This Wyoming bill (SF 84) requires the state superintendent of public instruction to develop model definitions for "unexcused absence," "habitual truant," and "willful absenteeism" for public schools. School districts are not required to adopt these model rules but must define these terms themselves under existing law. The bill specifies that absences due to illness, family health issues, mental health needs, or approved activities (like the state fair) should not count as unexcused. The superintendent must complete the model rules and report them to the education committee by July 1, 2023. The bill directly affects public school districts and their student attendance policies across Wyoming.
SF 88 replaces Wyoming's previous "preference point" system for ram bighorn sheep and moose hunting licenses with a "weighted bonus points" system. Under this bill, applicants earn bonus points equal to the number of years they unsuccessfully applied for a license, which are then squared for their entry in the drawing. The system requires 75% of available licenses in each hunt area to be issued through a weighted drawing favoring applicants with the highest points, with remaining licenses distributed randomly. This change directly affects hunters applying for ram bighorn sheep or moose licenses in Wyoming, altering how preference is determined for these specific game species.
HB 213 exempts from property taxation energy production equipment temporarily stored in Wyoming before installation, provided Wyoming sales or use tax was paid on the equipment. It directly affects businesses storing specialized energy equipment (like solar panels or wind turbines) for future installation. The exemption applies only to equipment designed specifically for energy production (not storage/transport equipment or standard materials), and counties may require documentation to verify eligibility. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.
This bill repeals a law that previously granted teachers, principals, and superintendents legal immunity for using reasonable corporal discipline on students, as permitted by school district policies. It removes civil and criminal liability protections for school staff who physically discipline students under school board rules. The change takes effect July 1, 2023, meaning school staff can now face lawsuits or criminal charges for such actions. The bill directly affects K-12 school employees who may have used corporal discipline under previous policies.
This Wyoming bill (SF 74) requires farm tractors and certain farm equipment manufactured after July 1, 2023, designed to operate above 25 mph to display two items: a standard slow-moving vehicle emblem and a speed identification symbol showing the equipment's maximum speed. The symbol must be mounted on the rear, and combinations of tractors and towed equipment must follow specific rules about which speed limit applies. It directly affects farmers and ranchers operating such equipment on public roads. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.
HB 145 expands access to criminal identification and intelligence information to specific state agencies, including law enforcement, the state board of parole, department of corrections, the office of homeland security (for purposes under W.S. 19-13-105), designated agencies under W.S. 14-6-227, and the department of family services. Agencies holding this information must implement security precautions to prevent unauthorized access, with rules tailored to each agency's specific use and security practices. The bill amends existing law to formalize these access provisions and security requirements. It takes effect on July 1, 2023.
This bill increases retirement contribution rates for Wyoming public employees and their employers. It raises employee contributions from 8.5% to 9.75% of salary (with firefighters at 7% to 7.12%) and employer contributions from 8.62% to 9.87% (firefighters at 7.12%), with all employee increases deducted directly from paychecks. The bill appropriates specific funds ($25,000 to $3.9 million) to cover the new employer costs, explicitly stating these funds cannot pay for employee contribution increases. These changes apply to state employees, judges, firefighters, and public education staff for fiscal year 2024.
House Joint Resolution 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a separate tax class for residential property in Wyoming. This would allow the legislature to set distinct tax rates for homes compared to other property types, including authorizing subcategories like owner-occupied primary residences. If approved by voters, it would change Wyoming’s property tax system by formally separating residential real estate into its own class under the state constitution. The amendment must be ratified by Wyoming voters at the next general election to take effect.
HB 164 requires Wyoming newspapers publishing legal notices (such as court filings or public hearings) to also post them online. Specifically, newspapers must publish these notices on a statewide digital repository (maintained by a newspaper organization representing most Wyoming papers) and on their own website, in a free, open location with no extra cost to the person publishing the notice. This applies to all legal notices currently required to be published in print, ensuring public access to these notices online without additional fees. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.
HB 51 increases Wyoming legislators' quarterly allowance for constituent services from $750 to $1,000 per calendar quarter. This change applies directly to all current state legislators serving during the quarter. The allowance covers expenses incurred while providing services to voters beyond regular legislative duties like committee meetings. The bill takes effect January 14, 2025.
This bill allows Wyoming charter schools to apply for and receive federal and state grants as local education agencies, including funding for students with disabilities under federal law. It updates application requirements to include a proposed agreement between charter schools and their authorizers on liability and insurance, and mandates annual reports on student learning results and waivers. The bill clarifies that charter schools are entitled to 100% of foundation program funding and eligible reimbursement amounts, while repealing outdated provisions. These changes streamline grant access, improve accountability, and provide clearer funding rules for charter schools and school districts.
Wyoming's SF 39 clarifies that the State Board of Equalization can decide all questions about how tax laws are applied, including disputes over property assessments that might create county tax liability. The bill directly affects taxpayers, counties, and departments (like Transportation) involved in tax disputes by expanding the Board's authority to address issues beyond what parties initially raise. Key provisions require the Board to resolve questions about tax statute construction under the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act, allowing it to consider new legal interpretations without being limited to arguments presented. This change applies to all tax-related disputes reviewed by the Board, including challenges to rules or assessments. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.
