Wyoming's HB 87 updates the state's definition of "child pornography" to explicitly include cartoons, drawings, and other depictions alongside photographs or videos. It removes a previous exemption that allowed school, college, university, museum, or public library employees to promote obscenity during work activities. The bill directly affects educational and cultural institutions by eliminating this employment-related exception. Key provisions amend statutes to broaden the definition of child exploitation materials and repeal the specific exemption, effective July 1, 2023. The change clarifies that such materials in any visual form (including digital or drawn content) fall under the legal definition.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that taxation and spending powers belong to Wyoming's legislative and executive branches, not the judiciary. It would allow the legislature to delegate local taxing authority to subdivisions (with elected officials serving no longer than four years) and delegate debt payment duties to others (with courts enforcing these tasks). For public school funding, it requires the legislature to create a funding formula subject to judicial review, while the appropriation amount for that formula cannot be challenged in court. If funding falls short, spending would be reduced uniformly across all programs. This amendment must be approved by Wyoming voters to become part of the state constitution.
This bill (HB 207) requires Wyoming voters switching between major political parties to submit their change at least 14 days before a primary election. It affects voters who want to change their party affiliation from one major party (like Republican or Democrat) to another, modifying existing rules about when and how this change can be processed. The key mechanism is mandating a 14-day filing deadline with the county clerk for such switches, though changes can still be made at the polls on election day or when requesting absentee ballots. The bill amends Wyoming election code sections 22-5-212 and 22-5-214, effective July 1, 2023.
Wyoming's HB 192 requires all public school districts to provide daily lunch to every enrolled student starting in the 2023-2024 school year. It creates a state financial assistance program covering up to 50% of unpaid meal costs from the previous school year, funded by $150,000 in state appropriations (with $75,000 available annually). School districts must apply by September 30 each year, charge a state-determined minimum meal price, and report program details to the education department. The law directly affects all Wyoming public school districts and their students, with funds administered by the state education department through a new rulemaking process.
HB 54 creates a property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners, reducing taxes on the first $100,000 of value for primary residences. To qualify, owners must claim the exemption annually by May 4th with the county assessor, proving the property is their main home (where they live most of the year). The exemption expires December 31, 2029, and the state will reimburse counties $31 million for lost tax revenue through 2025. This directly affects homeowners with primary residences valued under $100,000, lowering their annual property tax bills.
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Wyoming's legislature to limit annual increases in the assessed value of residential real property for tax purposes. If approved, it would enable the state to implement a "maximum annual valuation increase" for residential properties, preventing rapid yearly jumps in taxable value. The amendment directly affects residential property owners by potentially stabilizing their property tax assessments over time. It does not change current tax rates but modifies how property values are calculated annually. The proposal requires voter approval to become part of Wyoming's Constitution.
HB 265 increases the interest rate public entities must pay on late payments for goods and services from 1.5% to 5% per month after a 45-day payment deadline. It directly affects contractors and vendors who sell to Wyoming state or local governments by ensuring they receive higher compensation for delayed payments. The bill amends existing statutes to require public entities to pay interest at this new rate on overdue amounts unless a good-faith dispute exists. The law was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2023, but the bill died in committee in February 2023.
HB 105 repeals restrictions on carrying concealed weapons in certain public spaces, allowing permit holders to carry in government meetings, legislative sessions, and most public schools (excluding specific areas under existing school district rules). It clarifies that only the Wyoming state legislature can regulate firearms, precluding local governments from enacting their own gun laws. The bill also establishes penalties for barring entry to someone lawfully carrying a concealed weapon in permitted locations. This changes prior "gun-free zone" policies by expanding where concealed carry is allowed while maintaining state-level control over firearm regulation.
HB 226 would have limited Wyoming cities and towns to collecting no more than two months of past due payments for trash, water, or sewer services from property owners when tenants reside on the property but the owner does not. This directly affects property owners who use municipal services but don't live there, and cities providing those services. The bill would have prohibited collecting more than two months' worth of overdue payments for these specific services, while leaving existing contracts unaffected. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and did not become law.
Wyoming's HB 218 would designate the Teton County fairgrounds (approximately 26.09 acres) as the "Rylee McCollum Teton County Fairgrounds State Historic Site." The bill prohibits using the land for purposes other than the fairgrounds, western heritage events, agriculture, or public recreation - specifically blocking its sale, transfer, or modification for housing without legislative approval. This aims to protect the site, which hosts annual events like the Jackson Hole rodeo (70,000+ visitors) and county fair (15,000+ attendees), from further land loss due to development. The bill was introduced in January 2023 but died in committee in February 2023.
HB 53 creates an independent commission to review and recommend salary adjustments for key state officials, including the governor, legislators, judges, and state agency heads. The commission, appointed by the governor (3 members), chief justice (2), and legislative leaders (2), must meet twice per legislative term to consider factors like cost of living, market pay for similar roles, and attracting qualified candidates before submitting recommendations by December 1st of odd-numbered years. The bill appropriates $5,000 for commission travel and meal expenses through June 2024, with no direct salary changes established - only a process for future recommendations.
HB 254 creates new rules for nonresident fishing guides operating commercial boats in Wyoming. It requires these guides to obtain an annual $1,000 permit decal for their boats, submit application details including boat identification, and display the decal prominently. The bill also increases fees for nonresident fishing licenses and imposes penalties (including a low misdemeanor charge) for guides operating without the required decal. This directly affects nonresident guides offering paid fishing services in Wyoming, with the permit system taking effect January 1, 2025.
