Wyoming's HB 128 provides a 5-year severance tax exemption for oil and gas operators using certified advanced extraction methods (tertiary production) between July 2026 and July 2031. It directly affects oil and gas producers who implement qualifying projects approved by the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission after July 1, 2026. The bill requires annual reports by the Commission and Department detailing production volumes, qualifying operators, wells, and the tax savings from the exemption. This exemption applies specifically to severance taxes under Wyoming law, with reports due each November 1 from 2026 through 2036.
This bill authorizes two new full-time positions within Wyoming's state forestry division (one effective April 2026, one April 2027) to support the forestry conservation inmate crew program. It appropriates $499,709 from the general fund specifically for these positions, associated equipment/supplies, and program costs through June 2028. The funding is tied to coordination with the Department of Corrections and includes specific budgeting instructions for the state's next fiscal biennium. The bill directly affects the state forestry division, the inmate crew program, and the Department of Corrections.
This bill amends Wyoming's tax exemption rules for housing projects owned by cities or counties. It requires that such housing property be 100% publicly owned (by a municipality, county, or fully controlled entity) to qualify for tax exemption, excludes profit-making portions from the exemption (while allowing adjustments for public utility costs), and permits cities to instead make payments to maintain low-rent housing. The changes apply to all Wyoming cities, towns, and counties starting January 1, 2026.
HB 163 limits the state's annual costs that can be charged against Wyoming's Beef Council to 3% of fees collected by the council that aren't already required by state or federal law. This directly affects the Beef Council (which collects industry fees) and state agencies like the Department of Administration and Information that manage these funds. The bill's key provision sets a hard cap on administrative fees, ensuring the council retains more of its collected revenue. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026, and does not alter how the council spends its funds.
HB 162 creates a $6,000 annual property tax exemption for first responders in Wyoming, directly affecting peace officers, dispatchers, firefighters, and ambulance personnel (both paid and volunteer) who own or occupy their primary residence. To qualify, claimants must submit proof of status (like an employer ID or pay stub) by May 4th each year and confirm ongoing eligibility annually with their county assessor. The exemption applies only to the primary residence and is limited to $6,000 per year in assessed value. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, if passed.
This bill establishes a property tax rate of 8.3% for residential real estate in Wyoming, effective for the 2026 tax year. It defines residential real property to include single-family homes, condominiums used as primary residences, and associated land. The rate applies only to qualifying residential properties, while other property types would continue to be taxed at 9.5%. Homeowners with residential properties meeting the new definition would see their property taxes calculated at this rate starting in 2026.
This bill (SF 76) requires separate reporting of sales tax for electricity consumed by "very large electrical loads" (defined as 100+ megawatts for a single customer) and directs the resulting tax revenue into a new "local government distribution account." The funds in this account will be distributed to cities, towns, and counties as determined by the legislature. It applies only to taxes approved by voters on or after July 1, 2026, and requires vendors to report these large-scale electricity sales separately on monthly tax returns. The bill does not change tax rates but alters how revenue from these specific sales is distributed.
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.
HB 169 bars Wyoming state agencies and political subdivisions from using public funds to pay membership fees, dues, or related expenses for four specific organizations: the Environmental Council of the States, Council of Chief State School Officers, National Association of Medicaid Directors, and Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. The law prohibits payments for membership benefits (excluding goods/services), travel, conference fees, or event costs tied to these groups. It applies to all state funds appropriated by the legislature or received by agencies, effective July 1, 2026. This policy change directly affects state agency budgets and spending decisions related to these designated organizations.
Wyoming's SF 64 creates the Wyoming Housing Revolving Loan Program to address affordable housing shortages. It provides loans to local governments, housing authorities, and nonprofits for new construction, rehabilitation, or land acquisition of affordable and workforce housing (80% of funds), plus zero-interest loans for planning and predevelopment (20% of funds). The program is funded by a $30 million transfer from the Strategic Investments Account (if not repealed), with repaid loans replenishing the fund. All loans require state attorney general certification and annual reporting to the legislature on fund usage and project outcomes.
