State lands-use of land qualification requirements.

HB 21 requires applicants seeking to lease Wyoming state lands for grazing or agricultural purposes to have an actual and necessary use of the land or forage. This new requirement is added to existing qualifications, which include paying annual rent at fair market value and having no significant violations of state land laws. The bill amends state land leasing law (W.S. 36-5-105) to mandate this use condition, replacing previous eligibility standards for such leases. It became effective July 1, 2023, directly affecting ranchers, farmers, and other applicants pursuing grazing or agricultural land leases.