SF 106 amends Wyoming's welfare and Medicaid eligibility rules to strengthen verification processes. It requires monthly checks of residency and death records, bans self-attestation for income, citizenship, and household composition without verification, and limits retroactive Medicaid coverage to two months. The bill directly affects welfare applicants and recipients, including both citizens and noncitizens, by tightening eligibility requirements. Key provisions include shorter recertification periods for unstable households (up to 4 months) and mandatory reporting to the legislature on program impacts. These changes aim to prevent program misuse while aligning with federal requirements.
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 SF 110 establishes a lower property tax assessment rate for primary residences owned by residents who live there year-round. It sets an 8.3% assessment rate for owner-occupied primary homes (down from 9.5%) while maintaining a 9.5% rate for other residential properties. To qualify for the lower rate, homeowners must submit an annual claim to their county assessor by May 4th, demonstrating they occupy the property as their primary residence for at least six months. The bill repeals an existing exemption for primary residences and takes effect for the 2027 tax year.
SF 98 creates a property tax exemption for qualifying Wyoming veterans and military members. It covers honorably discharged veterans who served 18+ consecutive months (active duty or Wyoming National Guard), current active/reserve members of the Wyoming National Guard or U.S. armed forces, and surviving spouses/parents of qualifying veterans. To qualify, applicants must be bona fide Wyoming residents for at least three years. The exemption applies starting January 1, 2026.
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.
Wyoming's SF 96 clarifies that tobacco wholesalers cannot sell nicotine products to anyone under 21. It extends tobacco taxation to cigars and pipe tobacco, setting a maximum tax rate of 20% or $0.30 per cigar, and requires remote sellers (online retailers) to obtain a license and pay this tax on sales to Wyoming consumers. The bill also defines key terms like "remote retail sale" (online orders with delivery) and "wholesaler" to clarify who must comply. This directly affects tobacco wholesalers, remote online sellers, and consumers purchasing cigars or pipe tobacco in Wyoming.
