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Bill

SF 32

911 funding.

2026 Regular Session

Wyoming allocates 3.75 million LSRA to fund current 911 grants and a statewide NG911 transition study, with results by 2027 and state-approval steps for NG911.

Assigned Chapter Number 16
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Bill Summary · SF 32

Purpose and intent

  • SF0032 aims to address funding and strategic planning for emergency 911 services in Wyoming. The bill authorizes a study on next generation 911 (NG911) and establishes a grant program to cover shortfalls in operating the current 911 system. It also provides for rulemaking, reporting, and an appropriation to support these purposes.

Key provisions and changes

  • 911 study (W.S. 16-9-113(a)):

    • The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) shall conduct a study examining the transition to NG911 within Wyoming.
    • The study covers governance, operations, expenses, and efficiencies of the 911 system.
    • Final results must be reported to the Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Interim Committee no later than September 1, 2027.
    • Nota bene: The amended version adds input from stakeholders and industry, and emphasizes a transition process requiring further legislative action (see procedural notes below).

  • 911 grants for current system funding shortfalls (W.S. 16-9-113(b)):

    • WYDOT may grant funds to a governing body to cover shortfalls necessary to operate the current 911 system.
    • Any local governmental body currently operating a 911 system may apply to WYDOT for a grant.
    • The application must detail the funding shortfall and any other information required by WYDOT.
    • WYDOT has discretion to approve grants for amounts deemed necessary to operate the current 911 system.

  • Statutory definitions (amendment to W.S. 16-9-102(a)(x)):

    • Clarifies the act’s scope to include W.S. 16-9-101 through 16-9-113, aligning definitions with the new provisions.

  • Implementation timeline and applications:

    • WYDOT shall begin accepting grant applications under W.S. 16-9-113(b) no later than July 1, 2026.

  • Appropriation and funding (funding and applicability):

    • An appropriation of $3,750,000 from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account (LSRA) to WYDOT is provided for the act, effective immediately.
    • Allocation:
    • $3,000,000 for grants to governing bodies under W.S. 16-9-113(b) to cover 911 system shortfalls.
    • $750,000 to conduct the NG911 transition study (W.S. 16-9-113(a)).
    • Timeframe: Funds available from the act’s effective date through June 30, 2028; unexpended funds revert per law on that date.

  • Effect on NG911 transition:

    • The act requires legislative approval to proceed with transition to NG911 (as clarified in amendments), with an exception allowing applications for certain federal funds without state matching requirements when not tied to state funds or matching obligations.

  • Effective date:

    • The act becomes effective immediately upon compliance with constitutional requirements for a bill to become law.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies and local 911 governing bodies operating 911 systems in Wyoming:
    • Eligible to apply for WYDOT grants to cover current system shortfalls.
  • WYDOT:
    • Responsible for administering the grant program and conducting the NG911 study.
  • Wyoming Legislature:
    • Receives the NG911 study results and may approve subsequent NG911 transition steps beyond the study.
  • Stakeholders and industry:
    • Input is expected for the NG911 study (per amended language).

Procedural and timeline details

  • Study timeline:
    • NG911 study conducted by WYDOT; results due by September 1, 2027.
    • Amendments note: Transition to NG911 shall not occur without further legislative approval. Legislative approval is not required for certain federal funds if no state matching funds are required.
  • Grant application window:
    • Applications accepted no later than July 1, 2026.
  • Funding timeline:
    • LSRA appropriation covers FY2026 through FY2028, with annual grant distributions in FY2027 and FY2028 and ongoing study costs in FY2027.
  • Reporting:
    • Study results to be reported to the Joint Interim Committee specified.

Fiscal note highlights

  • Total appropriation: $3,750,000 from LSRA to WYDOT.
    • $3,000,000 designated for 911 grants to cover current system shortfalls.
    • $750,000 designated for the NG911 transition study.
  • Expenditure plan (WyDOT):
    • FY2026: no grant disbursements or contractual costs recorded in the note.
    • FY2027: $2,250,000 total (including grants and contractual services).
    • FY2028: $1,500,000 for grants.
  • Total appropriation matches the described purposes, with funds reverting if unexpended by June 30, 2028.

Overall, SF0032 creates a targeted funding mechanism to support current 911 operations while launching a state-led assessment of NG911 readiness and transition, with defined timelines and governance expectations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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