SF0174

Directs the Legislature to study constitutional apportionment of state legislative districts during the 2025 interim and establishes findings regarding compliance with state and federal constitutional requirements.

• Establishes legislative findings that the Wyoming Legislature derives its powers from the Wyoming Constitution and must conform all acts to it. (Section 1(a)(i)-(ii))
• States that Wyoming Constitution Article 3, Section 3 requires each county to constitute a senatorial and representative district, with apportionment based on population and a minimum of one senator and one representative per county. (Section 1(a)(v), Wyo. Const. Art. 3 sec. 3)
• Notes that Wyoming Constitution Article 3, Section 48 requires the Legislature to reapportion membership at the first budget session following the federal census. (Section 1(a)(vi), Wyo. Const. Art. 3 sec. 48)
• Finds that since 1992 the Wyoming Legislature has created legislative districts that do not follow county lines and do not provide at least one representative and one senator per county, contrary to constitutional provisions. (Section 1(a)(vii))
• Establishes that apportionment must comply with both the Wyoming Constitution and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, with no inherent inconsistency between these requirements. (Section 1(a)(viii)-(x))
• Requires the Legislature to make a good faith effort to apportion itself to satisfy the Equal Protection Clause while ensuring legislative districts follow county lines and each county has at least one representative and one senator. (Section 2)
• Assigns the Management Council to designate a legislative committee to study apportionment during the 2025 interim, conduct public meetings around Wyoming, and report findings by December 1, 2025. (Section 3)
• Authorizes the assigned committee or Management Council to introduce legislation for constitutional apportionment during the 2026 budget session. (Section 3)

Effective: Immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for a bill to become law