This Wyoming legislative bill (SJ 3) proposes amending the state constitution to require future constitutional amendments to be approved by a majority of voters in at least three-fourths of Wyoming's counties (not just statewide). It would directly affect all future constitutional amendment proposals by adding this county-level approval requirement. The key change modifies Article 20, Section 1 of the Wyoming Constitution, which currently only requires statewide voter approval. The bill failed to advance after a 14-17 vote against introduction on February 16, 2024.
This bill repeals Wyoming's temporary tax exemption for electricity produced from wind energy, ending a moratorium that previously exempted wind power from a production tax. Starting July 1, 2024, all wind-generated electricity in Wyoming - including power produced before the repeal that qualified for the old exemption - will be subject to the tax. The bill directly affects wind energy producers by requiring them to pay the tax on their electricity output. It makes no changes to existing tax rates but removes the specific exemption that had applied to wind energy since 2020. (Note: The bill failed to advance in the legislature on February 16, 2024.)
Wyoming's SF 117 requires public schools to assess all kindergarten through third-grade students for reading proficiency three times yearly using state-approved tools. Students scoring "below basic" on the grade 3 English language arts assessment must be placed on an individualized reading plan with parental involvement, or face grade retention in third grade. The bill mandates schools to notify parents of reading deficiencies, provide evidence-based interventions, and document progress. It applies directly to K-3 students and their schools in Wyoming public education, with specific requirements for parental notification and intervention planning. The bill also prohibits score modification and outlines procedures for addressing reading deficiencies before retention.
This bill requires land developers (subdividers) in Wyoming to submit proof to the state engineer about how they will handle water rights before a subdivision permit is approved. It mandates one of three specific actions: voluntarily abandoning water rights, changing water use outside the subdivision, or providing an approved plan for distributing water rights to new lots. Developers must also notify buyers that Wyoming law does not recognize riparian rights to stream flow and disclose any potential impacts on existing water systems. The bill was introduced in 2024 but failed to pass after a 17-14 vote in the Senate.
This bill establishes a voluntary paid family and medical leave insurance program for Wyoming employees, providing up to 60% wage replacement for 12 weeks per year for qualifying events like childbirth, adoption, caring for a seriously ill family member, or the employee's own serious health condition. The program would roll out in phases: state employees would be offered coverage by March 2025, private employers with two or more employees could choose to offer it by March 2026, and self-employed individuals or small businesses (with one or fewer employees) could purchase individual coverage by March 2027. Employers may opt to cover premiums for their employees but are not required to, and premiums would be pre-tax where permitted by law.
HB 120 would establish a regulatory framework for online gambling (interactive gaming) in Wyoming, authorizing and overseeing internet-based casino-style games like poker or slots through the Wyoming Gaming Commission. The bill defines key terms, requires operators to verify players' physical presence in Wyoming via geolocation technology (except under reciprocal agreements), and mandates rules for security, wagering procedures, and revenue collection. It explicitly excludes fantasy sports, tribal gaming on Indian lands, and traditional lotteries from this definition. This legislation would directly affect online gambling companies, their service providers (like payment processors), and Wyoming residents who participate in interactive gaming.
HB 94 increases the maximum capacity for residential and small commercial solar/wind energy systems under Wyoming's net metering program from 25 kilowatts to 750 kilowatts. This change directly affects homeowners and small businesses that generate their own electricity, allowing larger systems to connect to the grid and receive credit for excess power. The bill amends Wyoming Statute 37-16-101 to update the definition of "net metering system" and takes effect on July 1, 2024.
HB 50, titled "What is a Woman Act," defines "sex" for legal purposes as a person's biological sex at birth, requiring all state laws, rules, and regulations to use this definition. It mandates that "woman" and "female" refer exclusively to individuals born with female biology (XX chromosomes, reproductive system for ova), and "man" and "male" refer to individuals born with male biology (XY chromosomes, reproductive system for fertilization). The bill requires state agencies, schools, and public facilities to collect vital statistics identifying people as male or female based on birth sex and to maintain separate accommodations (e.g., restrooms, shelters, prisons) based on biological sex. It applies directly to Wyoming state agencies, schools, and public entities collecting data or managing facilities. The bill failed its introduction in the Wyoming House on February 15, 2024.
Wyoming's HB 114 reauthorizes a program that helps teachers in shortage areas repay student loans by teaching in specific subjects. It targets educators in special education, math, science, world languages, reading, or English as a second language who complete teacher training at the University of Wyoming. Participants can repay loans without cash by teaching at least 50% of their time in these subjects for two years after graduation. The bill appropriates $2 million (2024-2026) for the program, with 15% allocated for administration. Annual reports will track the program's impact on teacher shortages in targeted areas.
Wyoming's HB 151 prohibits financial institutions from discriminating against firearm retailers by using or requiring special payment codes (like those for firearm sales) to distinguish them from other businesses. It bans financial institutions from keeping records of firearm purchases or owners, or disclosing payment information tied to these codes unless required by law. The bill also prevents banks from refusing payment transactions solely based on a firearm merchant code. Violations could lead to civil penalties up to $10,000 per incident, enforced through the Attorney General's office. The law takes effect July 1, 2024.
HB 109 would repeal a three-year tax exemption for wind energy production in Wyoming. It directly affects wind energy producers who currently benefit from this exemption, ending the tax break for new projects after the bill's effective date. The bill specifies that the existing exemption would still apply to wind turbines that began generating electricity for sale before the bill takes effect. The bill failed its House introduction on February 15, 2024, with a vote of 36-25-1.
HB 179 clarifies that state park superintendents, assistant superintendents, and full-time park rangers at Wyoming state parks, recreation areas, archaeological sites, and historic sites qualify as peace officers when acting within their assigned sites or assisting other peace officers. The bill amends existing definitions in Wyoming law to explicitly include these staff members under "peace officer" status, granting them the same legal authority as other peace officers within their jurisdiction. This change specifically affects park personnel who enforce laws and respond to incidents on state-managed lands. The bill was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2024, but failed committee review in February 2024.
