Wyoming's SF 106 authorizes $3.245 million in funding from the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Income Account for four specific conservation projects in 2023. It directly funds Teton County's highway crossing project ($2 million) to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's habitat conservation easement ($525,000), the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission's river restoration ($450,000), and the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation's rangeland improvement ($270,000). Each project targets wildlife habitat protection, migration corridor maintenance, or ecosystem restoration in designated counties. The bill specifies exact funding amounts and project purposes, drawing from the trust account without new tax revenue.
Wyoming's SF 148 clarifies that state firearm laws override local regulations, directly affecting cities and counties that might have attempted to enact stricter gun rules. The bill amends a definition in existing law to explicitly state that state statutes (W.S. 6-8-401 through 6-8-406) take precedence over local ordinances. This is a procedural clarification - no new restrictions or exceptions are added - and takes effect immediately upon enactment. It ensures local governments cannot impose additional firearm regulations beyond what the state already permits.
Wyoming's SF 75 amends the state's corporate code to create a legal framework for decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). The bill defines a "publicly available identifier" (like a smart contract address) and requires DAOs to update their official records if their smart contracts change, identifiers update, or false statements were made in their founding documents. This directly affects DAOs operating in Wyoming by establishing clear registration and amendment procedures. The changes take effect July 1, 2023, and are procedural rather than substantive policy changes.
HB 188 creates a program to compensate Wyoming livestock owners, lessees, or their agents for damages caused by gray wolves in areas where wolves are classified as predatory animals. The Wyoming Department of Agriculture will verify wolf-caused damage and determine compensation amounts based on department rules, using a $135,000 appropriation from the general fund. The program runs from July 2023 through June 2026, with funds dedicated solely to this purpose and expiring if unspent by the end of the period. It requires the department to contract with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and USDA for claims investigation and to promulgate necessary rules.
Wyoming's SF 178 establishes designated "mountain lion pursuit seasons" during which hunters may use dogs to track mountain lions, but cannot kill or capture them. The bill directly affects hunters (both residents and non-residents) participating in these seasons, requiring them to obtain a special management permit. Key provisions include prohibiting killing during pursuit seasons (with penalties of $5,000-$10,000 fines or up to one year in jail for violations), and mandating the Game and Fish Commission to create implementing rules by July 1, 2023. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, with immediate implementation for rulemaking requirements.
Wyoming's SF 128 modifies state law governing land exchanges between Wyoming and the federal government. It removes the previous requirement that exchanged federal and state lands must be equal in size, allowing for more flexible transactions. The bill also ensures all such exchanges follow existing orders, rules, and regulations related to land exchanges. This change directly affects how Wyoming manages land transactions with the federal government, streamlining the process without altering land use policies. The bill took effect July 1, 2023.
This bill amends Wyoming's licensing rules for architects and landscape architects. It removes the requirement for the licensing board to automatically notify licensees about upcoming renewal dates, meaning professionals must proactively track expiration. The bill also allows the board to use annual renewal fees to fund continuing education programs that meet state standards. These changes affect licensed architects and landscape architects seeking to maintain their credentials in Wyoming, effective July 1, 2023.
This bill changes how Wyoming school districts receive state funding for special education. It requires the state to reimburse districts 100% of their actual spending from the previous school year on special education programs and related administrative costs for Medicaid billing, instead of using a previous formula. The total state reimbursement cannot exceed the amount paid in the 2018-2019 school year, even if more funds are appropriated. This directly affects all K-12 public school districts in Wyoming that provide special education services. The bill repeals an outdated funding provision and takes effect immediately upon becoming law.
This bill (SF 16) changes Wyoming state policy on moving expenses for employees. It requires state agencies to pay for transporting household goods when an employee is permanently transferred within Wyoming for work (for the state's benefit), and allows agencies to optionally cover such costs for new hires recruited by the agency. The Department of Administration and Information must create specific rules by July 1, 2023, to implement these provisions. The policy directly affects state officers and employees relocating for permanent positions within the state.
This bill creates a certificate of completion for high school students with disabilities in Wyoming, as defined under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It requires the state education board to establish rules ensuring these certificates align with each student's individualized education program (IEP). School districts must report annually by November 1 to the state education department to confirm compliance with these requirements. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023.
This bill allows people with disabilities in Wyoming to receive special license plates for multipurpose vehicles (like SUVs or vans commonly used for mobility needs). It requires these plates to display the international symbol of access and include a distinctive symbol or letters indicating the vehicle type (e.g., "MPV"). The change directly affects disabled vehicle owners who currently cannot get plates specifically designated for multipurpose vehicles. The bill amends existing license plate rules to add this vehicle-type identifier while maintaining size requirements for the plates. It takes effect July 1, 2023.
Wyoming's SF 56 expands hunting and wildlife activity rules by prohibiting travel across private property for hunting, fishing, or collecting wildlife without the landowner's permission. The bill specifically adds "traveling through" private land to existing prohibitions, requiring physical contact with the property (e.g., driving or walking across it) to trigger the rule. It directly affects hunters, anglers, and trappers who might cross private land to access hunting areas. Violations are punishable as a low misdemeanor, and the law took effect July 1, 2023.
