This bill reduces the maximum loan amount from Wyoming's legislative stabilization reserve account for transportation department needs from $200 million to $100 million. It repeals existing borrowing authority for the unemployment compensation fund and eliminates loan provisions that allowed school districts to access state funds for joining the state employees' insurance plan. The changes aim to remove outdated financial mechanisms while maintaining the reserve for temporary transportation revenue shortfalls. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023.
This bill clarifies that criminal history records must be shared with Wyoming's Board of Occupational Therapy for background checks. It specifically requires criminal justice agencies to send this information directly to the board when verifying the background of currently licensed occupational therapists or those applying for a compact privilege under the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. The bill modifies existing law to explicitly state that this disclosure is permitted for these purposes, without creating new requirements or changing licensing standards. It affects licensed occupational therapists and their assistants seeking to practice across state lines under the compact.
This bill (HB 17) changes Wyoming's state land leasing rules to allow leaseholders to graze livestock they don't own on their leased land without needing approval from the state lands director. It directly affects ranchers and land leaseholders who manage grazing operations on state lands. The key provision removes a prior requirement for director approval when leaseholders retain full management and responsibility for non-owned livestock. The change takes effect July 1, 2023, streamlining grazing management for leaseholders.
HB 22 establishes a formal process for resolving issues with renewal applications for state grazing and agricultural land leases in Wyoming. It requires the Office of State Lands and Investments to notify current lessees of incomplete applications, missed deadlines, or other compliance concerns at least 40 days before lease expiration, giving them 30 days to correct the issues. If unresolved, the lease becomes vacant and is offered to new applicants through standard bidding. This bill directly affects existing lessees of state lands who fail to meet renewal requirements, replacing previous procedures with clearer timelines and accountability. The changes took effect July 1, 2023.
This bill requires subdividers in Wyoming to build and pay for perimeter fences around new subdivisions adjacent to areas where livestock can run freely. It specifies exact fence types (like steel posts with barbed wire or post-and-board designs) that must meet structural standards to prevent livestock escape. Subdividers must include fence plans in permit applications, and future landowners are responsible for maintenance costs. The law directly affects developers creating subdivisions near grazing lands and aims to reduce livestock-related property damage disputes.
HB 52 is a procedural "Revisor's bill" that corrects minor errors and outdated references in Wyoming's existing statutes. It amends specific sections of law (such as those related to investment credits, gaming commissions, child welfare definitions, and tax reporting) to fix typographical errors, obsolete language, or incorrect cross-references. The bill does not create new policies or affect specific groups; it only ensures the legal text accurately reflects current law. This type of bill is routine for maintaining clarity in the state's legislative code.
Wyoming's SF 147 prohibits state and local governments from requiring contractors or bidders to join or follow labor union agreements in construction-related contracts or grants for facilities they own or lease. The law, effective July 1, 2023, removes terms that favor or block union agreements, aiming to promote fair competition for projects like building construction, road repairs, or infrastructure work. Government entities may exempt specific contracts only if an imminent threat to public health or safety requires it. This affects all government agencies awarding construction contracts, including schools, counties, and state departments, by eliminating union membership requirements as a contract condition.
This bill, SF 42, sets a maximum tax of $0.30 per premium cigar sold in Wyoming, replacing a previous percentage-based tax. It defines "premium cigar" as handmade, whole-tobacco-leaf cigars without filters or non-tobacco tips, and requires the tax to be paid at the point of sale by wholesalers. Consumers who store or use premium cigars without paying the tax must file quarterly returns showing the quantity and pay the tax at 10% of retail price. The law affects cigar wholesalers, retailers, and consumers who possess premium cigars, with reporting requirements for both parties. It takes effect July 1, 2023.
This bill (SF 167) allows individuals seeking domestic violence protection orders in Wyoming to request remote participation in court hearings via video or audio technology. It directly affects petitioners and respondents in domestic violence cases who may face barriers to in-person attendance. Courts may approve remote hearings if they have the necessary technology, but retain full discretion to deny requests. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law.
This bill increases Wyoming legislators' daily expense allowance from $109 to $155, effective July 1, 2023. It requires annual adjustments based on U.S. General Services Administration rates and appropriates $125,000 to cover this increase for legislators. Additionally, it allocates $75,000 to supplement per diem rates for state board, commission, and council members whose pay is tied to the legislators' rate, with all funding expiring June 30, 2024. The changes directly affect state legislators and certain state entity members paid from general funds.
HB 33 creates competitive grants for Wyoming public school districts to purchase career and technical education (CTE) supplies, materials, and equipment. School districts may apply for grants up to $50,000 per year (max $100,000 over two years), with priority given to districts that previously used CTE funding or haven't received such grants recently. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the public school foundation program for the 2023-24 fiscal year, requires districts to report on fund usage, and prohibits districts receiving CTE demonstration grants under another law from applying simultaneously. Grants must support programs aligned with Wyoming's workforce and economic needs.
Wyoming's HB 185 increases state funding for local governments by raising an annual appropriation from $105 million to $118.125 million. This bill directly affects cities, towns, and counties by revising how they receive state funds: $52.5 million is allocated for the first fiscal year of the biennium and $65.625 million for the second year. Funds are distributed in two equal payments each year (August 15 and January 15) based on revised formulas for cities/towns and counties. The bill modifies existing funding formulas without changing eligibility requirements or adding new programs.
