HB0060

Failed

Attorney general-elected.

Wyoming voters will elect the attorney general to a specified term with established salary and vacancy-filling procedures.

Full legal title

AN ACT relating to the administration of government; providing for the election of the attorney general; designating the attorney general as a state elected official; setting the attorney general's term of office; setting the attorney general's salary; providing for filling a vacancy in the position; repealing and modifying provisions for interim appointment; providing for the application of the Ethics and Disclosure Act and other laws to the office of the attorney general and attorney general as a state elected official; amending certain provisions regarding actions the attorney general takes requiring approval of or pursuant to the direction of the governor; prescribing additional duties of the attorney general; making conforming amendments; repealing an obsolete provision; and providing for effective dates.

Government

Sponsor:

Co-sponsors: Representative(s) Brady, Brown, G, Hoeft, Lucas, Ottman, Webb, Senator(s) Biteman, Boner, Laursen, D, Pearson, Salazar

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

What does this bill do?

Changes the Wyoming attorney general from an appointed position to an elected state office, effective with the 2026 general election, and modifies statutes to reflect this change and reduce gubernatorial approval requirements for attorney general actions.

Establishes that beginning with the 2026 general election, the attorney general shall be elected in a statewide election for a four-year term, rather than appointed by the governor with senate consent. (W.S. 9-1-601(a), Sec. 1)
Adds attorney general to the list of elected state officials in Wyoming law and updates provisions referencing 'five elected state officials' to 'six elected state officials' throughout statutes. (W.S. 22-2-105(a)(ii), W.S. 7-22-101(a)(vi), W.S. 8-1-102(a)(xii), Sec. 2)
Requires that vacancies in the office of attorney general be filled by gubernatorial appointment with senate confirmation, following the same process as other state offices. (W.S. 9-1-602, W.S. 22-18-111(a)(i), W.S. 28-12-101, W.S. 28-12-102(d))
Removes requirement that the attorney general obtain gubernatorial approval before retaining qualified attorneys, prosecuting suits, or making appointments to key positions including assistant attorneys general and division directors. (W.S. 9-1-603(b), W.S. 9-1-608(a), W.S. 9-1-608(b), W.S. 9-1-611(c))
Modifies provisions allowing the attorney general to act independently in certain legal matters, changing language from 'under direction of the governor' or 'with approval of the governor' to grant the attorney general discretionary authority. (W.S. 1-31-103, W.S. 1-35-103(a), W.S. 1-35-104, W.S. 9-1-605(b), W.S. 9-1-605(c))
Establishes attorney general salary at $175,000.00 annually. (W.S. 9-3-101(a)(viii), Sec. 2)
Designates attorney general as a state elected official subject to financial disclosure requirements and the Ethics and Disclosure Act, including filing annual financial disclosure forms. (W.S. 9-13-102(a)(xii), W.S. 9-13-108(a), W.S. 7-22-101(a)(vi))
Adds attorney general to the line of succession to serve as governor if the governor is removed, dies, resigns, or is unable to act.

Actions (3)

2/10/2026(House)

H Failed Introduction 35-26-1-0-0

1/28/2026(House)

H Received for Introduction

1/27/2026(LSO)

Bill Number Assigned

Roll Call Votes (1)

H Failed Introduction 35-26-1-0-0

Failed