Administrative Procedure

Wyo. Stat. Ann. tit. 16, ch. 3
in effect

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-101 Short title; definitions.

(a) This act may be cited as the "Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act". (b) As used in this act: (i) "Agency" means any authority, bureau, board, commission, department, division, officer or employee of the state, a county, city or town or other political subdivision of the state, except the governing body of a city or town, the state legislature, the University of Wyoming, the judiciary, the consensus revenue estimating group as defined in W.S. 9-2-1002 and the investment funds committee created by W.S. 9-4-720; (ii) "Contested case" means a proceeding including but not restricted to ratemaking, price fixing and licensing, in which legal rights, duties or privileges of a party are required by law to be determined by an agency after an opportunity for hearing but excludes designations under W.S. 9-2-3207(h)(i); (iii) "License" includes the whole or part of any agency permit, certificate, approval, registration, charter or similar form of permission required by law, but it does not include a license required solely for revenue purposes; (iv) "Licensing" includes the agency process respecting the grant, denial, renewal, revocation, suspension, annulment, withdrawal or amendment of a license; (v) "Local agency" means any agency with responsibilities limited to less than statewide jurisdiction, except the governing body of a city or town; (vi) "Party" means each person or agency named or admitted as a party or properly seeking and entitled as of right to be admitted as a party; (vii) "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, municipality, governmental subdivision or public or private organization of any character other than an agency; (viii) "Registrar of rules" for state agency rules means the secretary of state. "Registrar of rules" for local agency rules means the county clerk of the county in which the rule is to be effective; (ix) "Rule" means each agency statement of general applicability that implements, interprets and prescribes law, policy or ordinances of cities and towns, or describes the organization, procedures, or practice requirements of any agency. The term includes the amendment or repeal of a prior rule, but does not include: (A) Statements concerning only the internal management of an agency and not affecting private rights or procedures available to the public; or (B) Rulings issued pursuant to W.S. 16-3-106; or (C) Intraagency memoranda; or (D) Agency decisions and findings in contested cases; or (E) Rules concerning the use of public roads or facilities which are indicated to the public by means of signs and signals; or (F) Ordinances of cities and towns; or (G) Designations under W.S. 9-2-3207(h)(i); or (H) A general permit. (x) "State agency" means any agency with statewide responsibilities; (xi) "General permit" means a permit issued by the department of environmental quality which authorizes a category or categories of discharges or emissions; (xii) "Internet" means as defined in W.S. 9-2-3219(a)(iii); (xiii) "This act" means W.S. 16-3-101 through 16-3-115.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-102 General rulemaking requirements; assistance and authority of attorney general.

(a) In addition to other rulemaking requirements imposed by law, each agency shall: (i) Adopt rules of practice setting forth the nature and requirements of all formal and informal procedures available in connection with contested cases; (ii) Make available for public inspection all rules and all other written statements of policy or interpretations formulated, adopted or used by the agency in the discharge of its functions; (iii) Make available for public inspection all final orders, decisions and opinions. (b) No agency rule, order or decision is valid or effective against any person or party, nor may it be invoked by the agency for any purpose, until it has been filed with the registrar of rules and made available for public inspection as required by this act. This subsection does not apply to orders or decisions in favor of any person or party with actual knowledge of the rule, order or decision. (c) In formulating rules of practice as required by this section, each agency may request the assistance of the attorney general and upon request the attorney general shall assist the agency or agencies in the preparation of rules of practice. (d) The office of administrative hearings shall adopt uniform rules for the use of state agencies setting forth the nature and requirements of all formal and informal procedures available in connection with contested cases. (e) The attorney general may repeal administrative rules of a state agency in accordance with this act if the rules have become obsolete and no other existing agency has authority to repeal the rules.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-103 Adoption, amendment and repeal of rules; notice; hearing; emergency rules; proceedings to contest; review and approval by governor.

