HB0327

Failed

Attorney general-control by state-wide elected officials.

Grant the state loan and investment board authority to appoint the attorney general instead of statewide election.

Full legal title

AN ACT relating to the attorney general; providing for the appointment of the attorney general by the state loan and investment board; providing for filling a vacancy in the position; amending provisions regarding actions the attorney general takes requiring approval of or pursuant to the direction of the governor; expanding the authority of the attorney general to file lawsuits against federal agencies; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

Sponsor:

Co-sponsors: Representative(s) Brown, G, Lucas, Neiman, Senator(s) Hicks, Hutchings, Laursen, D

View on wyoleg.gov Introduced Text (PDF)Digest (PDF)Fiscal Note (PDF)

What does this bill do?

Transfers the appointment and removal authority for the Wyoming Attorney General from the Governor to the State Loan and Investment Board.

Changes the appointment authority for the Attorney General from the Governor to a majority of the State Loan and Investment Board members, with Senate advice and consent required. (W.S. 9-1-601(a), Sec. 1)
Transfers removal authority for the Attorney General from the Governor to a majority of the State Loan and Investment Board members. (W.S. 9-1-601(a), Sec. 1)
Requires the State Loan and Investment Board to appoint an Attorney General by January 31, 2026 for Senate confirmation during the 2026 Budget Session. (Sec. 2)
Replaces references to Governor approval with State Loan and Investment Board approval for Attorney General decisions including: retaining qualified attorneys, employing assistants, directing investigations, settling lawsuits, and approving appointments of division directors and academy personnel. (W.S. 1-35-104, W.S. 9-1-603(b), W.S. 9-1-605(b), W.S. 9-1-608, W.S. 9-1-611(c), W.S. 9-1-633(a) and (b), Sec. 1)
Transfers authority to direct the Attorney General to commence actions from the Governor to a majority of the State Loan and Investment Board members in matters involving state contracts, county misconduct, water rights, and county officer removal. (W.S. 1-31-103, W.S. 1-35-103(a), W.S. 9-1-605(c) and (d), W.S. 18-3-902(a), Sec. 1)
Requires State Loan and Investment Board approval instead of Governor approval for the Attorney General to seek intervention or file amicus briefs in lawsuits affecting firearms rights and to take action against federal agencies for exceeding authority. (W.S. 9-14-101, W.S. 9-14-102(c), Sec. 1)
Changes reporting requirements so the Attorney General reports certain data and investigation results to the State Loan and Investment Board instead of the Governor. (W.S. 1-26-509(k), W.S. 9-1-603(c), Sec. 1)
Transfers Governor's appointment authority for the Attorney General to represent Wyoming on joint commissions to the State Loan and Investment Board. (W.S. 7-3-102, Sec. 1)

Actions (5)

3/3/2025(House)

H:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to HR 5-4

2/7/2025(House)

H No report prior to CoW Cutoff

1/30/2025(House)

H Introduced and Referred to H01 - Judiciary

1/30/2025(House)

H Received for Introduction

1/29/2025(LSO)

Bill Number Assigned