3.11.24 Legislative Update
Valued WHTC Members,
The Wyoming Legislature concluded the 2024 budget session last Friday, agreeing to a biennium budget that has been sent to Governor Mark Gordon for consideration and signature.
There ended up being a total 366 bills and resolutions posted for consideration. You can view all bills from the 2024 budget session here https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024
Below are the bills that we engaged in throughout the session. All standing committees will meet 3 times between now and the 2025 general session which starts next January. Your association will be engaged in all discussions related to hospitality and tourism and will keep you updated in the months to come.
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Governor Mark Gordon’s Recommendation for the Wyoming Tourism Board Budget
Our top priority this budget session is for the legislature to pass the Governor's biennium budget recommendation (Gov’s Rec) for agency 066 Wyoming Tourism Board. When tourism funding shifted from the state’s general fund to the direct funding provided by the statewide lodging tax, the tourism budget increased by $8.8 per biennium. While this increase put Wyoming in a better position to compete with our surrounding states, Colorado, Montana, Utah, and South Dakota still invest significantly more than Wyoming does. The increase also allows for a destination development grant program that all 23 counties have taken advantage of. Governor Gordon recommended then that the increased investment become part of the tourism board's "standard budget." During the 2022 budget session, the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC) made the increase in one-time funding or "an exception request." Governor Gordon has once again recommended this funding become part of the standard budget. Additionally, the Governor recommended filling two unfilled positions within the Office of Tourism- a data analyst and an Industry Development Manager to help the Office of Tourism continue to grow Wyoming’s visitor economy.
Status: Our top priorities for The Wyoming Tourism Board budget were passed in both chambers to include the $8.8 million that was previously 1-time funding, as part of the standard budget as well as funding to fill the two positions of Industry Development Manager and Data Analyst. Thank you to those of you who took the time to reach out to your legislators! Amendments on the final budget bill for tourism, including our priorities listed above were $2 million for the USA 250 grants/celebration and $2.5 million in matching funds to an air race in Casper.
HB 67 Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund Administration-2
https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024/HB0067
This bill is a mirror bill to SF 40 providing an additional opportunity for the bill to be introduced and worked if SF 40 fails introduction. See SF 40 below for explanation of bill.
Status: Passed and has been signed by Governor Gordon! Thank you to all who engaged in this bill!
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SF 79 Malt Beverage Franchise Agreements
https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024/SF0079
Would allow Malt Beverage manufacturers producing less than 25,000 barrels annually to terminate franchise agreements.
Status: Passed both House and Senate. Awaiting Governor Gordon's signature.
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HB 2 Non-Resident Fishing License Fee Increase
https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024/HB0002
Increases non-resident annual fishing license fee from $100.00 to $110.00 and non-resident daily fishing license fee from $10.00 to $14.00.
HB 17 Fishing Outfitters and Guides-Registration of Fishing Boats
https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024/HB0017
Authorizes the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to regulate guided fishing boats.
HB 203 Property Tax Reduction and Replacement Act
https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024/HB0203
Would exempt all property tax for residential property valued up to $1 million. Would also add 2% to state sales tax. Provides a rebate “if funds available” to industries that pay severance tax.
SF 40 Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund Administration
https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024/SF0040
During the last legislative session, the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund Account was established. $3 million annually is deposited into it from the Wyoming Tourism Special Projects Account. This bill provides a governance structure, similar to the Wyoming Natural Resources Trust Fund. It will facilitate all 23 counties able to apply for grants related to building out and maintaining Outdoor Recreation and Tourism related products. This is a committee bill sponsored by the Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee.
SF 62 State Parks- Recreation Management Authority
https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024/SF0062
Authorizes the Dept. of State Parks and Cultural Resources to lease state lands for recreational purposes.
SF 82 Summer Vacation Preservation Act
https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024/SF0082
Would reduce the amount of needed school days from 175 annually to 165 and would give school districts the ability to start school after Labor Day and end the school year by Memorial Day.
SF 87 Boutique Hotel Liquor Licenses
https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024/SF0087
Allows for the creation of a Boutique Hotel Liquor License for Boutique Hotels with a minimum capital valuation of $10 million.
SF 68 Tangible Personal Property-Tax Exemption
https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024/SF0068
Exempts all tangible personal (business) property from taxation.
For any questions or concerns related to the budget session or any of the federal issues we are focused on, please contact WHTC Executive Director Chris Brown at chris@wyohtc.org