The bill proposes a significant shift in the governance of the attorney general's office in Wyoming, transitioning from an appointed position to an elected one, with elections set to begin in the 2026 general election. Until that time, the attorney general will continue to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The legislation also outlines a new process for filling vacancies, requiring Senate confirmation for any appointed successor. Additionally, the bill amends various sections of existing law to reflect the attorney general's new status as an elected official and prescribes expanded duties for the office, enhancing its accountability and independence.

Key amendments include the removal of the requirement for the attorney general to act solely under the direction of the governor, thereby granting the office greater autonomy in initiating legal actions. The bill allows the attorney general to appoint assistant and special assistant attorneys general without gubernatorial consent and to directly appoint directors for the Division of Criminal Investigation and the Division of Victim Services. Furthermore, it establishes a salary of $175,000 for the attorney general and modifies the vacancy-filling process to ensure that if a nominee is not consented to by the Senate, the governor must submit another name from the original list. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain provisions becoming effective on January 4, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9-1-601, 9-5-101, 22-2-105, 22-6-117