(a) Prior to an agency's adoption, amendment or repeal of all rules other than interpretative rules or statements of general policy, the agency shall: (i) Give at least forty-five (45) days notice of its intended action. Notice shall be mailed to all persons making timely requests of the agency for advanced notice of its rulemaking proceedings and to the attorney general, the secretary of state's office as registrar of rules, and the legislative service office if a state agency. The agency shall submit a copy of the proposed rules, in a format conforming to any requirements prescribed pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, with the notice given to the legislative service office. The notice shall include: (A) The time when, the place where and the manner in which interested persons may present their views on the intended action; (B) A statement of the terms and substance of the proposed rule or a description of the subjects and issues involved; (C) If an amendment or a repeal, the citation to the agency rule to be amended or repealed; (D) If new rules, a statement that they are new rules and a citation of the statute which authorizes adoption of the rules; (E) The place where an interested person may obtain a copy of the proposed rules in a format conforming to any requirements prescribed pursuant to subsection (f) of this section; (F) If the agency asserts that all or a portion of a rule is proposed to be adopted, amended or repealed in order for the state to comply with federal law or regulatory requirements: (I) A statement that the adoption, amendment or repeal of the rule is required by federal law or regulation together with citations to the applicable federal law or regulation; and (II) A statement whether the proposed rule change meets minimum federal requirements or whether the proposed rule change exceeds minimum federal requirements. (G) A statement whether the proposed rule change meets minimum substantive state statutory requirements or whether the proposed rule change exceeds minimum substantive state statutory requirements. If the rule change exceeds minimum substantive state statutory requirements, the agency shall include a statement explaining the reason why the rule exceeds minimum substantive statutory requirements; (H) A statement that the agency has complied with the requirements of W.S. 9-5-304 and the location where an interested person may obtain a copy of the assessment used to evaluate the proposed rule pursuant to W.S. 9-5-304; (J) A concise statement of the principal reasons for adoption of the rule. In compliance with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. v. Environmental Quality Council, 590 P.2d 1324 (Wyo. 1979), the statement shall include a brief explanation of the substance or terms of the rule and the basis and purpose of the rule; (K) If a state agency is proposing a rule that differs from the uniform rules listed in subsection (j) of this section, a statement of the reasons for varying from the uniform rules. (ii) Afford all interested persons reasonable opportunity to submit data, views or arguments, orally or in writing, provided this period shall consist of at least forty-five (45) days from the later of the dates specified under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, and provided: (A) In the case of substantive rules, opportunity for oral hearing shall be granted if requested by twenty-five (25) persons, or by a governmental subdivision, or by an association having not less than twenty-five (25) members. No hearing under this subparagraph shall be conducted until at least forty-five (45) days after the later of: (I) The date notice of intended action is given under paragraph (i) of this subsection; or (II) The date notice is published if publication is required by subsection (e) of this section. (B) The agency shall consider fully all written and oral submissions respecting the proposed rule; (C) If prior to final adoption any person objects to the accuracy of a statement made by the agency pursuant to W.S. 16-3-103(a)(i)(F)(I) or (II), the agency shall: (I) Provide the objecting person with a written response explaining and substantiating the agency's position by reference to federal law or regulations; and (II) Include with the final rules submitted for review to the governor and legislative service office a concise statement of the objection and the agency's response. (D) Upon adoption of the rule, the agency, if requested to do so by an interested person, either prior to adoption or within thirty (30) days thereafter, shall issue a concise statement of the principal reasons for overruling the consideration urged against its adoption. (iii) Comply with the requirements of W.S. 9-5-304. (b) When an agency finds that an emergency requires the agency to proceed without notice or opportunity for hearing required by subsection (a) of this section, it may adopt emergency rules. An emergency rule is effective when filed. A state agency emergency rule shall bear the endorsement of the governor's concurrence on the finding of emergency before the registrar of rules accepts the rule for filing. The rule so adopted shall be effective for no longer than one hundred twenty (120) days but the adoption of an identical rule under W.S. 16-3-103(a) or of an emergency rule under this subsection is not precluded. In no case shall identical or substantially similar emergency rules be effective for a total period of more than two hundred forty (240) days. A local agency may proceed with the emergency rule when notice of the emergency is filed with the local registrar of rules. (c) No rule is valid unless submitted, filed and adopted in substantial compliance with this section. A proceeding to contest any rule on the ground of noncompliance