The Legislative Service Office presented 26 LSO‑0146 (working draft 0.4), a proposed statutory package creating state‑level money‑laundering and illegal‑investment offenses and related definitions modeled on prior Senate File 116 and federal law. The committee voted to continue developing the draft and asked LSO and the Wyoming Gaming Commission to work with county prosecutors and law‑enforcement groups to refine language.

Why it matters: The draft would give Wyoming prosecutors tools to pursue money‑laundering‑type misconduct at state level rather than relying solely on federal statutes. Committee members and local prosecutors said current criminal definitions (for example, the long‑used “bona fide social relationship” exception for private social gaming) are vague and hamper enforcement.

Key points from LSO and the commission: LSO counsel Tamara Reveley summarized the draft’s elements: definitions of “property” and “financial institution,” criminal elements that include transporting or transacting property “the person knows or reasonably should know” is derived from criminal activity, and a distinct “illegal investment” offense to cover structured transactions designed to evade reporting. The draft ties penalties to felony ranges and includes proposed thresholds and reporting‑evading language similar to federal Bank Secrecy Act concepts.

Law enforcement and prosecutor input: Representatives of the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police and county prosecutors told the committee they support a state statute but urged precise, operable language. Prosecuting attorneys recommended relying on an objective “reasonable person” standard rather than a narrow subjective requirement of “actual knowledge” and suggested aligning penalty tiers with the underlying offenses so that a low‑level underlying crime did not automatically become a high‑level felony solely because of a laundering allegation.

Next steps and committee action: By voice vote the task force asked LSO to draft bill language informed by gaming‑commission enforcement priorities and to consult prosecutors and law enforcement regarding definitions (for example, the meaning and limits of “bona fide social relationship,” and the handling of business operators that serve as financial conduits). Several industry stakeholders (Wyoming State Liquor Association, gaming operators) said they support clear sideboards to prevent operators from facilitating professional or commercial gambling disguised as private social events.

Ending: The committee approved continued development of state anti‑money‑laundering language and directed LSO to work with the gaming commission, county prosecutors, and law enforcement to produce more precise text for consideration at the next meeting.