Wyoming's SF 109, the "Prohibit Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," bans state and local government entities from enforcing any "red flag" gun seizure orders against residents. It prohibits using state funds or personnel to implement federal or state laws that restrict firearm possession without a violent felony conviction or specific protective order. The bill creates civil liability for agencies that violate it, allowing residents to sue for damages and up to $50,000 per violation. It explicitly excludes standard evidence seizure during lawful investigations but overrides all conflicting local laws on this issue.
HB 1 is Wyoming's fiscal 2024-2026 state budget bill, appropriating $56.3 million to fund state agencies including the Governor's Office, Homeland Security, and natural resource programs. It specifies detailed funding allocations (e.g., $800,000 for infrastructure matching grants and $5.3 million for Homeland Security), requires tribal matching funds for wild horse management on tribal lands, and defines budgetary terms for state financial operations. The bill directs funds to existing programs and accounts without creating new policies, focusing solely on budgetary allocations for the biennium.
Wyoming's SF 125 requires criminal background checks for specific individuals involved in horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering operations. It mandates that roles like jockeys, mutuel managers, grooms, farriers, stable employees, and others with access to restricted areas or animal facilities must undergo fingerprint-based background checks through the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. The bill specifies these checks are required for permittees, employees, volunteers, and contractors before they can participate in events. It does not change betting rules or revenue structures but adds personnel vetting as a regulatory requirement for safety and integrity. The law applies directly to all entities operating pari-mutuel events in Wyoming.
HB 92 clarifies that Wyoming courts and state agencies cannot infringe on parental rights without proving a compelling state interest using the least restrictive means. It specifically requires school districts to communicate and disclose information about students to parents to protect those rights, amending education statutes to mandate this communication. The bill directly affects parents, school boards, and educational agencies by establishing new disclosure obligations. It takes effect on July 1, 2024, and does not alter existing parental rights protections but codifies requirements for school communication.
HB 4 amends Wyoming's property tax refund program to adjust eligibility criteria and refund amounts. It sets income limits at 125%-175% of the county or state median household income (updated annually) and caps household assets at $150,000 per adult member (adjusted yearly for cost of living). Refunds are calculated as a percentage of the maximum allowable amount - ranging from 100% down to 5% - based on how closely an applicant's income aligns with the median threshold. Counties may also adopt optional local refund programs with similar income limits, subject to county-specific rules. The bill updates existing rules for verifying income via federal tax returns and requires refunds to be issued by September 30.
This Wyoming bill requires the state game and fish department to relocate bighorn sheep from the Sweetwater Rocks herd unit if federal actions threaten domestic sheep grazing on public lands. It mandates relocation within six months of such federal action and reimburses costs using $100,000 from a wildlife research fund. The law authorizes the attorney general to challenge federal policies in court that conflict with Wyoming's existing livestock-grazing plan. The bill directly affects grazing permittees and federal land management decisions involving livestock and bighorn sheep.
HB 166 creates Wyoming's Education Savings Account (ESA) program, providing state-funded accounts for eligible students based on household income relative to federal poverty levels. Families with incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level receive $5,000 annually, those between 250%-350% receive $3,000, and those between 350%-400% receive $1,000. Parents can use these funds for qualifying education expenses like tuition at approved schools, tutoring (excluding immediate family), textbooks, technology, uniforms, and standardized test fees. The Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction will manage the program, with funds transferred to a dedicated expenditure account.
This bill increases Wyoming's property tax exemption for veterans from $3,000 to $6,000 annually on assessed property value. It directly affects veterans who own property in Wyoming by reducing their annual property tax burden. The state appropriates $8.2 million from the general fund to reimburse counties for the increased exemption cost, with funds expiring June 30, 2027. The change applies to property taxes assessed on or after January 1, 2025.
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.
