[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6680694,"mediaKeyId","2346862-c5e5fe4c77446643d9932b4c2ca99061","parentId",2346862,"title","Revenue committee advances constitutional amendment to exempt 100% disabled veterans from property tax","audioSeconds",727,"startMs",2125000,"endMs",2852000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2346862-c5e5fe4c77446643d9932b4c2ca99061&start=2125&end=2852","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2346862-c5e5fe4c77446643d9932b4c2ca99061/thumbnail_2125000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6680694/Wyoming/Revenue-committee-advances-constitutional-amendment-to-exempt-100-disabled-veterans-from-property-tax","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6680694-1a877494c08b7c2c3364f6d76b233d57/orig.mp4?Expires=1771112336&Signature=SzfUwvjn4-CssZC~TmldeYgBo1XY2YmvJyDzOPosML2NrQ4GvK0voqA6a6R-mbPZYlw2G6-qHCO12KTcEhwiVsJVMAu8kiCjbxVX4zqjMgiS9XOON9amcZVzL-APEK72rov-bOsgTQGo9ok67CUrYND6Ljkw6s4010fbir60IRwsgpKFjnSZmx8zZkkwDsSZZGc46kMkK35-5TEBwlRzakKWppkdiuAU7BXqPSSTkpWzud0DBx~-uGhuWvwbgDB~iFddXgvElh~fLVBswHJHrTFhgDid2479b8QVgtxuwqN0U-nT6reJ~b2oi2r~00IFboSra6YV4wIO0F3JSsdjeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Revenue Committee","date","2025-02-19T21:04:01.327Z","article","The Senate Revenue Committee voted 3–2 to advance House Joint Resolution 4, a proposed constitutional amendment that would add a voter-approved homestead exemption for veterans who are rated 100% permanent and total disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Representative Stivaler, sponsor of HJR 4, told the committee the amendment would add language to Article 15, Section 12 of the Wyoming Constitution so that veterans who are \"100% total and permanent\" disabled would not pay property tax. He said the change would be submitted to voters as a constitutional amendment. \"I bring you today House Joint Resolution Number 4, constitutional amendment, veterans property tax,\" he said when introducing the measure.

Public commenters were split. Joey Carrenti, a retired disabled combat veteran who testified in opposition, said that the most financially secure veterans already reach 100% P&T status and that a constitutional amendment would create a protected subclass while leaving other struggling veterans—those who are homeless or who have difficulty navigating the VA system—without help. He urged local solutions by county commissioners and said the state has tools short of a constitutional change.

Pat Macy, a private citizen, testified in support and said at least 13 states provide a full property-tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans; he said a constitutional amendment would guarantee permanence by requiring voter approval and suggested the state might consider expanding eligibility to other VA ratings in the future.

Committee discussion reflected both support and concern. Supporters called the amendment a meaningful benefit for veterans; opponents argued the constitution is not the right place for the policy and warned about restricting legislative flexibility. Senator Pappas said he supported the policy but not placement in the constitution: \"I just don't think it ought to be in the constitution,\" he said. Senator Hyde moved to advance the resolution; Senator French seconded. The committee recorded three ayes and two noes and reported the measure out of committee.

Action and next steps: The committee moved HJR 4 forward by roll call (Sen. Case voted no; Sens. French and Eyde voted aye; Sen. Pappas voted no; Chairman McEwen voted aye). Committee testimony referenced an identification of about 2,960 veterans eligible under the 100% P&T standard; public comment urged further study of local options and broader eligibility definitions. The resolution will go forward to legislative floor action and, if passed by the legislature, would be placed on the ballot for voter consideration.

Votes at a glance

- House Joint Resolution 4 (constitutional amendment — veterans property tax exemption): moved by Sen. Hyde, seconded by Sen. French; committee outcome: passed, 3 aye, 2 no.

