SJ0002

Failed

Resolution demanding equal footing.

Demand Congress transfer federal public lands and resources in Wyoming to state ownership per equal statehood rights.

Full legal title

A JOINT RESOLUTION demanding that the United States Congress, in consultation with the legislature of the state of Wyoming, extinguish the federal title in those public lands and subsurface resources in this state that derive from former federal territory, and do so in recognition of the sovereign rights of this state, as set forth in its congressional act of admission into the union, and in recognition of the solemn duties resting upon Congress under the admissions, property, claims, and guarantee clauses of Article IV of the United States constitution so that the state of Wyoming shall, in due course, obtain full admission into the Union of States upon an equal footing with the original states in all respects whatsoever.

Property

Sponsor:

Co-sponsors: Representative(s) Allemand, Banks, Bear, Neiman, Smith, S, Winter, Senator(s) Biteman, French, Hutchings, Laursen, D, McKeown, Smith, D, Steinmetz

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

What does this bill do?

A joint resolution demanding that Congress transfer federal title of public lands and subsurface resources in Wyoming to the state to fulfill the equal footing doctrine established at Wyoming's admission to the Union.

The Wyoming legislature commits to upholding Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution and Wyoming's act of admission. (Sec. 1)
The legislature demands that Congress confirm by October 1, 2025, its intent to extinguish federal title in Wyoming's public lands and subsurface resources in a manner that serves the state's sovereign interests. (Sec. 2)
The legislature recognizes Wyoming's public land culture and economy and proposes that federally-titled lands be transferred to Wyoming and maintained as state public lands. (Sec. 3)
The legislature recognizes its authority to negotiate with Congress regarding cession of the state's jurisdiction over any lands identified as being of national interest. (Sec. 4)
The Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies of the resolution to the President, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and all members of the Wyoming Congressional Delegation. (Sec. 5)