Wyoming's SJ 11 is a joint resolution requesting Congress to call a state-led convention to propose constitutional amendments. It specifically seeks changes to restrain federal spending, limit federal government power, and impose term limits on federal officials and Congress. The resolution includes specific rules for the convention, such as prohibiting consideration of changes to the Bill of Rights and requiring one state, one vote. This is a procedural request (not a law) from Wyoming's legislature to Congress, aiming to build state support for a constitutional convention under Article V.
Wyoming's SF 159 requires companies seeking state contracts to certify they do not engage in "economic boycotts" as defined by the bill. This directly affects businesses bidding on state government contracts (e.g., for goods or services) by mandating written verification that they avoid specific actions, such as refusing to work with fossil fuel, agriculture, or firearms companies, or opposing certain environmental standards. Key provisions include defining "economic boycott" broadly to cover actions targeting industries or policies related to energy, firearms, environmental goals, or abortion access, and requiring contractors to certify compliance annually. The law would apply to all state agencies, universities, and local governments entering contracts, with limited exceptions. If enacted, it would alter how Wyoming selects vendors for state-funded projects.
This bill increases state funding for the University of Wyoming's transportation technology transfer center program by appropriating $300,000 annually from the general fund. It requires counties to contribute $25,000 to $31,250 each year (depending on federal funding), with at least $150,000 of county funds designated specifically for the program's gravel road inventory initiative. The program provides training for county and municipal employees on transportation technology, administered by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. The funding applies to all Wyoming counties and directly supports local road maintenance and technology adoption efforts.
HB 3 clarifies that Wyoming's state department, not local counties, is responsible for valuing and assessing property owned by independent power producers (like electricity generators and transmission facilities) for property tax purposes. The bill requires the state to share this valuation information confidentially with the county assessor where the property is located, but only for the county to review the valuation. County assessors must sign a confidentiality agreement before receiving this information, and the state must keep all valuation details protected. This bill directly affects independent power producers and county tax officials by changing who handles property tax assessments for these facilities.
This Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 2) commemorates Wyoming's former U.S. Senator and Governor Lester C. Hunt, honoring his public service career, advocacy for social programs, and courageous opposition to McCarthyism during the 1950s. It includes the Wyoming Legislature's commitments to uphold civility, respect, and collaborative problem-solving among legislators, and to address issues contributing to suicide. The resolution has no policy changes or direct impact on the public - it is purely symbolic recognition of Hunt's legacy and a pledge for legislative conduct.
Wyoming's SF 172 requires state investment managers and trustees to consider **only financial factors** when managing state funds, such as retirement systems and government accounts. It prohibits considering social, political, or environmental goals (like climate action, diversity initiatives, or gun industry divestment) as part of investment decisions. The bill mandates that investment entities and their fiduciaries provide written commitments to follow this rule, restricts proxy voting to outside advisors who comply, and requires annual public reporting of voting records. This directly affects the Wyoming Retirement System, state treasurer, and all investment managers handling state funds.
SF 19 (Wyoming Senate Bill 19) requires all children under age two or below the weight/height limits specified by the car seat manufacturer to use a rear-facing child safety restraint system in vehicles. The law directly affects parents and caregivers transporting infants in Wyoming vehicles, mandating rear-facing seats instead of forward-facing ones for this age group. It also clarifies that rear-facing seats must not be placed in front of active airbags for safety reasons. The bill amends Wyoming Statute 31-5-1303 and takes effect July 1, 2023.
This bill reduces Wyoming's property tax assessment rate for "all other property" (including most residential and commercial properties not covered by other classifications) from 9.5% to 7.5% of fair market value. It directly affects property owners in this category by lowering the taxable value used to calculate their annual property tax bill. The change takes effect January 1, 2024, as amended in sections 39-11-101(a)(xvii)(C) and 39-13-103(b)(iii)(C) of Wyoming law.
Wyoming's SF 117 requires school districts to notify parents when a student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being changes, and to involve parents in decisions about their child's care. It prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade and mandates parental consent for school health services. The bill also establishes procedures for parents to file complaints about school non-compliance, requiring resolution within seven days, with appeals to an independent hearing officer if unresolved after 30 days. These provisions directly affect school districts, parents/guardians, and students in K-3, focusing on parental notification, consent, and complaint processes.
HB 270 caps fees, property taxes, and assessments that improvement and service districts can impose on landowners, limiting them to the maximum amount originally promised when the district was formed. Landowners within these districts are directly affected, as districts cannot exceed this pre-set limit without voter approval through mail ballot or concurrent election. The law allows districts to adjust the cap only with majority voter consent, while maintaining exceptions for bond payments. Violations can be challenged in court within 120 days by affected landowners. (HB 270, effective July 1, 2023)
Wyoming's SF 132 requires the state superintendent of public instruction to study the state's K-12 education standards and graduation requirements. The study examines whether current standards adequately prepare students for college, careers, and civic participation, reviews alignment with assessments, and considers adjustments to the number or structure of standards. It allocates $72,000 specifically for this study, to be completed by August 2023 and reported to the legislature. The bill does not change existing standards but aims to inform potential future updates to education policy.
HB 121 modifies Wyoming's property tax deferral program to help homeowners with primary residences on parcels ≤40 acres. It caps deferred taxes at 50% of annual real estate taxes, sets interest rates at 4% compounded annually (or treasury-based for specific cases), and requires the Department of Revenue to confirm funding availability before approving deferrals. Eligibility now requires annual financial status verification, and deferred taxes become due immediately if property value exceeds 50% of the property's fair market value. The bill also mandates county rulemaking, public outreach, and annual reporting to the Department of Revenue.
