WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 17

Select Committee on Blockchain and Emerging Technologies.

2026 Regular Session

Renames and broadens the committee to cover blockchain and emerging technologies, guiding policy, legislation, and economic development for Wyoming’s digital economy.

H 3rd Reading:Failed 20-37-5-0-0
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 17

Summary of HB0017 (Wyoming, 2026) – Select Committee on Blockchain and Emerging Technologies

Purpose and intent

  • HB0017 proposes renaming the existing select committee and expanding its duties to specifically cover blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation technology, and emerging technologies.
  • The bill adjusts how the committee operates, including its sponsorship authority, and requires alignment with Wyoming’s leadership in the digital economy.

Key provisions and changes

  • Renaming and scope: The “Select Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology and Digital Innovation Technology” is renamed to the “Select Committee on Blockchain and Emerging Technologies.” The committee’s duties are amended to include emerging technologies beyond blockchain and fintech.
  • Committee duties (Section 28-11-701):
    • Appointing timeline: By March 15 after each general election, the committee is appointed (subject to specified makeup).
    • Responsibilities:
    • Develop knowledge and expertise among members on blockchain, fintech, digital innovation technology, and emerging technologies.
    • Develop and introduce legislation to promote blockchain, fintech, and digital innovation in Wyoming. If proposed legislation relates to Title 13 (natural resources, energy, etc.), it should be referred to the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Interim Committee for consideration.
    • Propose policy reducing impediments and promoting economic opportunities for technology companies; encourage tech companies to locate and stay in Wyoming; promote further development of digital commercial activity.
  • Governor liaisons (Section 28-11-701):
    • By March 15 after each general election, the Governor must appoint three liaison members to the committee.
    • Liaisons assist and advise the committee on relevant issues and may be removed by the Governor as allowed under state law.
  • Reporting on stable tokens (Section 40-31-105(e)):
    • Before publicly issuing any fully reserved Wyoming stable tokens, the director must provide a comprehensive report to both the select committee on blockchain and emerging technologies and the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Interim Committee detailing actions taken under the act.
  • Continuity and effective date:
    • The act confirms that the renamed committee is a continuation of the prior committee on blockchain and digital innovation technology.
    • The act takes effect immediately upon completion of constitutional enactment steps.

Affected entities and stakeholders

  • Wyoming state legislature (House and Senate) and its committees.
  • The renamed Select Committee on Blockchain and Emerging Technologies.
  • The Governor’s office (appointment of three liaisons to the committee).
  • State agencies and departments involved in blockchain, fintech, digital innovation, and emerging technologies.
  • Wyoming-based technology companies and industries seeking to locate or expand operations in the state.
  • The director responsible for Wyoming stable tokens and related actions under the act.
  • Interims committees (e.g., Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Interim Committee) when legislation relates to Title 13.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Appointment timing: By March 15 following each general election.
  • Liaisons: Three gubernatorial appointees by the same March 15 deadline.
  • Legislation pathway: Committee develops and introduces relevant legislation; for matters touching Title 13, recommendations go to the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Interim Committee.
  • Reporting requirement: Before issuing any fully reserved stable tokens, the director must report actions to the committee and the interim committee.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon completion of constitutional enactment steps (as with many Wyoming acts).

Potential impact

  • Clarifies and broadens the scope of Wyoming’s legislative focus to include emerging technologies beyond blockchain, potentially guiding future policy, funding, and regulatory considerations.
  • Formalizes the role of governor liaisons to provide executive input and expertise to the committee.
  • Establishes reporting requirements tied to stable token issuance to ensure legislative oversight.
  • Aims to reduce barriers and foster economic development for technology companies in Wyoming, potentially influencing business attraction and retention in the digital economy.

Note: The bill underwent committee consideration and various readings, with some amendments discussed during its legislative journey. The fiscal note indicates no direct fiscal or personnel impact attributed to the bill at the time of the provided documentation.

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

Sign in to ask a question.