This joint resolution proposes amending the Wyoming Constitution to change signature requirements for initiative and referendum petitions. Currently, petitions need signatures from at least 15% of voters in at least two-thirds of counties; the amendment would require signatures from 15% of voters in at least two-thirds of legislative districts instead. It directly affects citizens and groups seeking to place proposals on ballots through citizen initiatives or referendums. The bill states this change aims to align with the "one person, one vote" principle by ensuring more equitable geographic representation in petition collection. (Note: This is a proposed constitutional amendment, not yet enacted.)
HB 148 allows Wyoming counties to establish animal control districts to manage local animal control services. Each district would be governed by a six-member board of directors elected by voters (with staggered terms), responsible for operating shelters, enforcing animal control regulations, and holding monthly public meetings. The bill requires counties to hold a voter referendum to approve a tax levy of up to one mill (0.1%) on property taxes to fund the district, with all revenue deposited into a dedicated fund. It affects county residents and property owners by creating a structured local system for animal control programs, which may include joint efforts with municipalities.
HB 115 allows licensed hunters in Wyoming to legally sell trimmings (the parts left after processing big game animals or wild bison, excluding landfill-required portions) instead of disposing of them. The bill defines "trimmings" as all parts destined for disposal after processing and grants the wildlife commission authority to further specify which parts qualify. It directly affects licensed hunters who process game and businesses that may purchase these trimmings. The law amends existing regulations to permit this sale while maintaining disposal requirements for certain parts, effective July 1, 2022.
This bill prohibits hunting, fishing, or trapping on private land without the owner's permission, including traveling across such land. It directly affects hunters, anglers, and trappers who enter private property without consent. The law expands existing penalties to include travel across private land, imposing fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or forfeiture of illegally taken game. It became effective July 1, 2022.
HB 74 would require runoff elections in Wyoming for statewide and legislative offices (including governor, state treasurer, and state legislature) if no candidate receives a majority (over 50%) of votes in the primary election. The top two vote-getters would advance to the runoff, with specific tie-breaking procedures for tied vote counts. The bill also changes primary election timing to the first Tuesday after the third Monday in August and standardizes runoff ballot formats to include clear voting instructions and write-in options. This bill was introduced in 2022 but was not considered for advancement by the legislature.
HB 98 revises Wyoming's property tax appeal process to increase transparency and fairness for taxpayers challenging their assessments. It requires county assessors to provide property owners with specific documents (like statements of consideration for similar properties and the assessor's valuation data) during appeals, and mandates that assessors explain why certain properties weren't used in valuing the taxpayer's property. The bill also sets strict deadlines for exchanging evidence and witnesses before county board hearings, requires hearings to be recorded, and gives boards clearer authority to remand cases back to assessors if they fail to provide required information. This affects property owners who dispute tax assessments and county officials handling those appeals, without changing tax rates or property values.
HB 134 clarifies who can file a petition to adopt a minor in Wyoming. It allows any single adult, a married couple living together, or one spouse (if the other is the child's parent) to file an adoption petition. The bill amends Wyoming statute W.S. 1-22-104(b) to remove ambiguity about eligible petitioners. It became effective July 1, 2022.
HB 95 would provide a single, one-time benefit payment to retirees under specific Wyoming public employee retirement plans (including those for state workers, highway patrol, and firefighters). It requires the Wyoming Retirement System Board to study inflation impacts on retirees, current funding levels, and potential adjustments to benefit formulas. The bill mandates a detailed report by September 2022, analyzing plan costs, contribution rates, and whether endowments could fund future cost-of-living adjustments. The bill was introduced in February 2022 but was not considered for passage. It does not change existing benefit restrictions but seeks to address historical payment gaps.
This Wyoming bill creates a new misdemeanor offense for unauthorized drone flights over private property. It prohibits drones from flying below 200 feet over someone's land or home without the owner's permission (or a court order), applying to small drones under 55 pounds. Violators face up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both. The law takes effect July 1, 2022, directly affecting property owners and residents concerned about drone privacy.
HB 14 increases Wyoming's gasoline and diesel fuel taxes incrementally, from $0.24 to $0.39 per gallon for gasoline and $0.24 to $0.39 per gallon for diesel (effective July 2022-2024). It redirects specific portions of fuel tax revenue to fund recreational infrastructure: snowmobile trails ($28.75-$47.50 per registered snowmobile), motorboat facilities ($28.75-$47.50 per registered boat), and off-road vehicle trails ($18.40-$30.40 per registered vehicle). The remaining tax revenue after these allocations must be used exclusively for highway construction, repair, or maintenance - not administrative costs - and deposited into the state highway fund. This bill directly affects all fuel consumers in Wyoming while targeting funds to specific recreational trail and facility improvements.
HB 154, the Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act, would protect individuals from government actions that burden their religious practices or moral conscience. It defines a "burden" as government actions (like withholding benefits, imposing penalties, or excluding from programs) that restrict religious exercise or moral conscience, and requires government to prove such a burden is necessary for a compelling interest and the least restrictive option. Individuals affected by such government actions could seek court relief for violations. The bill explicitly states it does not override laws protecting public safety or health.
HB 106 decriminalizes small amounts of marijuana in Wyoming by replacing criminal penalties with civil fines. It eliminates jail time for possessing up to 3 ounces of marijuana in plant form or equivalent amounts in edibles (up to 16 ounces), paraphernalia, or other forms. The bill also removes marijuana possession as a criminal offense but does not legalize recreational use or expand medical access - doctors remain restricted to prescribing only FDA-approved products like dronabinol. This change affects individuals caught with specified small quantities, shifting enforcement from criminal courts to civil penalties. The bill was introduced in 2022 but was not advanced for consideration.
