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Senate advances electronic lien and title bill after amendments that bar passing fees to consumers
Summary
The Wyoming Senate approved two floor amendments to Senate File 25, an electronic lien and title system bill, including language requiring a DOT report on fees and prohibiting compelled users from passing transaction fees to retail consumers; Amendment 2 passed by division, 21-6.
The Wyoming Senate on Jan. 20 advanced Senate File 25, a bill to authorize an electronic lien and title system, after adopting two floor amendments that add a DOT reporting requirement and restrict passing transaction fees to retail customers.
Senator Cheri Bridal, sponsor of the first amendment, told the Senate the amendment would require the Department of Transportation to report to the Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee on the fee schedule to implement the system upon promulgation or by Nov. 1, 2026, whichever is earlier. "I hope this can address some of our concerns," Bridal said as she moved the amendment. The Senate carried Amendment 1 without recorded opposition.
Senator Mike Raufes (spelled in the transcript in varying forms) and Senator Rogers led debate on Amendment 2, which clarifies that entities required to use the electronic system — dealers, lenders, lien holders, insurers and other secured parties — shall not pass transaction fees on to customers not normally engaged in vehicle financing. Senator Raufes said the amendment was intended to ensure savings flow to consumers rather than be converted into an additional fee. "This amendment doesn't touch that individual regular consumer in any way," he said on the floor.
After discussion and a division, the Senate passed Amendment 2 by a recorded vote of 21 to 6. The bill was ordered to third reading.
Background and next steps: The bill creates an electronic lien and title process administered by the Department of Transportation and contemplates a future fee schedule. The Amendment 1 reporting requirement aims to provide the Legislature a chance to review proposed fees before implementation. Final passage of the bill was not recorded in the transcript excerpt; the Senate ordered Senate File 25 to be read a third time.
Votes at a glance: Amendment 1 — carried (voice vote). Amendment 2 — passed by division, 21 yes, 6 no.
The Senate left additional technical and operational questions, including how lien release transactions will be handled under the new system and the precise mechanics for individual consumers using the system, for follow-up and possible 3rd-reading clarifications.
