As Wyoming’s 2025 legislative session begins, significant reforms to the state’s justice system are on the agenda, Wyo File reports.
With a wave of first-time lawmakers and a range of controversial proposals, the upcoming session promises to be pivotal for the state’s approach to policing, courts, and government accountability. The following four areas are particularly noteworthy for their potential impact.
1. Addressing Squatter Removal: Balancing Property Rights and Enforcement
One of the most debated topics this session is the proposed crackdown on unlawful occupants. Senate File 6, introduced by the Joint Judiciary Committee, seeks to make squatting involving property destruction a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Proponents argue the bill strengthens property owners’ rights, but critics question whether squatting is prevalent enough in Wyoming to warrant such measures. Some lawmakers, including Rep. Ken Chestek (D-Laramie), believe existing trespass and eviction laws may already provide adequate remedies. Despite these concerns, the bill was introduced with a 10-4 vote and is set to undergo further scrutiny during the session.
2. Responding to Supreme Court Rulings: Clarifying Law Enforcement Liability
Two bills arising from Wyoming Supreme Court rulings aim to clarify the scope of law enforcement accountability and prosecutorial authority.
- House Bill 53 – Governmental Claims-Negligent Investigations:
This bill responds to a 2023 Supreme Court decision that established a legal duty for law enforcement to avoid negligent investigations. Advocates, including the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, argue that the ruling could hinder investigative efforts by increasing the threat of lawsuits. The bill seeks to shield officers from liability in such cases, though it faces opposition from the Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association. - House Bill 52 – State’s Right of Appeal in Criminal Cases:
Another judiciary proposal would expand prosecutors’ ability to appeal judicial rulings, addressing concerns about restricted prosecutorial power following a Supreme Court decision. The bill outlines 11 types of rulings, such as evidence suppression or new trial orders, that prosecutors could appeal. Critics worry the measure might erode judicial independence.
3. Raising Caps on Governmental Liability
Senate File 35 proposes increasing the compensation limits for victims of government-caused harm. The current caps, unchanged since 1979, often fail to reflect the scale of modern damages. For instance, a 2015 landfill fire in Casper caused millions of dollars in losses, but claimants were limited to splitting a $500,000 settlement.
The proposed legislation would double the per-claimant cap to $500,000 and raise the total cap for claims from a single event to $1 million. While proponents argue this aligns with inflation and strengthens individual rights, opponents, such as the Local Government Liability Pool, caution that higher caps could raise insurance costs for municipalities.
4. Hardline Proposals on Social and Immigration Issues
The Wyoming Freedom Caucus is preparing a slate of conservative proposals that could impact policing and court systems. Among their priorities:
- Restricting transgender individuals’ access to facilities corresponding to their gender identity. Rep. Martha Lawley (R-Worland) plans to introduce a bill that would allow individuals to sue public entities for noncompliance, bypassing direct law enforcement enforcement.
- Strengthening cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Although Wyoming has no official sanctuary counties, concerns about Teton County’s sheriff have driven calls for legislation requiring cooperation with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
These measures are likely to stir political tensions and could place additional demands on local law enforcement agencies.
Some issues from past sessions have yet to resurface. Notably absent are bills to repeal the state’s death penalty or to decriminalize marijuana. However, with legislative drafts still in progress, such measures could emerge in the coming weeks.