with the procedural requirements of this section must be commenced within two (2) years from the effective date of the rule. (d) No state agency rule or any amendment, repeal, modification or revision of the rule may be filed with the registrar of rules unless the rule has been submitted to the governor for review and the governor has approved and signed the rule. Except in the case of emergency rules and rules adopted by the game and fish commission fixing general hunting or fishing regulations, season or bag limits or establishing hunting areas, the governor shall not approve any rule until the date of receipt of the legislative management council's recommendation under W.S. 28-9-106(a) or until forty (40) days after the rule is filed with the legislative service office pursuant to W.S. 28-9-103(b), whichever is sooner. During the process of approving rules, the governor may disapprove any portion of a rule not conforming to paragraphs (d)(i), (ii) or (iii) of this section by clearly indicating the portion of the rule disapproved and the basis for the disapproval. Only those portions of a rule approved by the governor shall be filed with the registrar of rules as provided by W.S. 16-3-104(a). Any portion of a rule disapproved by the governor shall be returned to the agency and shall be null and void and shall not be filed, implemented or enforced. The governor shall report his disapproval of any rule or portion thereof to the management council within fifteen (15) days. The governor shall not approve any rule or any amendment, repeal, modification or revision of the rule unless it: (i) Is within the scope of the statutory authority delegated to the adopting agency; (ii) Appears to be within the scope of the legislative purpose of the statutory authority; and (iii) Has been adopted in compliance with the procedural requirements of this act. For the purposes of this subsection, an "agency" means any authority, bureau, board, commission, department, division, officer or employee of the state, excluding the state legislature and the judiciary. (e) If a state agency created as a licensing or regulatory board or commission for any profession or occupation regulated under title 33 regularly publishes a newsletter, memorandum or other written or electronic communication which serves as a medium to provide information to members of the regulated profession or occupation, then in addition to the notice requirements of subsection (a) of this section, the agency shall publish within that medium the proposed rules in a format conforming to any requirements prescribed pursuant to subsection (f) of this section. If the agency determines publication in such manner is not practicable, it shall publish within the chosen medium at least once prior to taking final action to adopt, amend or repeal any rule notice of its intended rulemaking proceedings and make available the full text of all proposed changes in the format conforming to any requirements prescribed pursuant to subsection (f) of this section. This subsection shall not apply to emergency rules adopted pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. (f) The state registrar of rules shall prescribe a format for state agencies to follow in preparing proposed amendments to existing rules which shall ensure that additions to and deletions from existing language are clearly indicated. (g) Upon receipt of a notice of intended action from a state agency under paragraph (a)(i) of this section, the secretary of state's office shall maintain a file of these notices and make them available for public inspection during regular business hours. A notice shall remain in the file until the rules are adopted or until the agency determines not to take action to adopt the proposed rules. To the extent that resources enable the office to do so, the secretary of state's office shall make these notices available to the public electronically. The secretary of state may promulgate rules specifying the format of notices submitted by state agencies under this subsection. Compliance with this subsection shall not affect the validity of rules promulgated by state agencies. (h) An agency may incorporate, by reference in its rules and without publishing the incorporated matter in full, all or any part of a code, standard, rule or regulation that has been adopted by an agency of the United States or of this state, another state or by a nationally recognized organization or association, provided: (i) The agency determines that incorporation of the full text in agency rules would be cumbersome or inefficient given the length or nature of the rules; (ii) The reference in the rules of the incorporating agency fully identifies the incorporated matter by location, date and otherwise, and states that the rule does not include any later amendments or editions of the incorporated matter; (iii) The agency, organization or association originally issuing the incorporated matter makes copies of it readily available to the public; (iv) The incorporating agency maintains and makes available for public inspection a copy of the incorporated matter at cost from the agency and the rules of the incorporating agency state where the incorporated matter is available on the internet as defined in W.S. 9-2-3219(a)(iii); and (v) The incorporating agency otherwise complies with all procedural requirements under this act and the rules of the registrar of state agency rules governing the promulgation and filing of agency rules. (j) Each state agency shall adopt as much of the uniform rules promulgated pursuant to the following provisions as is consistent with the specific and distinct requirements of the agency and state or federal law governing or applicable to the agency: (i) W.S. 16-3-102(d); (ii) W.S. 16-4-204(e).

