WyFB Prepares for Major Changes ahead of 2027 Legislative Session

By JUSTIN SCHILLING, WyFB Policy Advocacy Director 

The 69th Wyoming Legislature is scheduled to convene in Cheyenne on Jan. 12, 2027, for its 40-day general session. With significant turnover coming in both the legislative and executive branches, Wyoming policymakers will enter the session facing a dramatically changed political landscape.

More than half of the incoming members of the Wyoming House of Representatives will be serving their first terms, while the Senate is also expected to welcome several new lawmakers. Both chambers will elect new leadership before assigning committee memberships, setting the stage for a reshaped legislative process.

The changes extend beyond the Legislature. Wyoming voters will also usher in a new gubernatorial administration, along with new leadership in the offices of secretary of state and superintendent of public instruction. Together, these transitions are expected to bring a fresh set of priorities from the executive branch.

In anticipation of these shifts, the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Policy Team plans to conduct outreach and educational efforts between Election Day and the start of the legislative session. The organization will meet with newly elected officials to highlight the importance of agriculture to Wyoming's economy and communities while establishing the Federation as a reliable resource on agricultural policy issues.

Interim Committees Advance Key Agricultural Issues

Throughout the 2026 interim, the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation has actively monitored and testified on legislation and policy proposals under consideration by legislative committees. Several issues important to agriculture and rural communities have advanced during the process.

Joint Agriculture Committee

The Joint Agriculture completed its three scheduled interim meetings, concluding its work for the year on September 22 in Sheridan.

Farm Bureau testified in support of legislation to expand flexibility within the Food Freedom Act, as well as a bill that would allow non-veterinarians to pregnancy check livestock for profit.

The Food Freedom Act bill, which would allow producer-retailer locations under certain conditions, passed committee and will move on to the General Session in January. The pregnancy check bill was unsuccessful, failing on a 5-8 vote.

Farm Bureau also supported a bill that seeks to ensure that water rights will not become orphaned when property is subdivided. The bill passed committee, and we will continue to support its progress when it is formally introduced in January.

We also monitored proposed legislation to make current Wyoming livestock fencing statutes applicable to federal lands. The proposal faced significant challenges, including concerns about potential conflicts with the federal Supremacy Clause and questions about whether the bill's underlying objectives were already addressed under existing state law. In its final vote of the interim, the committee rejected the legislation on a tie vote.

Joint Transportation Committee

The Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee reviewed legislation proposing amendments to the Wyoming Underground Facilities Notification Act. Farm Bureau worked alongside bill sponsor Rep. Lloyd Larsen, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to help develop the proposal. The resulting framework seeks to balance the property rights and operational needs of farmers and ranchers with increased certainty and safety for underground infrastructure operators.

Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee

The Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee convened the Landowner and Sportsperson Heritage Roundtable, a working group composed of agricultural organizations, sportsmen’s groups, and leaders from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The group is exploring solutions to several longstanding issues affecting landowners and hunters.

Representing Farm Bureau at the roundtable, Converse County Vice President Rachel Grant is advocating for Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation policy related to landowner contributions to wildlife habitat.

Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee

The Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee considered legislation that would allow third-party power generators to provide electricity to as many as four high-energy-demand facilities through dedicated off-grid power plants.

Farm Bureau supported the proposal, citing concerns over Rocky Mountain Power's proposed 37.7% rate increase for agricultural irrigators as well as reports of service reliability issues. The organization argued that increased competition in the energy market could incentivize utilities to improve both service quality and affordability.

Joint Revenue Committee

The Joint Revenue Committee discussed a proposal that would increase property tax rates on privately owned agricultural land occupied by wind turbines or solar facilities. The concept would have raised the tax rate from the agricultural assessment rate of 9.5% to the industrial rate of 11.5%. However, the idea gained little support within the committee, and no legislation was drafted.

Select Water Committee

The Select Water Committee focused on streamlining administrative procedures for smaller water projects managed by the Wyoming Water Development Office. The proposed changes would reduce the amount of legislative oversight required for certain projects, allowing funding and approvals to move more quickly.

Farm Bureau testified in support of the effort, emphasizing the benefits for county conservation districts seeking resources for irrigation systems and livestock water infrastructure. Because the changes could be implemented administratively, the committee unanimously directed the Wyoming Water Development Office to proceed without requiring additional legislation or rulemaking.

As Wyoming prepares for a new legislative session and a wave of new elected officials, Farm Bureau will remain focused on ensuring agriculture has a strong voice in policymaking and that rural priorities continue to receive attention in Cheyenne.