Wyoming's SF 78 creates a $10 per ton financial incentive for carbon dioxide providers who use carbon capture technology to supply CO2 for enhanced oil recovery projects within the state. To qualify, providers must capture CO2 using specific technology, sell it for in-state oil recovery, and already receive the federal tax credit under 26 U.S.C. 45Q. The state would fund this through a dedicated "enhanced oil recovery stimulus account," with payments made after state auditors verify eligibility. This bill directly affects carbon dioxide providers meeting these criteria, not general consumers or other industries.
House Joint Resolution 2 (HJ 2) is a Wyoming legislative request urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment. The amendment would require disclosure of who funds political campaign spending and limit or ban contributions from corporations, unions, and other entities that are not natural persons. It specifically excludes groups composed of individuals who publicly identify their members and donors. The resolution failed its introduction vote (35-26) in February 2024 and has no direct effect on current laws.
SF 28 would create a new "Federal natural resource management coordinator" position within Wyoming's governor's office to monitor and respond to federal actions affecting the state's natural resources. The coordinator would review federal laws and regulations for impacts on Wyoming's interests, coordinate land exchanges with federal agencies, and protect state rights from federal overreach - including administering incentives like bonuses for state employees who defend these interests. The bill appropriates $10 million from the state general fund to fund the position and its activities for two years (2024-2026), while repealing the existing "coordinator of state-federal relations" role. This positions the state to proactively address federal resource management decisions through a dedicated, funded role.
SF 39 would require Wyoming's state fire marshal to create a 20-minute recruitment film for volunteer firefighters, working with the Department of Workforce Services and other agencies. The bill appropriates $150,000 from the state general fund (2024-2026) to produce and distribute the film publicly. It directly affects volunteer firefighters and recruitment efforts across Wyoming by aiming to attract new volunteers through a dedicated promotional video. The film must be created with potential help from a public relations firm, but the bill itself does not change firefighter duties or qualifications.
SF 62 authorizes Wyoming's Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources to lease state lands for recreational use, including parks and historic sites. The bill allows the department to sell permits for recreational access to leased lands, rent concessions (like cabins or boat services), and manage funds generated from these activities for park operations and maintenance. It directly affects state parks visitors, concession operators, and the department by creating a formal system for leasing and revenue management. The legislation updates existing law to clarify leasing authority, permit rules, and fund disposition for state lands used recreationally.
HB 28 creates a new misdemeanor offense for intentionally blocking someone with court-ordered visitation or custody rights from accessing a child. The law applies to parents or others legally entitled to see a child under a custody determination, making it illegal to willfully prevent that access. Penalties include up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both, with two defenses: preventing immediate harm to the child or a 14+ year old child initiating the action without criminal intent.
Wyoming's HB 19 creates education savings accounts (ESAs) providing $5,000 annually per eligible student to cover qualified education expenses. It directly affects low-income Wyoming students (household income ≤250% of federal poverty level) who are either not yet in public school or haven't graduated high school. Funds can be used for tuition at qualified schools, tutoring, textbooks, educational therapies, technology, and other approved expenses as defined in the bill. The state superintendent of public instruction administers the program, disbursing funds quarterly from a dedicated state account. The bill failed its introduction in February 2024 with a 41-19 vote.
HB 118 allocates approximately $440 million in leftover federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to Wyoming state agencies for specific pandemic recovery purposes. It directly affects state agencies like Health (for workforce retention and rural healthcare innovations), Parks (for outdoor recreation grants), Transportation (for emergency communications systems), and others by authorizing targeted spending on qualifying ARPA expenditures. Key provisions include detailed line-item funding for programs like workforce development, mental health services, emergency medical services, and infrastructure projects, while requiring strict reporting and prohibiting use for post-secondary education outside critical career training. The bill also mandates reversion of unspent funds to the federal government and specifies that funds cannot replace state revenue.
This bill (SF 56) would require Wyoming county commissioners to decline certifying tax levies for special districts (like fire or water districts) if those districts have accumulated reserves exceeding three times their current adopted budget. It directly affects special districts that rely on local property taxes for funding. The key provision sets a specific financial threshold (3x the budget) that triggers the commissioner's ability to block tax increases. The bill would take effect January 1, 2025, if passed.
SF 71 updates annual salaries for Wyoming judges and justices to reflect 2023 general session rates, effective July 1, 2024. It sets new salaries at $187,250 for supreme court justices, $171,200 for district court judges, and $153,700 for circuit court judges. The bill also authorizes housing cost-of-living assistance for judges and justices living in counties with housing costs significantly above the state average, with rules developed by the supreme court. This assistance must align with existing state employee housing policies established by the Department of Administration and Information.
Wyoming's HB 22 revises the state's sales tax code to modernize rules for digital products, clarify tax exemptions, and update business reporting requirements. It specifies that digital products (like streaming services) are only taxable if they don't grant permanent access, clarifies "vendor" definitions to include remote sellers and marketplaces, and modifies exemptions for transportation fuel and recreation facility admissions. The bill also updates licensing fees ($60 for new vendors), reporting rules, and extends a manufacturing equipment tax exemption until December 31, 2027. These changes directly affect businesses selling taxable goods or services, including retailers, digital service providers, and vendors subject to Wyoming's sales tax collection rules.
HB 135 allocates $185 million in state funds for specific capital construction projects across Wyoming state agencies, including $55.8 million for facilities like the Guernsey Entry, FE Warren Power, and agriculture facilities, and $33.34 million from private funding for the Enzi Center. It specifies that funds must be used solely for designated projects, with unspent amounts reverting to original accounts unless otherwise stated. The bill also authorizes the Gillette Community College District to accept property transfers from the city of Gillette for campus expansion. This appropriation bill directly affects state agencies managing construction projects and institutions receiving facility transfers.
