This bill (SF 100) clarifies which state firearms regulations apply by amending a definition in Wyoming law. It specifies that "this act" refers to specific sections (W.S. 6-8-401 through 6-8-406) governing weapons, resolving potential confusion about applicable rules. The change affects how existing firearms laws are interpreted but does not create new restrictions or allowances. The bill was introduced in 2019 and recommended for passage by the Judiciary Committee. It became effective immediately upon enactment.
SF 119 requires the Wyoming state auditor to publicly post detailed vendor payment information on two websites: the state auditor's official site and the Wyoming public finance website. The bill mandates that all payments made to vendors for goods or services - showing the date, vendor name, amount, and description - must be posted within 30 days of payment, covering the current year and the previous five years. This applies to all state agencies and directly affects public access to government spending data. The requirement took effect on July 1, 2019, for all payments made after that date.
This bill creates a system where people on probation or parole in Wyoming can earn credits for consistently complying with their supervision terms. For each full month they meet all conditions without violations or absconding, their probation or parole term is reduced by 30 days. Credits are lost if a violation report is filed, if they abscond (deliberately avoid supervision), or if their supervision is revoked. The Department of Corrections and Board of Parole must establish rules for implementing this system and notify individuals of their remaining supervision time.
This bill increases the monthly contribution required from volunteer firefighters and EMTs from $15 to $16 to join the pension account. It also directs an additional 5% of Wyoming's fire insurance premium tax to the pension fund, specifically to provide an extra annual payment to members. The new payment amount is capped at one month's regular benefit and must be funded solely by this dedicated tax revenue. The changes affect all participating volunteer firefighters and EMTs who pay the required monthly contribution to qualify for pension benefits. The bill took effect July 1, 2019.
HB 42 amends Wyoming's hunting license laws to establish a preference point system for resident and nonresident hunters seeking big game licenses (like moose, bighorn sheep, or elk). It allows the Game and Fish Commission to award points based on years of unsuccessful applications and adds a new provision (subsection j) granting one point to resident youth or first-time residents who complete a state-approved hunter safety course. The bill also authorizes nonresidents to pay a nonrefundable fee (up to $75 per species) to accumulate preference points for future license drawings. These changes apply specifically to licenses issued through preference point systems, not random drawings, and affect all hunters applying for limited-quota species in Wyoming.
HB 138 clarifies sales tax payment rules for vendors in Wyoming. It protects vendors from liability if they paid tax to the wrong jurisdiction based on incorrect information from the state tax department. The bill creates a "local tax repayment account" to refund overpaid taxes to the correct local government, covering administrative costs with a 1% deduction. If the account holds $5 million or more, excess funds transfer to the state general fund. This bill, which died in committee in 2019, would have streamlined corrections for misplaced sales tax payments.
HB 208 allows surface owners (landowners) to object if oil and gas operators fail to negotiate in good faith for access to their land. If a surface owner objects in writing within 30 days, the state commission must hold a hearing to determine if negotiations were proper, and may require the operator to restart talks. Until the dispute is resolved - through the commission's decision or court appeal - the operator cannot access the land or conduct surface-disturbing activities. The bill directly affects landowners and oil/gas operators in Wyoming, creating a formal process to address negotiation disputes before operations begin.
HB 303 creates a tax credit for Wyoming businesses in healthcare, energy, manufacturing, mining, agriculture processing, research, telecommunications, and tourism that have operated in the state for at least three consecutive years. The credit covers up to 50% of approved costs for employee skills training programs, such as instructor fees and materials, designed to enhance productivity or prepare workers for new roles. Businesses must submit detailed training proposals to the Wyoming Business Council for pre-approval before starting programs, and approved costs are then forwarded to the state tax department. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to 10 years, but businesses cannot claim more than one credit per 10-year period.
Wyoming HB 295 requires the Wyoming Pioneer Home to cover all state-borne operational costs (including personnel, equipment, and maintenance) through resident fees by June 30 each year, eliminating the need for state subsidies. It allows the Department of Health to adjust indigent care provisions if necessary to meet this revenue requirement, while mandating that residents or guardians apply for all eligible benefits like Medicaid and Medicare. The bill directly affects Pioneer Home residents (particularly nonindigent residents paying fees) and the state's budget for the facility. It does not cover capital construction costs or change eligibility for indigent care, focusing solely on operational funding mechanisms. The bill was introduced in 2019 but died in committee and never took effect.
HB 8 modifies Wyoming's school funding formula for major building maintenance by adjusting the percentage used to calculate payments for public K-12 school districts. It specifies different rates (2%, 2.5%, or 3%) applied to adjusted building square footage, with 2% for 2019-2022 and 2022-2023+ school years, 2.5% for 2002-2003, and 3% for 2003-2004 (correcting a typo in the bill text). The bill directly affects all Wyoming public school districts receiving major maintenance funds under the existing formula. It became effective July 1, 2019, as stated in Section 2.
HB 147 changes Wyoming law to make foreign language instruction for kindergarten through second grade optional for school districts, rather than mandatory. School districts may choose to offer such programs, but if they do, they must follow state board standards for instruction. This bill directly affects all Wyoming public school districts serving K-2 students. It became effective July 1, 2019, after passing the Education Committee unanimously.
HB 104 requires all freight trains operated in Wyoming to have a minimum crew of two people, applying to trains moving freight but excluding hostler service or railroad utility employees. Violations result in fines starting at $250 for a first offense, increasing to $5,000-$10,000 for repeat offenses within three years. The law, effective July 1, 2019, directly affects railroad companies operating freight trains within Wyoming. It establishes specific penalties to enforce the crew size requirement without altering broader railroad operations.
