The bill authorizes the Wyoming legislature to initiate legal actions concerning the administration and interpretation of federal acts, emphasizing its jurisdiction over land within the state. It includes new findings that affirm the legislature's standing to prosecute actions for declaratory judgment related to various federal laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. The management council is empowered to initiate litigation with a majority vote, replacing the previous requirement of a two-thirds vote. Additionally, the legislature is granted the authority to use funds for litigation purposes, with a specific appropriation of up to $75 million allocated for these actions.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for the legislature or management council to direct legal staff or employ private counsel for litigation. It establishes a clear financial framework, ensuring that the appropriated funds are exclusively for litigation purposes and will revert to the general fund if unspent by June 30, 2028. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-8-114