by Structured Settlement Watchdog
Coal Creek Law recently announced the filing of a show cause motion and motion to compel production in the Wyoming District Court against the Town of Glenrock, WY (Glenrock).
What is the Wyoming Public Records Act?
Wyoming Public Records Act Wyoleg.gov
- “All public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times, during business hours of the
state entity or political subdivision . . . .”” W.S. 16-4-202 - Agencies may make rules and regulations reasonably necessary for the protection of records and prevention of unnecessary interference with the regular discharge of agency duties.
Like similar laws in other states, the Wyoming Public Records Act ensures public access to government records to promote transparency and accountability in state and local government operations.
Download Motion to Compel Compliance w WYPRA & for Order to Show Cause, 7-18-25 (130 pages)
The legal action stems from Glenrock’s alleged improper refusal to fully comply with a Wyoming Public Records Act (WPRA) request, including the inappropriate assertion of attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine to withhold documents related to Glenrock’s interactions with Flatirons Bank and Flatirons’s “Justice Escrow” Qualified Settlement Fund.
The WPRA requests , submitted earlier in 2025, sought all communications, contracts and records pertaining to Glenrock’s involvement and interactions in establishing or facilitating Qualified Settlement Funds (QSFs) utilizing Justice Escrow, a service offered by Flatirons Bank. QSFs are specilaized accounts used to manage settlement funds in legal cases
- Despite repeated demands, Glenrock, represented by Williams, Porter, Day, and Neville (WPDN), has produced only a fraction of the requested documents.
- Specifically, it has improperly sought to redact and withhold communications and contracts with third parties under the auspices of attorney-client privilege and work product. The complaint argues that these materials are public records under Wyoming statutes and are thus subject to disclosure under establish law because such communications involve third parties to Glenrock and its counsel such as Flatirons Bank.
The Complaint alleges that, based on information and belief, the Town of Glenrock WY improperly withheld documents that contain information that reveals Glenrock’s involvement with Flatirons Bank and an agreement to sponsor QSFs through Glenrock
Government transparency is the cornerstone of democracy, and the Wyoming Legislature has codified the public’s right to information in the WPRA,” said Caleb Wilkins, lead attorney for Coal Creek.
Quoting a recent court opinion, Mr. Wilkins noted, “The Wyoming Supreme Court has held ‘the WPRA creates a presumption that the denial of inspection of public records is contrary to public policy.’” He continued, “Wyoming Courts have vigorously upheld the public’s right to governmental transparency under the WPRA, are we are confident that the Court will order disclosure in this case.”
The motion to compel seeks a court order for the immediate release of all withheld documents and other remedies under the WPRA. Additionally, the motion to show cause requires that officials of the Town of Glenrock, WY, explain why they should not be held in contempt for failing to fulfill their statutory duties under the WPRA.
Related Commentary
Lawsuit accuses town of Glenrock of hiding public records | State | wyomingnewsnow.tv July 31, 2025 (Updated August 1, 2025)
Wyoming legislators are eyeing tougher fines for officials who play hide-and-seek with public documents, according to a Cowboy State Daily report from May 2025.
Last updated October 28, 2025