Before a bill can become law in Wyoming, what procedural step must occur?

• A. It must be approved by the Governor.
• B. It must be printed but need not be referred to committee.
• C. It must be referred to a committee and printed for use of the legislators.
• D. It must be published in the newspaper.

Answer: (C)

In Wyoming, the key step that must happen before a bill can become law is that it is referred to a committee and printed for use by the legislators. The committee stage brings focused scrutiny: a committee with expertise on the subject reviews the bill, may hold hearings, make amendments, and decides whether to report the bill back to the floor for consideration. Printing ensures every member has an official copy to study, debate, and vote on.

This pre-floor review is essential because it allows careful examination and debate outside the full chamber. After a bill clears the committee, it can proceed through the legislative process toward passage and, eventually, the governor’s signature. Publishing in a newspaper isn’t a required step, and governor approval comes after both houses have passed the bill, not before.