Lawmakers debate ag-related legislation during 2026 Budget Session
The 68th Wyoming Legislature convened in Cheyenne on Feb. 9 for the 2026 Budget Session, where lawmakers debated several ag-related measures.
While budget sessions typically focus on appropriations, legislators may also introduce limited policy bills, and so far, those gathered in Wyoming’s capital city have addressed issues such as grazing access, corner crossing and wildlife management, to name a few.
Grazing flexibility advances
One of the most closely watched agriculture bills this session is Senate File (SF) 16, Subleasing of state lands-exemptions, sponsored by the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee.
The bill modifies state grazing lease requirements by allowing lessees to notify the Office of State Lands and Investments after placing livestock owned by a third party on state trust lands, rather than requiring approval in advance.
It also establishes a fee of no more than 50 percent of the annual animal unit month rental rate for non-owned livestock.
Those in support of the bill believe the change aligns policy with modern ranch management, as producers often operate through more complex arrangements and custom graze cattle or adjust stocking rates in response to drought or market conditions.
During a House Agriculture Committee meeting, Wyoming Stock Growers Association Executive Vice President Jim Magagna underscores this, noting many ranching operations today are no longer structured as single entities, rather operating through extended family or closely-related business arrangements. However, he says, current law has created challenges for these types of operations, although SF0016 would remedy that.
Ultimately, SF0016 ad-vanced through early committee review and remains under consideration as lawmakers evaluate its financial and administrative impacts.
Corner crossing remains in the crosshairs
Since four Missouri hunters used a ladder to access checkerboard public lands, crossing a corner of the Elk Mountain Ranch in Carbon County back in 2021, corner crossing has continued to be highly disputed.
Sponsored by the Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Interim Committee, House Bill (HB) 19, Corner crossing clarification, seeks to clarify corner crossing – which refers to stepping from one parcel of public land to another at a shared corner where two private parcels meet in a checkerboard pattern, without touching private land – is not criminal trespass in Wyoming statute.
Those in favor of the bill argued it would protect access to public lands and clarify law enforcement authority.
Critics of the legislation raise trespass and liability concerns, as well as questions about how increased public access may affect grazing and livestock management.
HB0019 passed introduction and committee but did not advance to final passage during the budget session.
Wildlife policy heavily debated
The intersection between wildlife and livestock policy continues to be a hot topic, and the ongoing controversy over landowner hunting licenses reared its head during the 2026 Budget Session.
Two bills introduced by the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee – SF0015 and SF0051 – failed introduction into the Senate.
SF0015, Landowner hunting licenses-limitation, authorizes the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to establish limits on the number of landowner hunting licenses issued in a limited quote hunt area, while SF0051, Transferable landowner hunting licenses-requirements, created requirements for the issuance of transferable hunting licenses.
SF0025, Landowner license limits in limited quota hunt areas, on the other hand, was introduced and referred to committee.
Sponsored by the Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Interim Committee, this bill authorizes the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to establish limits on the number of landowner licenses available in limited quota hunt areas.
Lawmakers take a hard look at WBC
The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) has also been a subject of heavy debate, with multiple bills proposing everything from major reform to outright elimination of the agency.
While those in support of reform seek to reduce government spending and focus funding on “measurable economic returns,” many in the ag industry have spoken out about the importance of maintaining WBC as it funds rural infrastructure, processing facilities, workforce programs and business development grants which often benefit livestock producers and rural communities.
Both HB0150, WBC-evaluation and reform, and SF0100, WBC-evaluation and reform-2, proposed comprehensive evaluation and restructuring of WBC, including increased legislative oversight and program accountability.
These bills were not considered for Committee of the Whole.
Sponsored by the Joint Appropriations Committee, SF0065, WBC-repeal, looked to ultimately terminate the agency altogether but failed introduction into the Senate.
SF0125, WBC-amendments, aimed to modify WBC’s programs, authority and operations, including limitations and structural changes. This bill failed to advance before the crossover deadline.
Horseback alcohol clarification sparks debate
One of the more unusual proposals brought up this session was HB0031, Saddles, Not Steering Wheels Act, which clarifies Wyoming law regarding alcohol consumption while riding horseback.
The bill argues, because horses are classified as livestock rather than motor vehicles, traditional driving under the influence (DUI) statutes do not directly apply in the same way they do to automobiles.
Supporters of the bill argue the clarification reflects Wyoming’s ranching culture, where horseback travel remains common during brandings, roundups and community events.
Opponents raised concerns about safety and enforcement consistency.
Although the bill gained quite a bit of attention, it ultimately died before introduction into the House.
Stay tuned for more coverage of the Wyoming Legislature’s 2026 Budget Session in future editions of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
