HB0272

Establishes the Wyoming housing investment program to provide grants and loans for affordable housing projects through a dedicated investment account.

• Creates the Wyoming housing investment program administered by the Wyoming Community Development Authority to address critical shortage of adequate, affordable housing and promote economic development. (W.S. 9-7-126(a), W.S. 9-7-126(b))
• Establishes the Wyoming housing investment account, which is continuously appropriated and may receive funds from transfers, federal grants, contributions, gifts, bequests, and donations. (W.S. 9-7-126(c))
• Allocates up to 50% of annual account balance for grants and zero-interest loans to Wyoming nonprofit entities for new construction, rehabilitation, transitional housing, first-time homebuyer assistance, and rental voucher programs. (W.S. 9-7-126(d)(i))
• Allocates up to 45% of annual account balance for loans to business entities (Wyoming residents or businesses with principal place of business in Wyoming) for new construction or rehabilitation of adequate, affordable housing, with interest rates not exceeding the federal funds rate. (W.S. 9-7-126(d)(ii))
• Allocates up to 4% of annual account balance for capacity building grants to cities, towns, counties, and nonprofit entities to conduct housing studies, analysis, and research, and fund grant administration and planning staff. (W.S. 9-7-126(d)(iii))
• Allocates up to 1% of annual account balance for the authority's administrative expenses, including at-will employment contract positions. (W.S. 9-7-126(d)(iv))
• Requires the authority to establish an application process for grants and loans and may impose ongoing project monitoring fees to ensure compliance. (W.S. 9-7-126(f))
• Requires the authority to submit annual reports by November 1 to the joint appropriations committee on account balance, grants and loans issued, outstanding loans, and legislative recommendations. (W.S. 9-7-126(h))
• Provides for program sunset on July 1, 2031, after which no new grants or loans may be issued, and directs remaining unexpended funds to the strategic investments and projects account.