Revisting the 2024 Legislative Session

The 2024 Wyoming Legislative session was February 12 to March 8, 2024, at the State Capitol in Cheyenne. With this being my first budget session, I learned a lot and have a new respect for the process and the work and time that is put into the state’s budget. We heard 350 bill and passed a $10.6 billion Biennium Budget.

One of the big issues this session was to find tax relief for the people of Wyoming.

We passed 4 new bills for tax relief

1. HB0045 Property tax exemption for residential structures.
2. HB0004 Property tax Refund Program is an existing program but more money was put into this program. It has three income tiers of eligibility for the property tax refund program. To qualify primary residence must be residents for at least 5 years. Meet income requirements set by the county.

Programs that will come Jan 1, 2025

3. HB0003 Property tax exemption for long-term homeowners. It implements a 50% exemption on homes for individuals who are or have paid property tax for 25 years.
4. SF0089 Veterans and ad valorem exemption. Increases the veteran property tax exemption to $6,000.

Please Contact Carbon County Treasurer to see if you are eligible for any of these  programs.

The bill for education savings account program HB0166 which will allow families to use state funds to attend private schools, charter and some home-based education is waiting on rule making before being implemented.

In our attempt to keep sage Grouse off the endangered list we have recommendations to the Governor and he forwarded the plan to the BLM.

We passed the bill HB0008 for 18-year-olds to get a commercial driver’s license - hazardous material endorsement on secondary roads.

SF0057 is a program to help with the purchase of hearing aids for adults.

SF0109 prohibits red flag gun seizures.

SF0086 is funding for school safety and security.

New voting requirements - To change your voting affiliation you must do so by

May 15 at the Caron County Clerk’s office.

Many good bills died in committee or vetoed. We have the ability to do a few changes and bring them back next session.

I have only highlighted a few bills that may help you, but I encourage you to see the complete list of bills at https://wyoleg.gov There may be programs and new bills that can help you and your family.

We were also able to continue funding for K - 12 education bills. But we are continuing monitoring the future of our education system.

We were also able to put money in savings to protect the future of Wyoming for our children.

It has been a great pleasure to serve as your House District 47 Representative. Please feel free to text me with any comments, questions or concerns at 307-380-6457