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HB 67

Eligibility for veterans property tax exemption-amendments.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Barlow and 7 co-sponsors

Expands Wyoming veterans property tax exemption to more veterans and survivors and lowers residency, with new $5M/year county reimbursements starting 2027.

H COW:Failed 24-25-7-0-6
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 67

Bill Summary: HB 67 (Wyoming, 2026) – Eligibility for Veterans Property Tax Exemption Amendments

Purpose and intent

  • Expand and modify the Wyoming veterans property tax exemption program to include a broader group of qualified residents.
  • Increase state funding support to reimburse counties for the tax revenue lost due to exemptions, and specify the funding mechanism and administration.
  • Adjust residency requirements and several eligibility parameters to align with the expanded exemption scope.
  • Establish a clear effective date and transitional provisions for implementation.

Key provisions and changes

  • Expanded eligibility for the property tax exemption:

    • The exemption would cover:
    • Bona fide Wyoming residents who are honorably discharged veterans who served in the U.S. armed forces or the Wyoming National Guard.
    • Active-duty or reserve members of the Wyoming National Guard or the U.S. armed forces.
    • Surviving spouses or surviving parents of specified veterans and military members.
    • The bill lowers the residency period required to claim the exemption (see residency section below).

  • Residency requirement adjustments:

    • The required period of Wyoming residency to qualify for the exemption is shortened (details indicate a reduction from a longer period to a one-year standard, replacing a previously longer requirement).

  • Legislative appropriation and reimbursement mechanism:

    • Beginning July 1, 2027, an annual appropriation of $5,000,000 from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account would be set aside to reimburse counties for exemptions under this section if funds are insufficient from the State Treasurer’s Office biennial appropriation.
    • If total appropriated funds are insufficient to reimburse all counties, the available funds would be prorated among eligible counties at no less than 100% of what is due.
    • The State Treasurer, with Governor approval, must:
    • Provide required notices for expenditures exceeding $100,000.
    • Recommend revisions to both the biennial and annual appropriation in the budget requests.
    • The Department of Revenue would establish rules, coordinate with county assessors, track exemptions/valuations, and compile reimbursement reports for the Treasurer’s Office.

  • Timing and effective date adjustments:

    • The bill would take effect for ad valorem taxes assessed beginning January 1, 2026, with some provisions adjusted to January 1, 2027 as noted in the amendments.
    • Section 3 states the act becomes effective July 1, 2026.

Who would be affected

  • Eligible individuals:
    • Current and prospective Wyoming residents who are veterans (combat or non-combat) and their survivors as defined by the bill.
    • Active-duty, reserve, and National Guard members residing in Wyoming.
  • Counties:
    • Counties that administer property tax exemptions would receive reimbursements for lost revenue, subject to the new funding mechanism and caps.
  • State agencies:
    • Department of Revenue (DOR) would implement rules and coordinate with county assessors.
    • State Treasurer’s Office (STO) administers reimbursements and oversees notices for large expenditures.
    • Governor’s involvement for approvals and budgetary revisions.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Legislative history and process:
    • Introduced in early 2026 and went through referrals (H08 Transportation, then H02 Appropriations), with committee action and a prior failed floor vote in February 2026 (as introduced and amended variants circulated).
    • The adopted version (HB0067HS001) includes substantial fiscal provisions and administrative framework.
  • Fiscal impact:
    • The Department of Revenue estimates an ongoing annual expenditure increase of about $11.4 million beginning tax year 2026 (FY 2027) through 2029, reflecting broader eligibility and higher participation.
    • The appropriation plan involves $5 million annually from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account beginning July 1, 2027, to supplement reimbursements if needed, with prorating provisions if funds are insufficient.
  • Administrative impact:
    • The bill would increase duties for STO and DOR in processing, tracking, and reporting exemptions and reimbursements.
    • Agencies would provide separate administrative impact estimates prior to the first committee meeting.

Notes for readers

  • The bill is described as expanding the scope of the veterans property tax exemption, reducing residency requirements, and creating a dedicated revenue-sharing mechanism to compensate counties.
  • The exact eligible categories (veterans, active/reserve personnel, surviving spouses/parents) are defined to broaden participation while maintaining oversight and reporting.
  • If enacted, implementation would begin with tax year 2026 for exemption applicability, with the new reimbursement funding flowing starting July 2027, depending on budgetary appropriations and the Governor’s approval process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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