Sen. Eric Barlow

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the expiration date (sunset) for Wyoming's property tax exemption that benefits long-term homeowners, making the exemption permanent. It directly affects homeowners who have owned their primary residence in Wyoming for a specified period, typically 10 or more years under existing law. The key provision removes the scheduled end date for this tax break, ensuring eligible homeowners continue to receive the exemption without needing future legislative action. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies statewide to qualifying properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 13-member Wyoming Business Council Strategic Advisory Task Force to evaluate the state's Wyoming Business Council (WBC). The task force, including legislative members, business representatives (from agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, oil/gas, and local economic development), and local officials, must assess the WBC's programs, duties, and operations - including those not specified in law - and compare them to economic development models in other states. It will develop recommendations for strategic direction, propose changes to the WBC's structure or functions, and suggest improvements for communication with state leadership. The task force must meet at least three times and submit findings by a specified deadline. (Note: This is a procedural evaluation bill, not a policy change.)

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from Wyoming's tourism reserve fund to support the development of a rodeo and cowboy museum and hall of fame in Wyoming. The funds will be distributed in three installments of $5 million each on July 1, 2026, 2027, and 2028, contingent on the Wyoming Tourism Board certifying that relocation efforts will boost tourism, jobs, and state revenue. Applicants must provide matching funds (at least $1 for every $1 granted) and relocate to Wyoming by June 30, 2028, or repay the grant. The Wyoming Office of Tourism must report annually on fund usage until 2036.

Maddy summaryWyoming Senate Bill 125 (SF 125) halts the Wyoming Business Council's (WBC) new funding activities starting April 15, 2027, prohibiting it from accepting new grant, loan, or bond applications for any programs it administers. The bill requires the WBC to submit a detailed report by April 30, 2026, listing all pending grants, outstanding loans, bonds, property, and funds held by the council, itemized by program. This report must include repayment schedules, recipient details, and the status of all financial obligations existing before the effective date. The legislation effectively transitions the WBC away from active funding operations while mandating transparency about its existing financial commitments.

Maddy summaryHB 150 creates a 13-member Wyoming Business Council Strategic Advisory Task Force to evaluate the state's existing Wyoming Business Council (WBC). The task force, including legislative members, business representatives from agriculture, manufacturing, oil/gas, tourism, and local government, will review the WBC's programs, duties, and operations - including those not specified in the Wyoming Economic Development Act - and compare them to other states. It must recommend changes to retain, modify, privatize, or eliminate WBC functions, develop a strategic direction for the council, and improve communication of its work to state leadership. The bill does not change the WBC's current operations but mandates this review process to inform potential future reforms.

Maddy summaryHB 68 expands Wyoming's property tax exemption for veterans with permanent, total service-connected disabilities. It allows eligible veterans certified as having a 100% service-connected disability to claim a full exemption on the assessed value of their primary residence, including up to 10 acres of associated land - replacing the previous $6,000 annual limit. Surviving spouses who haven't remarried and keep the property as their primary residence also retain this full exemption. The change applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, and does not affect veterans who qualify only for the standard $6,000 exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 67 expands Wyoming's property tax exemption to include additional veterans and military members. It provides a property tax break for honorably discharged veterans who served 18+ consecutive months in U.S. armed forces or Wyoming National Guard, active/reserve Wyoming National Guard members, and surviving spouses/parents of qualifying veterans. The exemption applies only to Wyoming residents who have lived in the state for at least three years (with one year immediately before applying). The changes take effect for taxes due in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires regular drivers to yield to roadside service and tire repair vehicles when they're stopped or moving slowly near roadways. It allows these vehicles to use flashing white, amber, red, or blue lights and exempts them from having to install horns or sirens like emergency vehicles. The law directly affects roadside service crews, tire repair businesses, and all other drivers sharing roads with these vehicles. It takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 77 repeals Wyoming's current zoning protest process (W.S. 15-1-603), ending a mechanism that allowed residents or property owners to challenge zoning decisions through formal petitions. The bill directly affects residents, developers, and local governments in cities and towns by removing this specific appeal method for new zoning actions starting July 1, 2026. However, it preserves the validity of any protests filed under the repealed law before July 1, 2026, ensuring ongoing cases aren't disrupted. The law is procedural, with no new requirements or funding impacts, simply eliminating an existing administrative process.

Maddy summaryHB 63 increases Medicaid reimbursement for skilled nursing homes in Wyoming by 5% for services provided between July 2026 and June 2028. This directly affects nursing homes participating in Wyoming’s Medicaid program, which will receive higher payments for care provided during this period. The bill allocates $4.7 million in state funds and $4.7 million in federal funds to cover the increased reimbursement, with unspent funds reverting to the general fund by June 2028. The Department of Health must report on costs and recommend future adjustments by October 2027, and will develop necessary implementing rules.