Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act

# Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would give Wyoming more flexibility in how it uses money from its permanent school fund, which was established when Wyoming became a state. Currently, Wyoming can only spend the interest earned from the fund's investments. The bill would allow the state to also use earnings (which can include capital gains and other investment returns) to support public schools, giving Wyoming a larger pool of money to draw from. **Who It Affects and Why** This primarily affects Wyoming's public schools and students, as any additional funds would go toward school funding.

The permanent school fund comes from federal lands that were granted to Wyoming, with money from selling or exchanging those lands deposited into the fund. By allowing the state to spend more from this fund, Wyoming would have additional resources for education without needing to find money elsewhere. **Current Status** The bill is sponsored by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.