WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SF 137

School finance-cash reserves.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Byron and 4 co-sponsors

Extends the 30% cap on district operating balances to 2027-28, allowing Wyoming districts to hold more cash reserves, reported separately and not counted for capital construction.

Assigned Chapter Number 70
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 137

Summary — SF 137: School finance — cash reserves

Status: Enacted (Session Laws of Wyoming 2025, Chapter No. 70 / Enrolled Act No. 37)
Effective date: July 1, 2025

Purpose

SF 137 extends a temporary increase in the allowable operating balance and cash reserve threshold for Wyoming school districts. The law allows districts to hold a larger share of their foundation program amount in operating balances and cash reserves without those amounts being treated as state revenue subject to redistribution or rebate.

Key provisions

  • Statute amended: W.S. 21-13-313(e).
  • Current rule (permanently) treats a district's operating balance and cash reserves in excess of 15% of its total foundation program amount as “state revenue” for purposes of distribution and rebate calculations.
  • Previously, for fiscal years ending June 30, 2022 through June 30, 2026, the department computed excess against 30% (i.e., districts could hold up to 30% before being treated as state revenue), with the extra 15 percentage points (15% → 30%) separately accounted for and restricted from use for capital construction.
  • SF 137 extends that temporary period: the 30% computation now applies for fiscal years ending June 30, 2022 through June 30, 2028 (i.e., extends the sunset from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2028).
  • The increase from 15% to 30% must be:
    • Accounted for and reported separately by districts, and
    • Not transferred or expended for capital construction (with “capital construction” expressly not including major building and facility repair/replacement defined under W.S. 21-15-109).
  • The Department of Education must continue to compute these amounts annually (no later than January 31 each fiscal year) and promulgate implementing rules and reporting procedures.
  • The law preserves existing exclusions (e.g., separate major repair accounts and certain settlement revenues).

Who is affected

  • Primary: Wyoming school districts — they can retain a larger operating balance/cash reserve (up to 30% of the foundation program amount) for the extended period.
  • Secondary: State distribution and rebate calculations under the school finance statutes may be affected by how district balances are reported, although the fiscal note indicates no fiscal or personnel impact.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal Note (25LSO-0426) states: "No fiscal or personnel impact."

Legislative history & sponsors

  • Introduced January 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025 after gubernatorial signature. Assigned Chapter No. 70.
  • Passed both chambers (Senate 23–7–1 on 02/06/2025; House 41–20–1 on 02/25/2025 per legislative record shown).
  • Sponsors: Senators Dockstader, Landen, Schuler; Representatives Byron and Erickson (and listed sponsor Alons in some summaries). Companion: HF 274.

Practical effect

Districts gain extended budgetary flexibility to hold larger cash reserves through the 2027–2028 fiscal year, subject to reporting and restrictions that prevent using the additional reserves for capital construction. The statutory change is administrative in nature and—per the fiscal note—does not impose additional state costs.

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

Sign in to ask a question.