Bill > HB0034

This bill expands the definition of "firefighter member" within Wyoming's retirement system to include individuals employed full-time or temporarily full-time in a wildland firefighting occupation by any state agency, and also includes those employed full-time as correctional forestry crew supervisors, correctional crew supervisors, or correctional forestry crew managers by the state forestry division or other agencies. It also clarifies that "law enforcement officer" now includes these correctional forestry positions. The bill appropriates $411,000 from the general fund to the office of state lands and investments for retirement contributions related to these expanded roles, with the funds to be used for the period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028. The Wyoming Retirement Board and the office of state lands and investments are required to create necessary rules for implementation, and coverage for these newly included positions will begin on July 1, 2026, unless individuals elect to remain in the general member category of the Wyoming Retirement Act by April 30, 2026, with such elections being final. Importantly, prior service credit in other retirement plans, unless it was as a firefighter or law enforcement officer, will not count towards service credit under these expanded firefighter provisions.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations (Joint)

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0034