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Wyoming Senate Judiciary Committee advances draft anti‑money‑laundering statute
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to send Senate File 116, a draft anti‑money‑laundering statute adapted from New Jersey law, out of committee after amendments narrowing the property definition; the measure passed committee 4–0 with one excused.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on an unspecified date voted to advance Senate File 116, a draft anti‑money‑laundering statute adapted from New Jersey law, after lawmakers debated how broadly to define “property” and added clarifying edits.
The bill sponsor, Senator Nethercott, told the committee the draft grew out of an interim study of Wyoming gaming laws that found the state lacked a standalone money‑laundering statute. He said the draft adopts many elements of the New Jersey statute but is adjusted to fit the Wyoming Criminal Code.
The bill defines money laundering broadly as transporting, possessing, organizing or otherwise dealing with property the person knows or reasonably should know is derived from criminal activity and includes conduct intended to conceal the source, ownership or location of proceeds. Senator Nethercott said many of the draft’s definitions are intentionally broad because “that’s how it gets laundered.” He told members the draft aligns with federal reporting regimes and noted federal partners often take the lead on large cases that use interstate commerce.
Committee members focused most discussion on the draft’s definition of property. Senator Hicks and others worried that a long enumerated list could prove either too narrow or invite judicial interpretation that defeats the statute’s purpose. Senator Hicks offered a motion to strike the enumerated list after the phrase “property” and the committee initially agreed to the change, then accepted a friendly amendment from Senator Crago to retain the clause “and includes any benefit or interest without reduction for expenses incurred for acquisition, maintenance, or any other purpose.” Committee member Senator Colvin successfully proposed inserting “but not limited to” after “including,” language the committee adopted.
After public testimony in support from former senator Ellis, representing a racing‑industry interest, and Shane Schultz (Brancini) on behalf of Kilroy Racing, the committee took a roll‑call vote. The record shows Senator Crago, Senator Hicks, Senator Copp and Chairman Olsen voted aye; Senator Crum was excused. The committee reported the bill out with a tally recorded as 4 ayes, 1 excused.
The draft retains felony penalties for covered laundering conduct consistent with Wyoming’s existing criminal sentencing ranges; Senator Nethercott noted federal law has a broader tiered penalty structure in some jurisdictions, citing New Jersey’s higher maximums as an example.
Committee members and the sponsor signaled openness to further technical changes as the bill moves forward. The next procedural step is consideration on the Senate floor, where additional amendments could be offered.
