HB0227 creates a new statute limiting the duration of executive orders issued by a governor in Wyoming. Under the bill, an executive order issued by a previous governor expires 30 days after that governor leaves office unless the newly elected governor affirmatively extends it. The bill also states that no executive order may remain effective for more than 30 days after the issuing governor leaves office.
The measure applies to executive orders already in effect as well as those issued on or after July 1, 2025, and it takes effect on that date. In practical terms, it would require a new governor to review and reauthorize any predecessor’s executive orders quickly if they are to continue beyond the transition period.
Impact
HB0227 would add W.S. 9-1-225 to Wyoming law and impose a statutory sunset on gubernatorial executive orders tied to the end of a governor’s term. It affects the governor’s administrative authority by preventing prior executive orders from carrying over indefinitely into a new administration unless expressly extended by the incoming governor. The bill could affect state agencies, regulated parties, and any ongoing policies implemented through executive order by requiring prompt reevaluation after a change in administration.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received strong support in the House, passing the Corporations Committee 9-0 and the full House 60-0, indicating broad bipartisan agreement or at least no recorded opposition. With no committee transcript available, the recorded votes suggest the measure was viewed favorably and as a straightforward administrative limitation rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the available materials, and the recorded votes show no opposition. The likely underlying issue is the balance between executive continuity and the incoming governor’s ability to control policy, but no member concerns, amendments, or objections are captured in the transcript record provided. Any debate would likely center on whether the 30-day limit is too short for orderly transition or appropriately constrains outgoing executive power.