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-104 Filing of copies of rules; permanent register; effective dates; manner of preparation; advice and assistance of attorney general.

(a) Each agency shall file in the office of the registrar of rules a certified copy of each rule adopted by it as approved by the governor. State agencies shall file each rule within seventy-five (75) days of the date of agency action adopting the rule or it is not effective. There shall be noted upon the rule a citation of the authority by which it or any part of it was adopted. The registrar of rules shall keep a permanent register of the rules open to public inspection. Not more than ten (10) days after a state agency files a copy of a rule in the office of the registrar of rules, the agency shall mail a notice that the rule has been filed to each person who was sent a notice under W.S. 16-3-103(a)(i). The notice shall contain a citation to the rule and the date it was filed. Failure to send the notice required under this subsection does not affect the effectiveness of the rule. (b) Each rule and any amendment or repeal adopted after June 1, 1982 is effective after filing in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and W.S. 28-9-108 except: (i) If a later date is required by statute or specified in the rule, the later date is the effective date; (ii) Where the agency finds that an emergency exists and the finding is concurred in by the governor, a rule or amendment or repeal may be effective immediately upon filing with the registrar of rules and if a state agency, also with the legislative service office. Existing rules remain in effect unless amended or repealed, subject to this section or W.S. 28-9-105 or 28-9-106. (c) Rules shall be prepared in the manner and form prescribed by the state registrar of rules. The registrar of rules may refuse to accept for filing any rule that does not conform to the prescribed form. (d) The attorney general shall furnish advice and assistance to all state agencies in the preparation of their regulations, and in revising, codifying and editing existing or new regulations.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-105 Compilation and indexing of administrative code; charges for copies; authentication by registrar.

(a) The registrar of state agency rules shall compile, index and publish a Wyoming administrative code. The code shall: (i) Contain each rule adopted by a state agency, but shall not contain emergency rules; (ii) Be compiled, numbered and indexed in a unified manner that permits the code to be easily amended and affords ease of use and accessibility to the public, including strong and effective word search capabilities; (iii) Be available to the public at no charge through the Internet; (iv) Be updated on the Internet as soon as practicable after the effective date of newly filed or amended rules. (b) The registrar of state agency rules may make a reasonable charge for any rules published except those furnished to state officers, agencies, members of the legislature or the legislative service office and others in the employment of the state and its political subdivisions requiring the rules in the performance of their duties. The registrar of local agency rules may make a reasonable charge for copies of any rule on file. (c) The registrar's authenticated file stamp on a rule or publication of a rule shall raise a rebuttable presumption that the rule was adopted and filed in compliance with all requirements necessary to make it effective. (d) The registrar of state agency rules shall maintain and publish a current index of all state agency rules filed with the registrar. The index shall list the effective date of each set of rules or the effective date of each set of amendments to an agency's rules. Copies of the index shall be distributed as provided by W.S. 16-3-105(b).

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-106 Petition for promulgation, amendment or repeal of rules.

Any interested person may petition an agency requesting the promulgation, amendment or repeal of any rule and may accompany his petition with relevant data, views and arguments. Each agency may prescribe by rule the form of the petition and the procedure for its submission, consideration and disposition. Upon submission of a petition, the agency as soon as practicable either shall deny the petition in writing (stating its reasons for the denials) or initiate rulemaking proceedings in accordance with W.S. 16-3-103. The action of the agency in denying a petition is final and not subject to review.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-107 Contested cases; general procedure.

