Wyoming claims officials are immune in state rent lawsuit

CHEYENNE (AP) — The state of Wyoming is claiming elected officials and employees are immune from civil action in their capacities as proceedings for a lawsuit continue over office space the state is renting out.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports the Voss Family Limited Partnership of Worland filed the suit last year, claiming the state fell more than $930,000 behind on rent payments for temporary office space at a Cheyenne building.

Wyoming officials claim in court documents they’re withholding rent until the state is reimbursed for improvements it made to the space.

In documents filed last month, officials claim the lease is clear that the state retains immunity to civil action, and the partnership agreed to the sovereign immunity by signing the lease.

The newspaper reports that neither side has commented publicly on the case.