The Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee of the Wyoming Legislature convened on May 9, 2025, to address several pressing issues regarding election integrity and public records management. The meeting focused on recent legal challenges, proposed reforms, and the role of the ombudsman in facilitating access to public records.

The session began with a discussion surrounding a recent court case involving Weston County, where it was revealed that the Johnson County Attorney provided pro bono representation. This legal support was crucial in addressing a conflict of interest, and it was confirmed that the county incurred no costs from the proceedings. The attorney for Weston County reported that a plea agreement was reached without going before a judge, acknowledging that a secret ballot and certain text messages were illegal.

Attention then shifted to concerns raised about the 2024 general election. A significant error in ballot counting was identified, which could have gone unnoticed had it not been for the uncontested nature of the race. The speaker emphasized the importance of transparency and the need for thorough investigations into past elections to ensure accuracy. A records request was made to obtain communications between the county clerk and the ballot machine company, but the request remains unfulfilled after over a hundred days.

The committee discussed potential remedies to improve public records access. One proposal was to revert the response time for records requests from 30 days back to 10 days, with a requirement for acknowledgment of requests within three business days. This change aims to expedite the process and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Another significant suggestion was to shift the burden of proof in records requests from the public to the government. Currently, the public must navigate the ombudsman process when denied access to records. The proposal would require government entities to seek ombudsman approval before charging fees for records, reinforcing the idea that producing public records is a fundamental duty of government.

Lastly, the committee considered increasing penalties for non-compliance with public records laws, aiming to enhance accountability among government officials.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted critical issues regarding election integrity and public access to records, with proposed reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability in government operations. The committee plans to continue discussions on these matters in future sessions, emphasizing the importance of public trust in the electoral process and government transparency.