WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SF 67

Wyoming state guard-amendments.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Boner and 7 co-sponsors

The bill lets the governor organize and fund a Wyoming State Guard independent of federal activation, under state authority and Council of Defense.

Assigned Chapter Number 47
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 67

Summary of SF 67 (Wyoming) – Wyoming state guard amendments

Purpose and intent

  • The bill reorganizes the Wyoming State Guard by removing the prerequisite that activation of the Wyoming National Guard into federal service is required before the state can organize and maintain a state defense force. In essence, it moves the state guard away from federal involvement and under the governor’s control for organization, funding, and operation.
  • It aims to establish clear state authority over a Wyoming State Guard capable of responding to state needs, including emergencies, civil disorders, and other duties within the state, without mandatory ties to federal activation.

Key provisions and changes

  • Organization and control (19-10-101(a)-(b)): The governor may organize and maintain the Wyoming State Guard within the state during periods when the Wyoming National Guard is not serving under federal orders. The state guard would operate under regulations prescribed by the secretary of defense when applicable, but primarily under the governor’s direction. The act envisions using state laws and regulations as a model for governance.
  • Governor-appointed defense council (19-10-102): Establishment of a Wyoming State Council of Defense to coordinate state defense activities, with the governor’s approval. The council can organize subordinate branches and develop rules for the state guard and related defense activities, not otherwise covered by law. Membership is not limited by prior military service, and the governor can remove members as provided by law.
  • Pay and allowances (19-10-102): Members serving under the governor’s orders would receive pay and allowances comparable to National Guard personnel of the same rank, funded by general fund appropriations or the continuous appropriation for public welfare emergencies.
  • Arms and supplies (19-10-103): The governor may requisition or purchase arms, equipment, and supplies from the Department of Defense or other sources to equip the Wyoming State Guard. State armories and facilities may be used as needed.
  • Enrollment and eligibility (19-10-105(c)): Eligibility remains open to all qualified Wyoming residents and certain nonresidents who are accepted into service, with age criteria set at 17-25 to 70-65 (a correction language in the amendment process indicates a broad eligibility window for service in the state guard).
  • Appropriation (Section 2): A one-time appropriation of $25,000 from the General Fund to the Governor’s Office to establish and convene the Wyoming State Council of Defense and to establish and equip the Wyoming State Guard. This is explicitly not meant to be part of the ongoing budget for the next biennium; funds expire June 30, 2028, with unexpended funds reverting as required by law.

Affected parties and fiscal impact

  • State processes and personnel: Governor, Office of the Governor, Wyoming State Council of Defense, and the Wyoming State Guard would be directly affected in terms of governance, funding, and organizational structure.
  • Funding: A total appropriation of $25,000 is provided for initial setup, equipment planning, and organization, with annualized implications at approximately $12,500 in FY 2027 and FY 2028 for supportive services per the fiscal note.
  • Citizens of Wyoming: Qualified residents (and some nonresidents) could become members of the state guard, serving within the state for a variety of duties as defined by the governor and council.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The act becomes effective July 1, 2026.
  • The bill underwent a multi-year legislative path, with approvals in both Senate and House, including appropriations considerations, and ultimately was enrolled as Chapter 47 of the 2026 Wyoming Session Laws (SEA No. 0028).
  • The accompanying fiscal note emphasizes the purpose of the appropriation is to determine militia size, composition, and equipment requirements based on a study and recommendations to be prepared in early 2026.

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

Sign in to ask a question.