Budget & Taxes

Wyoming's HB 88 prohibits state and local government entities from using public funds to lobby lawmakers or support lobbying activities. The bill directly affects all state agencies, counties, cities, school districts, and special districts (but excludes for-profit contractors). Key provisions require annual certifications of compliance with the ban, forbid paying dues to groups that lobby, and allow taxpayers to sue to stop violations. Enforcement includes potential court actions by the Attorney General or affected residents, with penalties for noncompliance. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

HB 124 would have reduced property tax exemptions for single-family homeowners in Wyoming by lowering the percentage used to calculate the exemption from 4% to 2% of the prior year's assessed value. This change would apply to both the home structure and associated land, resulting in a smaller tax break for qualifying homeowners as their exemption amount would decrease. The bill, which failed to pass in the Wyoming House of Representatives on February 10, 2026, was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026. It directly affects residential property owners who currently qualify for this exemption under Wyoming law.

HB 21 directs that 10% of monthly online sports wagering revenue be paid to the state commission. The first $300,000 of this revenue annually funds county health programs addressing gambling addiction, while half of the remaining funds go to Wyoming's outdoor recreation and tourism trust fund and the other half to the state general fund. The bill affects sports wagering operators (who pay the fee) and directly provides funding for public health services and outdoor recreation infrastructure. It takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Wyoming's HB 20 establishes a permit system for nonmotorized recreational trail use (like bicycles) in state parks and historic sites. It allows the Department of State Parks to require permits with annual fees up to $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, or daily fees up to $5. Fees collected fund trail maintenance, signage, safety programs, and related infrastructure within state parks. Minors under 18 are exempt from the permit requirement. The bill creates a dedicated account for these funds, ensuring they supplement existing park funding for trail-related purposes.