Wyoming Transparency Laws Lack Enforcement, Training

Officials often plead ignorance when breaking public records and meetings laws, but penalties are minimal

Mar. 26, 2026 at 12:00am

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In Wyoming, public officials are required to undergo training on transparency laws, but the training is often seen as inadequate. When officials break these laws, they frequently claim ignorance, and there is little enforcement or meaningful penalties. Lawmakers are considering ways to strengthen the laws and improve compliance.

Why it matters

Transparency in government is crucial for public trust and accountability. Weak enforcement of Wyoming's public records and meetings laws allows officials to skirt the rules without facing serious consequences, undermining the state's democratic principles.

The details

Wyoming's public transparency laws require officials to undergo training, but the training is often seen as lacking. Some officials who took the shorter online version felt it wasn't robust enough. Those who completed the in-person training offered more comprehensive coverage of the legal requirements. Even with the training, mistakes still happen, and officials sometimes claim ignorance when breaking the law. When violations occur, the penalties are minimal, with a maximum fine of $750. This disincentivizes governments from fully understanding the laws, as there is little motivation to comply. Lawmakers are considering ways to strengthen enforcement, such as increasing penalties and making it easier to prove willful violations.

  • In January 2026, the Fremont County Library Board was poised to enter executive session when the library director asserted her right to a public hearing.
  • In 2023, state lawmakers attempted to attend a Riverton Valley Irrigation District Board meeting but were turned away.
  • Last year, Fremont County commissioners used illegal secret ballots to appoint library board members.

The players

Anita Marple

The Fremont County Library Director who asserted her right to a public hearing when the library board was set to enter executive session.

Pepper Ottman

A state representative who attempted to attend a Riverton Valley Irrigation District Board meeting but was turned away.

Tim Salazar

A state senator who attempted to attend a Riverton Valley Irrigation District Board meeting but was turned away.

Bob Bonnar

The publisher of the News Letter Journal, who testified before the legislature's Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee about the lack of enforcement of Wyoming's transparency laws.

Cale Case

A state senator who said some government boards in Wyoming are "absolutely untrained" on transparency laws.

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What they’re saying

“Right now, the entire burden is on the public. But the fact is, she has no real teeth.”

— Bob Bonnar, Publisher, News Letter Journal

“You know, I think the big ones for me would certainly fall under the conflicts of interests. We don't want our public officials putting themselves in a position to personally or financially benefit from the decisions that they make.”

— Eric Carr, Riverton City Council member

“Some of those little things, I don't care how perfect you are, but you're going to overlook some of those things.”

— Trevor Bekken, Fremont County Fair Board Chair

What’s next

Lawmakers are considering ways to strengthen enforcement of Wyoming's transparency laws, such as increasing penalties for violations and making it easier to prove willful violations.

The takeaway

Wyoming's public transparency laws are often overlooked or misunderstood by government officials, and the lack of meaningful enforcement allows violations to continue with little consequence. Improving training and increasing penalties could help ensure greater compliance and restore public trust in the state's democratic processes.