This bill repeals the expiration date (sunset) for Wyoming's property tax exemption that benefits long-term homeowners, making the exemption permanent. It directly affects homeowners who have owned their primary residence in Wyoming for a specified period, typically 10 or more years under existing law. The key provision removes the scheduled end date for this tax break, ensuring eligible homeowners continue to receive the exemption without needing future legislative action. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies statewide to qualifying properties.
Wyoming's SF 104 creates a dedicated $51.2 million university faculty research project account at the University of Wyoming to fund faculty research. The bill requires universities to secure at least 1:1 nonstate matching funds for most projects (except graduate student stipends), which can cover equipment, donor-aligned research, or business-requested projects matching the university's strengths. Profits from funded research must be split equally between the university and faculty researchers, with annual reports required to state committees on project details and spending. This directly affects University of Wyoming faculty, graduate students receiving stipends (up to $1,500/month), and external donors or businesses partnering on research.
This bill appropriates $15 million from Wyoming's tourism reserve fund to support the development of a rodeo and cowboy museum and hall of fame in Wyoming. The funds will be distributed in three installments of $5 million each on July 1, 2026, 2027, and 2028, contingent on the Wyoming Tourism Board certifying that relocation efforts will boost tourism, jobs, and state revenue. Applicants must provide matching funds (at least $1 for every $1 granted) and relocate to Wyoming by June 30, 2028, or repay the grant. The Wyoming Office of Tourism must report annually on fund usage until 2036.
SF 109 creates a permanent "Cowboy State Agricultural Trust Fund" in Wyoming, funded through state investments and eligible contributions. The fund's earnings will provide grants to support agricultural programs, including University of Wyoming research, workforce development at community colleges, K-12 agricultural education, value-added projects, and technology adoption in farming. Recipients must match each dollar from the fund with at least one dollar in non-state funds and report on grant usage annually. The bill establishes a committee to manage grant applications, oversight, and reporting requirements. This legislation directly affects Wyoming agricultural educators, students, producers, and institutions through new funding mechanisms.
HB 127 requires voter approval before school districts or county commissioners in Wyoming can impose new mill levies for recreational facilities and public recreation systems. It limits new levies to one mill (one dollar per $1,000 of assessed property value) and mandates that any new levy must be approved by a majority vote at the same election as the general election. The levy would expire after four years unless reapproved by voters at subsequent general elections held every four years. Existing levies not approved by voters before December 31, 2028, would also expire. This directly affects local governments seeking to fund recreation programs through property taxes.
This bill creates a program offering Wyoming National Guard members up to $5,000 to encourage reenlistment or extension of service for at least three years. The Wyoming Military Department will administer the program, with annual reports required starting November 1, 2026, detailing participation, bonus amounts, and changes in Guard membership. It is funded by a $1 million state appropriation from the general fund, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with unspent funds reverting at the end of that period. The program directly affects eligible Wyoming National Guard members who meet reenlistment criteria.
This bill increases the referral bonus for the Wyoming National Guard's peer recruitment program from $500 to $1,000 per successful referral. It expands eligibility to include current military department employees and recruits who have begun enlistment (though recruits must complete their own enlistment before receiving a bonus). The program's expiration date is extended from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028, and includes a $163,000 state appropriation to fund bonuses during this period. The policy directly affects current Guard members, veterans, military staff, and new recruits who refer eligible candidates.
HB 121 imposes a severance tax on hydrogen production in Wyoming, directly affecting companies and entities producing hydrogen within the state. It taxes hydrogen based on its fair market value (similar to natural gas taxation), with a 9% rate for hydrogen produced from water and a 3% rate for hydrogen from other feedstocks like natural gas or biomass. The tax applies to the gross value of hydrogen produced, with exemptions and collection procedures mirroring existing natural gas severance tax rules. The law would take effect for all hydrogen production starting July 1, 2026.
Wyoming's HJ 2 is a joint resolution requesting Congress to pass a law increasing the state's share of federal mineral royalties from 50% to 87.5%. This directly affects Wyoming's state budget, as current federal royalty payments fund critical services like roads, schools, and emergency responders. The resolution cites that recent federal rate cuts (e.g., reducing oil/gas royalties from 16.67% to 12.5%) will decrease Wyoming's annual share by up to $50 million for coal leasing by 2034. The bill seeks to offset these revenue losses by aligning Wyoming's share with Alaska's 90% rate. (Note: This is a procedural request to Congress, not a binding law.)
Wyoming's SF 32 establishes a state-funded program to support 911 emergency services. It directs the Department of Transportation to conduct a study on transitioning to next-generation 911 systems by September 2027, and to provide grants covering funding shortfalls for local governments operating current 911 systems. The bill appropriates $3.75 million ($3 million for grants, $750,000 for the study) from the legislative stabilization reserve, with funds available for applications starting July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2028. Local governments operating 911 systems may apply for grants to cover operational shortfalls, while the study will examine system governance, operations, and costs. The bill directly affects local emergency service providers and state budget allocations for public safety infrastructure.