HB0148

Restructures the University of Wyoming board of trustees to include seven elected trustees and seven appointed trustees, establishes election procedures for trustee positions, and sets transition timelines for the initial election and terms.

• Increases the University of Wyoming board from 12 to 19 total members, consisting of 14 voting trustees (7 appointed by the governor and 7 elected) and 5 ex officio nonvoting trustees. Requires at least one voting trustee from each appointment district designated in W.S. 9-1-218, and limits appointed trustees to no more than 75% of the same political party. (W.S. 21-17-201)
• Establishes four-year terms for elected trustees with provisions for filling vacancies within 30 days through trustee action, and specifies that replacement trustees serve until the next election. Sets six-year terms for appointed trustees in accordance with existing law. (W.S. 21-17-202(a), W.S. 21-17-202(c))
• Makes University of Wyoming trustee elections subject to Wyoming's Election Code (Chapters 1-28), establishing that elections are governed by statewide election laws. (W.S. 22-2-101(a))
• Schedules University of Wyoming trustee elections for the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in general election years, consistent with school and community college district elections. (W.S. 22-2-104(e))
• Exempts candidates for elected University of Wyoming trustee from primary election nomination requirements, allowing nominations only by petition for independent candidates or through nomination procedures used by school and community college districts. (W.S. 22-5-101)
• Eliminates filing fees for candidates for elected University of Wyoming trustee positions. (W.S. 22-5-208(c))
• Establishes procedures for filling vacancies in elected University of Wyoming trustee positions, requiring the board to fill vacancies within 30 days or allowing county commissioners to appoint if the board fails to act. Requires appointees to be residents of the appointment district they represent. (W.S. 22-18-111(a), W.S. 22-18-111(b))
• Sets application filing deadlines for elected University of Wyoming trustee candidates at 90 to 70 days prior to the election and specifies eligibility requirements for candidates, who must be qualified electors registered in the applicable appointment district.