This bill updates Wyoming's sex offender registration requirements by categorizing offenses into three tiers with varying verification frequencies. Offenders convicted of the most severe offenses (e.g., those involving minors under 13) must verify their address in person with a sheriff every three months and be photographed annually. Those convicted of moderately severe offenses must verify every six months, while others verify annually. The bill repeals an outdated definition and takes effect July 1, 2024, directly affecting individuals convicted of specific sex crimes under Wyoming law.
This bill (SF 69) increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospice care in Wyoming to match annual Medicare rates, directly affecting hospice providers serving Medicaid patients. It also limits room and board reimbursement for hospice facilities to no more than 100% of the statewide Medicaid nursing home rate. The bill appropriates $450,000 from the general fund to the Department of Health for these reimbursements, effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026. The changes aim to align state hospice funding with federal Medicare standards for eligible patients.
HB 3 creates a property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners aged 65 or older who have paid residential property taxes in the state for at least 30 years. It exempts 50% of the assessed value of their primary residence (including single-family homes, condos, mobile homes, or trailers on up to one acre). To qualify, homeowners must submit an annual claim by May 4th to their county assessor, proving residency (8+ months annually), age, and tax payment history. The exemption applies only to the primary residence, limits one exemption per property yearly, and takes effect January 1, 2025.
HB 45 creates a property tax exemption for single-family homes in Wyoming, directly affecting homeowners with residential structures. The exemption covers increases in a home's value above 5% of the previous year's assessed value, meaning homeowners pay tax only on growth exceeding that threshold. However, the exemption doesn't apply if the value increase comes from new construction, additions, or if the property was purchased in the prior year. The law requires tax assessment notices to include exemption details and applies to tax years starting January 1, 2024.
This bill allows Wyoming's Board of Nursing Home Administrators to issue temporary licenses under three specific circumstances: while awaiting criminal background check results, during the completion of required experience or exams (limited to six months per license and no more than two total), or for qualified individuals temporarily filling vacancies at nursing homes without licensed administrators. Temporary license holders must meet the same professional standards as fully licensed administrators and are subject to the same conduct rules. The board must create implementing rules for these licenses, and the law takes effect July 1, 2024. This directly affects nursing home administrators seeking licensure and facilities needing immediate leadership.
Wyoming's SF 57 creates a state-funded hearing aid program for adults with hearing impairment who meet specific income and eligibility criteria. It directly affects Wyoming residents aged 18+ diagnosed with hearing loss by a physician or audiologist, with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, who cannot obtain hearing aids through private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare at low cost. The program provides up to one set of hearing aids (one per ear) every five years, including fittings and ear molds, at state-paid rates matching Wyoming Medical Assistance program costs. The bill appropriates $90,000 from the general fund for program costs and $9,000 for an administrative position, both expiring June 30, 2026.
This bill increases retirement contribution rates for Wyoming law enforcement officers. Starting July 1, 2024, officers will pay 11.1% of their salary (up from 8.6%) into their retirement account, while their employers (like state agencies, cities, or the University of Wyoming) must contribute 11.1% of the officer's salary (also up from 8.6%). The bill appropriates $2.025 million for state agencies and $75,000 for the University of Wyoming to cover the higher employer costs for the 2025-2026 fiscal biennium, with funds restricted solely to employer contributions. It does not require increased employee payments from the state or local governments beyond the specified rates.
Wyoming's SF 19 adjusts funding for developmental preschool services by increasing the per-child payment rate from $8,503 to $8,866 annually for children aged birth through five with developmental disabilities who qualify for an individualized education program or family service plan. The bill modifies how the state counts participating children (using May 1 of the prior school year) and appropriates $26.156 million from the general fund for fiscal years 2024-2026 to cover these services. This funding directly supports service providers working with eligible children and families in the state's developmental preschool program. The changes ensure payments reflect updated cost adjustments and require the Department of Health to budget accordingly for future years.
HB 104 allocates $4.8 million in state funds to conduct planning studies for water development projects across Wyoming. It authorizes specific Level I reconnaissance studies (for new projects) and Level II feasibility studies (for new projects), plus rehabilitation planning studies, targeting 12 water districts and regional plans in counties like Lincoln, Sweetwater, and Park. The bill specifies exact funding amounts for each project (e.g., $286,000 for Douglas Water Master Plan, $235,000 for Strawberry Canal Master Plan) and requires reports to the legislature by 2026. Unspent funds must revert to the water development account by 2027, and it transfers $397,514 from the general fund to support these efforts. This bill focuses on preliminary planning, not construction or implementation.
This bill requires Wyoming's Public Service Commission to review action plans developed by electrical utilities as part of their comprehensive integrated resource plans. It directly affects non-cooperative electrical utilities by mandating they submit these plans for Commission review, which will include assessing whether the plans meet reliability and economic standards. The Commission must establish rules for this review process, clarifying that approval does not guarantee cost recovery in customer bills or imply the plan is prudent. The review must follow standard administrative procedures and allows utilities flexibility to adjust plans between periodic submissions. The bill takes effect July 1, 2024.
This bill authorizes three specific water projects in Wyoming: (1) a $3.6 million municipal/rural water supply project in Big Horn County, with the state covering up to 50% of costs ($1.8 million in grants); (2) an aerial cloud seeding program to boost snowpack in the Medicine Bow/Sierra Madre ranges ($825,000 state appropriation); and (3) a ground-based cloud seeding program for the Wind River/Sierra Madre ranges ($298,651 state appropriation). The Big Horn project requires the sponsor to cover 50% of costs from other sources, while cloud seeding projects require Wyoming water users to fund operational costs exceeding state appropriations. Funds for these projects are drawn from Wyoming's water development accounts, with unspent funds reverting to the accounts or general fund by 2026-2029.
This bill exempts employees in Wyoming's Division of Banking from standard state personnel classification and pay rules. Instead, the State Banking Board must establish their own pay scales and job classifications, ensuring they align with other state and federal financial regulators. The board must report these classifications and any salary changes to the joint appropriations committee before implementation, including details on required funding. The changes take effect July 1, 2024.
