1. Enduring Local Prosperity
Will this policy encourage families to set down roots, leading to long-term economic development through better local opportunities for the next generation?
Result: ✅ Passes
HB 11 seeks to mandate that entities using eminent domain provide landowners with a written "bill of rights" brochure and clear notice of their rights before condemning property. This could support local prosperity by helping landowners retain value and make better-informed decisions during land acquisition.
2. Flexible Self-Reliance
Does this policy give individuals, communities and/or the state the flexibility to adapt to changing political and economic circumstances? Will this help individuals and communities move away from ongoing reliance on government programs, subsidies and mandates, and toward independence and resilience?
Result: ✅ Passes
The legislation increases the ability of individuals to engage with and respond to eminent domain threats by ensuring notice of rights and negotiation requirements.
3. Private Property Rights
Does this policy remove institutional barriers, so that individuals or businesses may more easily use their land, property and labor in ways that do not violate the rights of others?
Result: ✅ Passes
By requiring notice of rights (including compensation standards, negotiation rules, and ability to challenge decisions) and enhancing transparency in the eminent domain process, HB 11 clearly protects the institution of private property. Providing landowners with formal documentation of their rights makes it harder for powerful actors to leverage eminent domain without meaningful acknowledgement of landowner interests.
4. Transparent Constitutional Government
Is this policy limited to carrying out the functions of a small and transparent government as described in the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions, while dividing power appropriately between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of Wyoming's government?
Result: ✅ Passes
HB 11 directly advances transparency and procedural clarity in government-initiated property takings. It forces governments to provide landowners with clear, written information about legal rights before actions begin and outlines responsibilities of condemning parties. This improves accountability and understanding of constitutional protections in land takings.
5. Responsible Taxation & Spending
Will this policy reduce government spending, broaden the tax base, simplify tax policy or lower tax/fee intake?
Result: ✅ Passes
6. Local and State Control
Will this policy return power to Wyoming families or local governments from state government? Or will this policy transfer power to state government from the federal government?
Result: ✅ Passes
HB 11 preserves state-level procedural standards for how eminent domain is exercised within Wyoming by codifying notice and negotiation requirements. While the underlying authority of eminent domain remains, the process is localized. Landowners within Wyoming will receive consistent rights information tailored to state law rather than vague or inconsistent practices.
7. Voluntary Exchange & Individual Choice
Does this policy remove obstacles from business and consumers engaging in voluntary, mutually beneficial transactions, ultimately giving consumers more choices?
Result: ✅ Passes
By improving clarity on legal rights and negotiation protocols, the bill enhances voluntary exchange, landowners are better positioned to negotiate, or contest offers rather than being compelled without adequate information. It doesn't remove the power of eminent domain, but it strengthens the landowner's hand and choice in how to engage with takings.
8. Profit Motive & Fair Competition
Does this policy encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to seek profits through calculated risks based on market prices rather than government signals, lowering prices for consumers?
Result: ✅ Passes
By clarifying the rights of landowners, it might reduce opportunistic takings that favor well-connected private interests over landowner rights, indirectly supporting a competitive environment where property interests are respected.
9. Electoral Accountability
Does this policy assist Wyomingites in voting more securely and/or easily for eligible candidates in transparent elections for public office? Or provide mechanisms for holding elected or nonelected officials accountable for their actions to the people of Wyoming?
Result: N/A
10. Generational Resource Stewardship
Would this policy ensure Wyoming's natural resources can be shared across current and future generations of Wyomingites?
Result: N/A
✅
Final Verdict: Passes the WyLiberty Policy Compass
Score: 8 Pass | 0 Caution | 0 Fail | 2 Not Applicable
Summary:
Wyoming House Bill 11 (HB 11) scores positively on 8 of 8 considered Compass Points, leading Wyoming Liberty Group to support this legislation. It would establish a landowner's bill of rights within the state's eminent domain process. It requires that any government entity planning to exercise eminent domain must provide property owners with a written brochure explaining their rights. This might include fair compensation, negotiation requirements, advance notice of property entry, and options to challenge compensation. It would take effect July 1, 2026.