The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation followed a wide range of legislation during the 2026 budget session, guided by member-developed policy and the organization’s mission of strengthening Wyoming agriculture and enhancing Wyoming communities.

With the budget session requiring a two-thirds vote for bill introduction, many proposals did not advance. However, several measures impacting agriculture, natural resources and rural communities were signed into law, while others remain part of ongoing policy discussions.

Private property rights

Private property rights remain a cornerstone issue for Wyoming Farm Bureau. During the session, HB 19 – Corner Crossing Clarification failed to pass the Senate Committee of the Whole on March 2.

While the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals previously determined corner crossing may be legal under certain conditions, the proposed legislation would have expanded that interpretation to include state and local government lands. The bill also raised concerns regarding weakened recourse for incidental trespass and potential damage to private property.

WyFB policy opposes corner crossing . At the same time, the organization recognizes corner-locked public lands remain a challenge and supports improving land exchange processes as a long-term solution to provide a solution to public lands access and property rights concerns.

Water

Water is one of Wyoming’s most valuable resources and a top priority for the organization. While HB 116 – Destruction of Water is Not a Beneficial Use did not advance, several water-related bills supported by WyFB were signed into law, including:

  •  Voluntary Conservation Pilot Program
  •  Forest Health Grant Program
  •  State Engineer Surface and Ground Water Study
  •  Water Districts Funds for Maintenance Projects 
  • Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure Study.

Discussions surrounding the Colorado River Compact remain critical for water users in the Green River and Little Snake River basins. As negotiations continue between upper and lower basin states, Wyoming’s ability to manage its water resources remains essential. The Voluntary Water Conservation Pilot Program establishes a framework allowing water rights holders to voluntarily reduce use without risking their rights, providing a locally driven tool to address drought conditions and meet interstate compact obligations while avoiding potential litigation.

The Forest Health Grant Program creates funding opportunities for preventative forest management projects aimed at improving water yield and quality, reducing wildfire risk and enhancing habitat for both livestock and wildlife. This program directs the State Engineer’s Office to conduct groundwater studies in designated control areas at least once every ten years, evaluating aquifer recharge, water use and future development considerations.

Water District Funds for Maintenance Projects modernizes how irrigation and water districts plan for and fund large-scale infrastructure maintenance, allowing districts to set aside and invest funds for long-term repairs. Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure Study requires a comprehensive statewide assessment of wastewater and stormwater infrastructure to help prioritize future investment and planning.

Land use and environmental regulation

Prescriptive easements for electricity delivery addressed prescriptive easements for electricity delivery and was signed into law following collaboration among stakeholders, led by the Wyoming Rural Electric Association. The legislation establishes a framework for nonexclusive easements for electric utilities with infrastructure installed prior to January 1, 2006, while balancing the need for reliable electricity delivery with strong protections for private property rights. The law also includes requirements for public notice before easements are granted.

Federal lands

Two joint resolutions related to federal lands and mineral policy were approved. House Joint Resolution 2 calls on Congress to increase Wyoming’s share of federal mineral royalties from 50 percent to 87.5 percent, aligning the state more closely with revenue distributions seen in Alaska. Reduced royalty rates at the federal level have already impacted funding for education and emergency services across Wyoming.

Senate Joint Resolution 1 requests Congress allow Wyoming to manage mineral leasing on federal lands within the state. Supporters say this change would reduce delays, regulatory uncertainty and leasing disruptions that have contributed to inconsistent mineral activity on federal lands.

State lands

Legislation clarifying subleasing requirements for state lands was signed into law. The bill defines excess rental rates, and a monthly fee per head of non-owned livestock while establishing a maximum rental rate not to exceed 50 percent of the annual animal unit month rental rate. The legislation also clarifies that a sub-lease is not required when the common ownership of the entities holding the lease and owning the livestock is not less than 80 percent.

Wildfire

Wildland fire management remains a priority, with additional funding and staffing authorized for the State Forestry Division. The budget provides resources for 24 positions supporting wildfire suppression efforts, along with significant investments in restoration and invasive species management. Amendments to the Good Neighbor Authority also expand the state’s ability to partner on federally funded land management projects.

Wildlife

Several wildlife-related measures were considered during the session, reflecting ongoing conversations about landowner wildlife habitat stewardship. A bill addressing landowner license limits in limited quota hunt areas ultimately failed. WyFB policy supports transferable landowner hunting licenses. While related legislation failed introduction, the issue remains under discussion, and WyFB joined the Wyoming Stock Growers Association in proposing an interim study to evaluate landowner recognition for wildlife habitat and explore solutions.

Fiscal responsibility

The biennial budget was adopted March 6 and will take effect July 1, 2026. Key items impacting agriculture include funding for an additional Wyoming Livestock Board field veterinarian and resources for disease mitigation, as well as support for veterinary medical education through the University of Wyoming with a requirement that participating veterinarians practice in the state.

The budget also includes significant investments in wildfire prevention, rangeland research and invasive species control, supporting both agricultural operations and broader natural resource management efforts.

Tax policy

Several tax-related proposals were introduced but did not advance during the budget session, including measures related to property tax elimination and sales tax increases tied to constitutional amendments.

HB 45 was signed into law, updating the long-term homeowner tax exemption process by simplifying application requirements and allowing continued eligibility verification through county assessors.

Rural vitality

Legislation to establish the Cowboy State Agricultural Trust Fund did not advance. The proposal aimed to support agricultural research, workforce development and education through investment earnings and matching funds.

Funding for the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Fund was approved, including support for invasive species control projects such as cheatgrass treatment efforts in Park County.

Election integrity

WyFB supported nine election-related bills aligned with member policy emphasizing voter identification, paper ballots and election security. Elections-voting machine and voting system tests was signed into law and requires testing of voting systems at least two weeks prior to elections, while other proposals addressing ballot processes and identification requirements did not advance.

Additional legislation

Beyond the member-driven policy priority issue areas, WyFB supported legislation granting peace officers authority to enforce English language proficiency requirements for commercial motor vehicle operators which was signed into law. The organization also supported legislation establishing misdemeanor penalties for violations of the Prohibit Red Flag Gun Seizure Act, which was signed into law.

Looking ahead

The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation continues to engage in policy discussions on behalf of its members. Many of the issues considered this session—including water management, landowner rights, wildlife policy and rural investment—will continue to shape future legislative efforts and interim committee work.

WyFB will remain actively involved in those conversations, ensuring the voices of Wyoming farmers and ranchers are represented at every level of the policymaking process. With interim topics scheduled to be determined April 1, 2026, the organization will continue preparing for the next phase of policy work.