Budget & Taxes

Wyoming's SF 32 establishes a state-funded program to support 911 emergency services. It directs the Department of Transportation to conduct a study on transitioning to next-generation 911 systems by September 2027, and to provide grants covering funding shortfalls for local governments operating current 911 systems. The bill appropriates $3.75 million ($3 million for grants, $750,000 for the study) from the legislative stabilization reserve, with funds available for applications starting July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2028. Local governments operating 911 systems may apply for grants to cover operational shortfalls, while the study will examine system governance, operations, and costs. The bill directly affects local emergency service providers and state budget allocations for public safety infrastructure.

This bill increases funding for Wyoming's Hathaway scholarship program. It raises per-semester award amounts for three scholarship tiers: opportunity ($840 → $1,180), performance ($1,260 → $1,770), and honor ($1,680 → $2,360) scholarships for students meeting specific GPA and test score criteria. The bill also increases the maximum annual need-based scholarship award from $1,575 to $2,120. These changes apply to eligible Wyoming students pursuing degrees or certificates at approved institutions, effective July 1, 2026.

SF 86 creates the Wyoming Property Tax Relief Authority to provide financial assistance for property taxes to qualifying homeowners. The authority would administer a loan program offering funds to Wyoming residents who own their primary residence and face increased property tax burdens. It authorizes the issuance of bonds to fund the program, with repayment secured by dedicated revenues. The bill also requires that loan application details remain confidential and not subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Act.

This bill proposes amending Wyoming's constitution to eliminate property taxes on residential homes. It would change Article 15, Section 11(b) to set the tax rate for residential property at 0%, meaning no property tax would be assessed on residential real estate. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect. It directly affects all Wyoming homeowners who currently pay property tax on their primary residences.