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 makes conforming amendments to existing legal language, including the renumbering of subsections and the clarification of the legislature's ability to direct legal staff or employ private counsel for litigation. The appropriation of $75 million from the general fund is designated for litigation purposes, with a specified timeframe for use until June 30, 2028. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-8-114