Bill > SF0185

This bill clarifies and refines the definitions and taxation rules for governmental property in Wyoming by establishing a precise definition of "governmental purpose" and creating new guidelines for property ownership and taxation. The bill defines "governmental purpose" as property primarily used for health, safety, welfare, education, transportation, infrastructure, or administrative purposes, explicitly excluding properties used for recreation, leased to non-governmental entities, idle or vacant land, and properties held for sale or economic development. The bill provides detailed clarifications for subcategories like administrative use, education, health and safety, infrastructure, and transportation, specifying what types of properties fall under each category. Additionally, the bill requires public entities to review and potentially sell property that has been unused for governmental purposes for ten years or more, unless they can demonstrate good cause for retaining the property. Public entities must make this assessment by January 1, 2027, with exceptions for lands that are legally required to be held, such as state or school lands. The legislation aims to ensure more efficient use of government-owned property and provide clearer guidelines for property taxation exemptions, with the new rules becoming effective on January 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/SF0185