HB 36 creates a specialized wildland fire suppression module within Wyoming's State Forestry Division (part of the Office of State Lands and Investments). It authorizes 12 new positions - two full-time roles (regional fire manager and suppression module leader), plus temporary staff - and appropriates $2.572 million from the general fund specifically for this module. The funds cover hiring, training, equipment, and support for a dedicated wildfire response team focused on fire suppression and hazardous fuels reduction projects. The funding is restricted to these purposes through June 2028, with unspent funds reverting to the state on that date. This bill directly affects the State Forestry Division's operational capacity for wildfire management.
Wyoming's HB 128 provides a 5-year severance tax exemption for oil and gas operators using certified advanced extraction methods (tertiary production) between July 2026 and July 2031. It directly affects oil and gas producers who implement qualifying projects approved by the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission after July 1, 2026. The bill requires annual reports by the Commission and Department detailing production volumes, qualifying operators, wells, and the tax savings from the exemption. This exemption applies specifically to severance taxes under Wyoming law, with reports due each November 1 from 2026 through 2036.
This bill authorizes two new full-time positions within Wyoming's state forestry division (one effective April 2026, one April 2027) to support the forestry conservation inmate crew program. It appropriates $499,709 from the general fund specifically for these positions, associated equipment/supplies, and program costs through June 2028. The funding is tied to coordination with the Department of Corrections and includes specific budgeting instructions for the state's next fiscal biennium. The bill directly affects the state forestry division, the inmate crew program, and the Department of Corrections.
This bill appropriates $237,865,123 from Wyoming's public school foundation program to fund major maintenance for K-12 school facilities. The funds are allocated for two periods: $1.12 million for immediate use through June 2028, and $236.74 million for the 2026-2028 fiscal biennium. School districts receive these funds for facility repairs under state law, with unused funds reverting to the foundation account by June 30, 2028. The bill directly affects all Wyoming public school districts eligible for state maintenance funding.
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.
SF 60 appropriates $31.66 million from Wyoming's public school foundation program for K-12 school facility maintenance projects across specific school districts, with spending limits per project listed in the bill. It also establishes a separate grant program for school safety and security projects, requiring districts to meet defined criteria to receive funds. The bill mandates annual reports on project progress and specifies that unspent funds must revert to the foundation program by June 30, 2028. This legislation directly affects Wyoming's public and charter school districts by providing targeted funding for facility upkeep and security upgrades.
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.
This bill increases funding for Wyoming's Hathaway scholarship program. It raises per-semester award amounts for three scholarship tiers: opportunity ($840 → $1,180), performance ($1,260 → $1,770), and honor ($1,680 → $2,360) scholarships for students meeting specific GPA and test score criteria. The bill also increases the maximum annual need-based scholarship award from $1,575 to $2,120. These changes apply to eligible Wyoming students pursuing degrees or certificates at approved institutions, effective July 1, 2026.
SF 86 creates the Wyoming Property Tax Relief Authority to provide financial assistance for property taxes to qualifying homeowners. The authority would administer a loan program offering funds to Wyoming residents who own their primary residence and face increased property tax burdens. It authorizes the issuance of bonds to fund the program, with repayment secured by dedicated revenues. The bill also requires that loan application details remain confidential and not subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Act.
Wyoming's SF 64 creates the Wyoming Housing Revolving Loan Program to address affordable housing shortages. It provides loans to local governments, housing authorities, and nonprofits for new construction, rehabilitation, or land acquisition of affordable and workforce housing (80% of funds), plus zero-interest loans for planning and predevelopment (20% of funds). The program is funded by a $30 million transfer from the Strategic Investments Account (if not repealed), with repaid loans replenishing the fund. All loans require state attorney general certification and annual reporting to the legislature on fund usage and project outcomes.
