SF0068

Clarifies that state-owned lands are exempt from property taxation and creates a task force to study and recommend policy regarding the taxability of government property.

• Adds a new exemption provision stating that lands owned by the state of Wyoming are exempt from property taxation regardless of use, while allowing taxation of improvements to land and other property not owned and used for governmental purposes. This provision expires January 1, 2027. (W.S. 39-11-105(a)(ii), W.S. 39-11-105(a)(xlvi), Sec. 1)
• Makes the state land property tax exemption effective for the tax year beginning January 1, 2025. (Sec. 2)
• Creates a government property task force with 10 members appointed by the speaker of the house (4), president of the senate (4), and governor (2) to review taxability of government property and make recommendations. (Sec. 3(a))
• Directs the task force to review the historical taxation of government property and impacts of recent Wyoming Supreme Court decisions, examine exemptions for different types of government property, and make recommendations regarding state land taxability and uniform exemption definitions. (Sec. 3(b))
• Requires the task force to report findings and recommendations to the governor and specified interim committees by October 1, 2025. (Sec. 3(c))
• Establishes compensation, per diem, and travel expense provisions for task force members according to Wyoming Legislature standards. (Sec. 3(d), W.S. 28-5-101)
• Designates the legislative service office to staff the task force with assistance from the department of revenue and office of state lands and investments. (Sec. 3(e))
• Sets the task force termination date as June 30, 2026. (Sec. 3(f))
• Appropriates $20,000 from the general fund to the governor's office for task force nonlegislative member compensation and expenses through June 30, 2026. (Sec. 4(a))
• Appropriates $45,000 from the general fund to the legislative service office for task force legislative member salary, mileage, and per diem through June 30, 2026.