1. Enduring Local Prosperity
Will this policy encourage families to set down roots, leading to long-term economic development through better local opportunities for the next generation?
Result: N/A
2. Flexible Self-Reliance
Does this policy give individuals,communitiesand/or the state the flexibility to adapt to changing political and economic circumstances? Will this help individuals and communities move away from ongoing reliance on government programs,subsidiesand mandates, and toward independence and resilience?
Result: N/A
3. Private Property Rights
Does this policy remove institutional barriers, so that individuals or businesses may more easily use their land, property and labor in ways that do not violate the rights of others?
Result: N/A
4. Transparent Constitutional Government
Is this policy limited to carrying out the functions of a small and transparent government as described in the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions, while dividing power appropriately between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of Wyoming's government?
Result: ✅ Passes
The bill institutionalizes transparency by requiring detailed public reporting from unions while restricting the use of public funds for automatic union dues collection from employee paychecks. That increases fiscal and structural visibility in public sector labor relations.
5. Responsible Taxation & Spending
Question:Will this policy reduce government spending, broaden the tax base, simplify tax policy or lower tax/fee intake?
Result: N/A
6. Local and State Control
Will this policy return power to Wyoming families or local governments from state government? Or will this policy transfer power to state government from the federal government?
Result: N/A
7. Voluntary Exchange & Individual Choice
Does this policy remove obstacles from business and consumers engaging in voluntary, mutually beneficial transactions, ultimately giving consumers more choices?
Result: ✅ Passes
By ending automatic dues deductions and enhancing information available to workers,HB 178 will enshrine individual choice by eliminating mandatory payroll deductions.Labor unions have a history of making it difficult to leave a union(and removing a cash flow)once a member starts paying dues. This bill will make it easier for the individual to decide to join, remain or leave a union based on conscience and circumstance, instead of mere convenience.
8. Profit Motive & Fair Competition
Does this policy encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to seek profits through calculated risks based on market prices rather than government signals, lowering prices for consumers?
Result: N/A
9. Electoral Accountability
Does this policy assist Wyomingites in voting more securely and/or easily for eligible candidates in transparent elections for public office? Or provide mechanisms for holding elected or nonelected officials accountable for their actions to the people of Wyoming?
Result: ✅ Passes
Union officials often become de facto lobbyists in many jurisdictions, with a larger portion of their budget devoted to lobbying, rather than union representation. HB178would incentivize union officials to actually represent their members, realizing that only extreme attentiveness to member needs will make them an organization worthy of union membership.
10. Generational Resource Stewardship
Would this policy ensure Wyoming's natural resources can be shared across current and future generations of Wyomingites?
✅
Final Verdict: Passes the WyLiberty Policy Compass
Score: 3 Pass | 0 Caution | 0 Fail | 7 Not Applicable
Summary:
House Bill 178 prohibits public government employers in Wyoming from deducting union dues, fees, or other assessments directly from employee paychecks. Public employees would still be allowed to financially support a labor organization, but payments must be made directly by the employee rather than through automatic payroll deduction by a government entity.The bill also establishes detailed transparency requirements for public employee labor organizations. Unions representing public employees must file annual reports disclosing membership totals, revenue sources, and itemized expenditures, including spending on political activities, lobbying, administrative costs, and other categories. These reports must be provided to members, made publicly available online, and furnished upon request. Enforcement provisions authorize penalties for noncompliance. The act is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.