislative agenda, including when and how bills are heard. However, the support of the Senate remains uncertain, as the Freedom Caucus has expressed dissatisfaction with recent committee assignments, which mix more moderate Republican figures with those aligned with their views.
The upcoming legislative session, which begins January 14, 2025, is expected to be contentious, with the Freedom Caucus pushing a series of bold reforms that may encounter resistance from other political factions within the state. Whether these initiatives will make it through the full legislative process and be signed into law remains to be seen.
Wyo File and Cowboy State Daily contributed to this report.
