A proposal introduced during the Wyoming legislative session raised questions about how state boards participate in national professional licensing organizations.

House Bill (H.B.) 131 sought to restrict the use of public funds for memberships and participation in associations composed primarily of government entities that engage in legislative or administrative advocacy. As drafted, the measure would have repealed statutory authority allowing the Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors to pay membership dues to national organizations such as the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Participation in NCEES allows state engineering and surveying boards to collaborate on licensure standards, develop and administer national licensing examinations, and coordinate policies that support mobility and consistency across jurisdictions. State boards rely on these shared resources to administer the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineer (PE) examinations and to support licensure reciprocity across state lines.

Stakeholders noted that restricting the board’s ability to participate in national organizations could create operational challenges and reduce Wyoming’s engagement in national coordination efforts related to engineering and surveying licensure.

H.B. 131 ultimately failed introduction in the Wyoming Legislature. While the proposal did not advance, observers noted that the underlying policy concept could reappear through amendments or other legislative vehicles before the end of the session.

The Wyoming Society of Professional Engineers remained engaged as the situation developed during the legislative session.