SF 131 adjusts Wyoming's annual spending rates from the state's mineral trust fund and school funds. It reduces the spending percentage from 5% to 4.75% for fiscal years 2021-2023, then to 4.5% starting in 2022 and continuing thereafter, based on a five-year average of the fund's market value. These changes apply to transfers from the permanent mineral trust fund to the general fund and to the common school account. The bill directly affects how much money the state treasury allocates annually from these funds, without creating new programs or altering direct services.
SF 162 establishes two new state accounts: one for the governor's residence and another for the Wyoming Veterans' Home. These accounts hold funds that can only be spent with legislative approval, with investment earnings credited to the general fund. The bill appropriates specific sums for state capital construction projects, including facilities like the NWCCD Health Science Building ($385,000), Mil-Guernsey Readiness ($22.3 million), and Veterans' Home improvements ($600,000), with some projects using private funding. It modifies prior appropriations, requires unused funds to revert to original accounts, and mandates reporting on state facilities projects. The bill directly affects state agencies managing construction projects and facilities funded through these appropriations.
This bill creates the Wyoming Capitol Square Preservation Council to oversee the state capitol complex. The council, composed of state elected officials, legislative leaders, and a minority-party member, develops maintenance plans, reviews architectural changes to buildings, and manages visitor services within the capitol square boundaries. It replaces the previous Capitol Oversight Group and Advisory Task Force for Capitol Renovation, transferring their duties to the new council. The council does not manage day-to-day operations of individual buildings but ensures all renovations and new projects align with the complex's master plan.
Wyoming's SF 104 establishes a specialized Chancery Court to handle complex civil cases, directly affecting residents and businesses involved in disputes requiring specialized legal expertise (e.g., corporate, real estate, or contract matters). The bill creates a court with up to three nonpartisan judges serving six-year terms, requiring a $1,000 minimum filing fee for cases and authorizing the Supreme Court to set rules for procedures, fees, and case transfers. Funding comes primarily from case filing fees, with the legislature able to supplement from general funds if needed. The court operates statewide with concurrent jurisdiction, and appeals go directly to the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Wyoming's SF 111 authorizes community colleges to offer applied bachelor's degree programs (called "baccalaureate of applied science" degrees) for the first time. It requires the Community College Commission to approve all new such programs before they can receive state funding. The bill also updates the Hathaway scholarship program to cover these new degrees, allowing students to use scholarships for up to eight semesters to complete them while maintaining a 2.25 GPA. This directly affects community college students pursuing applied bachelor's degrees and the colleges offering them.
This bill exempts qualifying private schools from county zoning regulations in Wyoming. It specifically applies to private schools located on 35 or more contiguous acres with a capacity for at least 50 students, as defined in state law. County zoning rules can no longer restrict the location, use, or occupancy of such schools. The policy change took effect July 1, 2019, directly affecting only private schools meeting these two size and capacity requirements.
HB 293 authorizes the construction of new student housing at the University of Wyoming to replace aging dormitories. It creates a phased project (Phase 1 for ~2,000 students) on campus, requiring new buildings to be 6 stories or less with student services, and removes a construction moratorium. The bill redirects $8 million annually from the state budget reserve to a new University of Wyoming housing account, while requiring the university to reduce its standard budget request by that amount. It also provides funds for Laramie traffic improvements related to the project and modifies bond programs to support construction financing.
Wyoming's HB 279 adjusts how fees from pari-mutuel wagering (horse racing betting) are distributed. It requires permittees to pay 0.25% of historic wagering revenue directly to the common school account, 1% to local counties/cities, and 1.5% to the pari-mutuel commission for enforcement costs. The bill also mandates a one-time $4.5 million transfer from the pari-mutuel account to the school foundation program reserve. These changes took effect July 1, 2019, directly affecting horse racing venues, local governments, and public school funding.
HB 107 allows courts in Wyoming to terminate parental rights when a child was conceived as a result of sexual assault committed by the parent. The bill specifies that courts do not need to attempt family reunification and automatically accept a conviction (or guilty plea) for sexual assault as conclusive proof. It directly affects parents convicted of sexual assault who fathered children through that crime, and their children. The law took effect on July 1, 2019.
The Wyoming Works Program (SF 122) creates a state-funded grant initiative to help Wyoming residents cover costs for job-training programs at community colleges. It provides up to $2,250 per school year for eligible students enrolled in approved "credential programs" (such as welding, commercial driving, or other workforce skills training), based on unmet financial need. To qualify, students must be Wyoming residents, meet federal noncitizen eligibility rules, and not be in default on federal student loans. The Wyoming Community College Commission administers the program, requiring colleges to apply for funding to support eligible students in these job-focused training programs.
HB 161 requires Wyoming's governor to appoint a statewide 911 coordinator - a qualified Wyoming voter - who ensures the state complies with federal grant requirements for 911 system funding. The coordinator manages federal funding alignment and can be removed by the governor. The bill mandates this appointment within 30 days of the law's effective date. This change directly affects how Wyoming administers its 911 emergency service funding under federal programs.
This bill updates Wyoming's program to support teachers earning national board certification. It reimburses school districts up to 50% of certification fees (capped at $50 per teacher) for educators who have taught in Wyoming for at least three years and successfully complete certification. Districts also receive reimbursement for salary premiums paid to certified teachers. Teachers must cover their share of fees and complete the certification process to qualify. The program requires annual reporting to the education committee on participation and funding.
