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SF 135

Defense of state banking-1.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ocean Andrew and 5 co-sponsors

Wyoming bill gives the attorney general discretionary authority to investigate and defend state-chartered banks against alleged unfair treatment by federal or state regulators.

H:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to HR 5-4
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Bill Summary · SF 135

Summary — SF 135: "Defense of state banking‑1"

Purpose

SF 135 would authorize Wyoming's attorney general to investigate and respond when federal or other states' banking regulators allegedly treat Wyoming state‑chartered banks unfairly. The bill frames the action as a defense of the "dual banking" system (federal and state charters) and of Wyoming's interest in preserving state‑level innovation and revenue associated with state‑chartered banks.

Key provisions

  • Creates a new statutory provision, W.S. 13‑1‑901 (Article 9: Defense of State Banking).
  • Legislative findings: affirms the historical dual banking system in the U.S., states' role in encouraging banking innovation, and asserts that federal overreach or disparate regulatory treatment can harm Wyoming banks and state revenues.
  • Attorney general authority:
    • Authorizes (amendment changed original mandatory language) the attorney general to investigate allegations by Wyoming state‑chartered banks of unlawful disparate treatment by federal or other states' regulators.
    • Authorizes the attorney general to take any available action deemed necessary to defend Wyoming’s interest in the dual banking system and to seek fair treatment for Wyoming state‑chartered banks comparable to national or other state charters.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.

Note: A standing‑committee amendment (SF0135SS001) replaced several mandatory words (“requiring,” “shall”) with permissive language (“allowing,” “may,” “is authorized to”), making AG action discretionary rather than mandatory.

Who would be affected

  • Wyoming Attorney General: gains explicit statutory authority (discretionary) to investigate and act on behalf of state‑chartered banks.
  • Wyoming state‑chartered banks: potential new avenue for state legal or regulatory defense against perceived federal or out‑of‑state regulatory overreach or disparate treatment.
  • Federal banking regulators and other states’ banking agencies: could face investigations or legal challenges initiated by Wyoming in defense of its banks.
  • Indirectly, Wyoming’s banking industry and state revenues if the statute changes regulatory outcomes or deters enforcement actions perceived as overreach.

Fiscal impact

The Legislative Service Office fiscal note: “No significant fiscal or personnel impact.” (Prepared with information from the Attorney General’s Office.)

Legislative history & current status

  • Introduced (Senate) Jan 23, 2025.
  • Amended in committee (SF0135SS001) to change mandatory to permissive language.
  • Passed the Wyoming Senate (roll call 30–1) after committee action.
  • Transmitted to the House, referred to House Minerals Committee (H09).
  • House status: Died in committee — "H:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to HR 5‑4" (March 3, 2025).
  • Committee actions note a committee report renumbering it as SF 257 on Feb 11, 2025.

Sponsors and related legislation

  • Sponsors listed in bill text: Senators Rothfuss, Nethercott, Olsen; Representatives Andrew, Singh, Yin.
  • Metadata additionally lists Schultz and others as sponsors in some records.
  • Companion bill: HF 583.

This bill would have codified a state role in defending state‑chartered banks against perceived regulatory overreach, but it did not advance past the House committee in the 2025 session.

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

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