(a) In any contested case, all parties shall be afforded an opportunity for hearing after reasonable notice served personally or by mail. Where the indispensable and necessary parties are composed of a large class, the notice shall be served upon a reasonable number thereof as representatives of the class or by giving notice by publication in the manner specified by the rules or an order of the agency. (b) The notice shall include a statement of: (i) The time, place and nature of the hearing; (ii) The legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held; (iii) The particular sections of the statutes and rules involved; (iv) A short and plain statement of the matters asserted. If the agency or other party is unable to state the matters in detail at the time the notice is served, the initial notice may be limited to a statement of the issues involved, and thereafter upon application a more definite and detailed statement shall be furnished. (c) In all contested cases, depositions and discovery relating thereto, agencies shall have the authority to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses and require the production of any books, papers or other documents relevant or material to the inquiry. In case of refusal to obey a subpoena issued by the agency in a contested case, deposition or discovery relating thereto, to any person, the district court for the district in which the hearing or deposition or other proceeding is being conducted, or for the district where the person may be served, may upon application by the agency issue to the person refusing to obey the subpoena an order requiring the person to show cause for the refusal or to appear before the agency or other person designated by it there to produce documentary evidence if so ordered or there to give evidence touching the matter in question. Any failure to show cause or obey the order of court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof. (d) In all contested cases the agency shall as part of its rules of practice provide that the agency or one (1) of its presiding officers designated by it upon application of any party shall issue a subpoena requiring the appearance of witnesses for the purpose of taking evidence or requiring the production of any books, papers or other documents relevant or material to the inquiry. (e) The agency upon motion made promptly and in any event at or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance therewith, may quash or modify the subpoena if it is unreasonable and oppressive, or in the event issued pursuant to subsection (g) of this section may condition denial of the motion upon the advancement by the person in whose behalf the subpoena is issued of the reasonable cost of producing the books, papers, documents or tangible things. (f) If a subpoena issued pursuant to this section is disobeyed and if the agency fails to apply pursuant to subsection (c) of this section for enforcement any party may apply to the district court for the district having venue under subsection (c) of this section for enforcement pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. (g) In all contested cases the taking of depositions and discovery shall be available to the parties in accordance with the provisions of Rules 26, 28 through 37 (excepting Rule 37(b)(1) and 37(b)(2)(A)(vii) therefrom) of the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure in effect on the date of the enactment of this act and any subsequent rule amendments thereto. All references therein to the "court" shall be deemed to refer to the appropriate "agency"; all references to the use of the subpoena power shall be references to subsection (c) of this section; all references to "trial" shall be deemed references to "hearing"; all references to "plaintiff" shall be deemed references to "a party". If a party or other witness refuses to be sworn or refuses to answer any question after being directed to do so by the agency in which the action is pending, the refusal to obey the agency order shall be enforced in the same manner as is provided in subsection (c) of this section. (h) Any agency which is a party to the contested case is subject to the discovery provisions of this section but neither the agency, nor any member, officer or employee shall be required to disclose information which is confidential or privileged under the law and no member of the presiding agency shall be compelled to testify or give a deposition in a contested case. Discovery sought from the agency initially shall be by written application. If the agency refuses to allow discovery in whole or in part the aggrieved party may apply to the presiding officer for an order compelling discovery. If the presiding officer fails or refuses to compel discovery, the aggrieved party may apply to the district court for the district in which the hearing, deposition or other proceeding is being or is to be conducted for an order directed to the agency compelling discovery. The presiding officer or district court shall enter such order as may be appropriate. (j) Opportunity shall be afforded all parties to respond and present evidence and argument on all issues involved. Any person compelled to appear in person before any agency or representative thereof shall be accorded the right to be accompanied, represented and advised by counsel or, if permitted by the agency, by other qualified representative. (k) Every party shall be accorded the right to appear in person or by or with counsel or other duly qualified representative in any agency proceeding in accordance with such rules as the agency prescribes and the pertinent rules of the supreme court of Wyoming. So far as the orderly conduct of public business permits, any interested person may appear before any agency or its responsible officers or employees for the presentation, adjustment or determination of any issue, request or controversy in any proceeding (interlocutory, summary or otherwise) or in connection with any agency function. Every agency shall proceed with reasonable dispatch to conclude any matter presented to it except that due regard shall be had for the convenience and necessity of the parties or their representatives. Any person representing an agency at a hearing in a contested case in which the agency is a party shall not in the same case serve as presiding officer or provide ex parte advice regarding the case to the presiding officer or to the body or any member of the body comprising the decision makers. (m) No process, requirement of a report, inspection, or other investigative act or demand shall be issued, made or enforced in any manner or for any purpose except as authorized by law. Every person compelled to submit data or evidence is entitled to retain or, on payment of lawfully prescribed costs, procure a copy of a transcript thereof, except that in a nonpublic investigatory proceeding the witness may for good cause be limited to inspection of the official transcript of his testimony. (n) Unless precluded by law, informal disposition may be made of any contested case by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order or default. (o) The record in a contested case must include: (i) All formal or informal notices, pleadings, motions and intermediate rulings; (ii) Evidence received or considered including matters officially noticed; (iii) Questions and offers of proof, objections and rulings thereon; (iv) Any proposed findings and exceptions thereto; (v) Any opinion, findings, decision or order of the agency and any report by the officer presiding at the hearing. (p) In all contested cases the proceeding including all testimony shall be reported verbatim stenographically or by any other appropriate means determined by the agency or the officer presiding at the hearing. (q) Oral proceedings or any part thereof shall be transcribed on request of any party upon payment of the cost thereof. (r) Findings of fact shall be based exclusively on the evidence and matters officially noticed.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-108 Contested cases; admissible evidence; cross-examination; judicial notice.

