Wyoming taxes

Gov. Mark Gordon signed a bill into law on March 5 that codifies the state’s system of distributing a portion of sales tax revenue to local governments.

Legislation that would alter different elements of the state’s property tax system is progressing through the Capitol building in Cheyenne.

Tax bills are moving through the Legislature, like one that would codify direct sales tax revenue distribution from the state to local governments. Others have died or stalled, like a bill that would’ve ended residential property tax collection altogether.

Members of the Revenue Committee went through slew of property tax bills that could change if the state collects from homeowners.

Board members governing one county’s library system started a postcard-writing campaign to get lawmakers’ attention about the loss of revenue.

Wyoming lawmakers are spending their final interim meetings reviewing potential new laws for the state’s exploding gaming industry. However, some bills have faced opposition or complex debates around taxes, zoning and business rights.

Wyoming’s 23 weed and pest programs are getting hit by several funding cuts, making it harder to treat invasive insects and weeds that are prone to wildfire, like cheatgrass.

Sweetwater Economic Development Coalition is the latest casualty of local government budget cuts spurred by the Legislature this year.

One of the property tax bills, HB 39, passed the House on Jan. 28. It would lower the household income threshold for Wyomingites to qualify for property tax refunds. Critics of some of the measures worry about funding for basic municipal services that rely on property tax revenue.

The Freedom Caucus passed its five key bills through the House two days ahead of its self-imposed deadline. Some flew through the process, while others saw heavy debate and amending.