(a) In contested cases irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded and no sanction shall be imposed or order issued except upon consideration of the whole record or such portion thereof as may be cited by any party and unless supported by the type of evidence commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent men in the conduct of their serious affairs. Agencies shall give effect to the rules of privilege recognized by law. Subject to these requirements and agency rule if the interests of the parties will not be prejudiced substantially testimony may be received in written form subject to the right of cross-examination as provided in subsection (c) of this section. (b) Documentary evidence may be received in the form of copies or excerpts, if the original is not readily available. Upon request, parties shall be given opportunity to compare the copy with the original. (c) A party may conduct cross-examinations required for a full and true disclosure of the facts and a party is entitled to confront all opposing witnesses. (d) Notice may be taken of judicially cognizable facts. In addition notice may be taken of technical or scientific facts within the agency's specialized knowledge or of information, data and material included within the agency's files. The parties shall be notified either before or during the hearing or after the hearing but before the agency decision of material facts noticed, and they shall be afforded an opportunity to contest the facts noticed.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-109 Contested cases; consideration of record; exceptions to decision; briefs and oral argument.

The agency shall consider the whole record or any portion stipulated to by the parties. In the event a recommended decision is rendered all parties shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to file exceptions thereto which shall be deemed a part of the record. All parties as a matter of right shall be permitted to file a brief with the agency and oral argument shall be allowed in the discretion of the agency.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-110 Contested cases; final decision; contents; notification.

A final decision or order adverse to a party in a contested case shall be in writing or dictated into the record. The final decision shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law separately stated. Findings of fact if set forth in statutory language, shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit statement of the underlying facts supporting the findings. Parties shall be notified either personally or by mail of any decision or order. A copy of the decision and order shall be delivered or mailed forthwith to each party or to his attorney of record.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-111 Contested cases; limitations on consultations and participations.

Unless required for the disposition of ex parte matters authorized by law, members of the agency, employees presiding at a hearing in a contested case and employees assisting the foregoing persons in compiling, evaluating and analyzing the record in a contested case or in writing a decision in a contested case shall not directly or indirectly in connection with any issue in the case consult with any person other than an agency member, officer, contract consultant or employee or other state or federal employee, any party other than the agency or with any agency employee, contract consultant or other state or federal employee who was engaged in the investigation, preparation, presentation or prosecution of the case except upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. Nothing herein contained precludes any agency member from consulting with other members of the agency. No officer, employee, contract consultant, federal employee or agent who has participated in the investigation, preparation, presentation or prosecution of a contested case shall be in that or a factually related case participate or advise in the decision, recommended decision or agency review of the decision, or be consulted in connection therewith except as witness or counsel in public proceedings. A staff member is not disqualified from participating or advising in the decision, recommended decision or agency review because he has participated in the presentation of the case in the event the staff member does not assert or have an adversary position.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-112 Contested cases; presiding officers; qualifications; powers; outside personnel; hearing officers.

(a) If not otherwise authorized by law there shall preside at the taking of evidence in all contested cases the statutory agency, one (1) or more members of the body which comprises the agency, or an employee of the agency or an employee of another agency designated by the agency to act as presiding officer. The functions of all those presiding in contested cases shall be conducted in an impartial manner. Any officer shall at any time withdraw if he deems himself disqualified provided there are other qualified presiding officers available to act. (b) Officers presiding at hearings shall have authority, subject to the published rules of the agency and within its power to: (i) Administer oaths and affirmations; (ii) Issue subpoenas; (iii) Rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence; (iv) Take or cause depositions to be taken in accordance with the provisions of this act and the rules of the agency; (v) Regulate the course of the hearing; (vi) Hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues; (vii) Dispose of procedural requests or similar matters; (viii) Make recommended decisions when directed to do so by the agency; and (ix) Take any other action authorized by agency rules consistent with this act. (c) In all contested cases to the extent that it is necessary in order to obtain compliance with W.S. 16-3-111 the agency (excepting county and municipal agencies and political subdivisions on the county and local level) may request the office of the attorney general to furnish to the agency such personnel as may be necessary in order for the agency to properly investigate, prepare, present and prosecute the contested case before the agency. The attorney general upon the receipt of the request shall promptly comply with same with no charge being made against the requesting agency's appropriation other than for travel and per diem expenses. (d) To the extent an agency utilizes an employee of another agency (other than the staff of the attorney general) to preside at a hearing or otherwise the salary of the employee during the period of the employment and the expenses incurred by the employee shall be charged against the appropriation of the using agency. (e) When required by law an agency shall adopt rules and regulations providing a procedure for the use and the selection of an administrative hearing officer. An agency shall not delegate the authority to make final decisions to an independent administrative hearing officer unless required by law.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-113 License hearings.

(a) When the grant, denial, suspension or renewal of a license is required by law to be preceded by notice and an opportunity for hearing the provisions of this act concerning contested cases apply. (b) When a licensee has made timely and sufficient application for the renewal of a license or a new license with reference to any activity of a continuing nature, the existing license does not expire until the application has been finally determined by the agency, and, in case the application is denied or the terms of the new license limited, until the last day for seeking review of the agency order or a later date fixed by order of the reviewing court. (c) No revocation, suspension, annulment or withdrawal of any license is lawful unless, prior to the institution of agency proceedings, the agency gave notice by mail to the licensee of facts or conduct which warrant the intended action, and the licensee was given an opportunity to show compliance with all lawful requirements for the retention of the license. If the agency finds that public health, safety or welfare imperatively requires emergency action, and incorporates a finding to that effect in its order, summary suspension of a license may be ordered pending proceedings for revocation or other action. A cancellation of a driver's license pursuant to W.S. 31-7-121(c) shall not be valid until the department of transportation gives notice by mail to the licensee of the facts which warrant the intended action and provides the licensee with an opportunity to provide additional evidence or information with respect to the condition at issue within fifteen (15) days of the mailing of the notice. These proceedings shall be promptly instituted and determined.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-114 Judicial review of agency actions; district courts.

(a) Subject to the requirement that administrative remedies be exhausted and in the absence of any statutory or common-law provision precluding or limiting judicial review, any person aggrieved or adversely affected in fact by a final decision of an agency in a contested case, or by other agency action or inaction, or any person affected in fact by a rule adopted by an agency, is entitled to judicial review in the district court for the county in which the injury or harm for which relief is sought occurred, in the district court for the county in which the administrative action or inaction was taken, or in which any real property affected by the administrative action or inaction is located, or if no real property is involved, in the district court for the county in which the party aggrieved or adversely affected by the administrative action or inaction resides or has its principal place of business. The procedure to be followed in the proceeding before the district court shall be in accordance with rules heretofore or hereinafter adopted by the Wyoming supreme court. (b) The supreme court's authority to adopt rules governing review from agencies to the district courts shall include authority to determine the content of the record upon review, the pleadings to be filed, the time and manner for filing the pleadings, records and other documents and the extent to which supplemental testimony and evidence may be taken or considered by the district court. The rules adopted by the supreme court under this provision may supersede existing statutory provisions. (c) To the extent necessary to make a decision and when presented, the reviewing court shall decide all relevant questions of law, interpret constitutional and statutory provisions, and determine the meaning or applicability of the terms of an agency action. In making the following determinations, the court shall review the whole record or those parts of it cited by a party and due account shall be taken of the rule of prejudicial error. The reviewing court shall: (i) Compel agency action unlawfully withheld or unreasonably delayed; and (ii) Hold unlawful and set aside agency action, findings and conclusions found to be: (A) Arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with law; (B) Contrary to constitutional right, power, privilege or immunity; (C) In excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority or limitations or lacking statutory right; (D) Without observance of procedure required by law; or (E) Unsupported by substantial evidence in a case reviewed on the record of an agency hearing provided by statute.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-115 Judicial review of agency actions; supreme court.

An aggrieved party may obtain a review of any final judgment of the district court under this act by appeal to the supreme court. The appeal shall be taken as in other civil cases.
Source: WY Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title16.pdfFetched: 10/4/2026

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