Sources and provenance

This article draws on the bill sponsor's introduction at the committee hearing, public comments for and against, and the committee roll call advancing HJR 4.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Revenue Committee, February 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Senate Revenue Committee voted 3–2 to advance House Joint Resolution 4, a proposed constitutional amendment to exempt Wyoming homeowners rated 100% permanent and total disabled by the VA from property tax.","taxTitle","Revenue Committee, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming","taxId",61177,"location","Wyoming","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6680697,"Senate Revenue Committee OKs sales-tax exemption for oil gathering-line power with amendment",2038,27000,2065000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2346862-c5e5fe4c77446643d9932b4c2ca99061&start=27&end=2065","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2346862-c5e5fe4c77446643d9932b4c2ca99061/thumbnail_27000.jpg","/articles/6680697/Wyoming/Senate-Revenue-Committee-OKs-sales-tax-exemption-for-oil-gathering-line-power-with-amendment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6680697-f2a6bce837c27b2303c846276a301e78/orig.mp4?Expires=1771112336&Signature=QK7~18JUC4opDPRPNUFODuWSEBezxPU9VXIKUBjIvXJ0OlQJoR0-vFreI2YYTEjCa9vRSrbyZ4SHI7c3llanFCBsILV2NX-sDQGMdRCduv16j3xaQJFzkAFRTGSmXpuXnBicZeYl8Czwzjy41SrpMEqQLeZE~y2rjHCKX9Z8pp0giZGaCpnqxcyom0N8w1c6tUxaBZfE8xFxRg~AeYoTuw~xqBQhI-vwOR7WgKFA4rOhHpKlv2JY3~mFASDbDjW06zSApv3eU0LtAPGrt-2VcbRfsB5dE-utqo3nUSNfTfgX2ysJyBkKcF83aP6bTNqFgCPm8H~4qGQu8WJ774PQoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Revenue Committee on an apparent voice-and-roll call vote advanced House Bill 311 on a 4–1 tally, clearing language to restore a sales-tax exemption for electricity used to move oil through surface gathering lines and inserting a clarifying word to preserve existing exemptions for major pipelines.

At issue is whether the longstanding exemption that applied to interstate and intrastate transmission pipelines should also apply to smaller gathering lines that transport crude from well sites to larger collection or delivery points. Representative Wach, the bill sponsor, told the committee the bill \"just brings it back for the gathering lines\" after a prior statutory interpretation and subsequent rulemaking removed that treatment.

The bill would amend the sales-tax exemption in W.S. 39-15-105 to add a pipeline definition and a phrase clarifying coverage \"regardless of the ownership of the transportation of the transported tangible personal property.\" Brenda Henson, director of the Department of Revenue, said the department had previously administered the exemption for railroads and pipelines and that House Bill 197 (effective July 1, 2024) changed statutory language; the department later adopted rules that defined \"pipeline\" to exclude gathering systems. She warned that \"the question of going back to that original language of engaged in the transportation business is currently before the Wyoming Supreme Court.\" Henson also said if the legislature adopts the change, \"we will administer it accordingly\" and noted the sponsor-specified effective date of July 1, 2025.

Supporters said the bill clarifies legislative intent and corrects an uneven application of tax treatment across producers. Pete Obermueller, president of the Patrol Association of Wyoming, described the policy question succinctly: \"Should that sales tax exemption go from wellhead all the way to the end point of pipelines in Wyoming?\" He said one major taxpayer successfully appealed to the State Board of Equalization and that adopting the bill would prevent inconsistent outcomes from audits and appeals. Contractors and industry commenters noted companies can hire third parties to meter and allocate electrical use between extraction and transport where needed.

Opponents and some committee members raised equity and policy questions. Senator Pappas questioned whether expanding the exemption was the appropriate response to differences among producers, saying pumping costs and gathering-line expenses are part of the cost of production and that the legislature should consider whether exemptions are warranted. Committee discussion included a single-word amendment proposed by an industry speaker to insert \"delivery\" after \"sales,\" intended to ensure coverage extends to the delivery point and does not unintentionally remove exemptions for major interstate pipelines. That amendment was moved, seconded, and adopted by the committee before final passage.

Action and next steps: Senator Hyde moved the committee to advance the bill; Senator French seconded. The roll call recorded Senator Case as voting no and Senators French, Eyde, Pappas and Chairman McEwen voting aye. The Department of Revenue told the committee the change would be effective July 1, 2025, and the department noted ongoing litigation about the meaning of \"engaged in the transportation business.\" If enacted, affected taxpayers would need to document power used specifically for gathering-line transport to qualify for the exemption, a process several speakers said is typically done by third-party metering and allocation.

Votes at a glance

- House Bill 311 (exemption for transported fuel and power sales), as amended (inserting \"delivery\"): moved by Sen. Hyde, seconded by Sen. French; committee outcome: passed, 4 aye, 1 no. Effective date stated by testimony: July 1, 2025.

Sources and provenance

This article draws on the committee’s opening presentation of House Bill 311 and questions and testimony through the committee’s roll call. Key transcript excerpts include the sponsor’s explanation that \"this bill just brings it back for the gathering lines\" (Representative Wach) and the Department of Revenue’s statement that the bill \"would be in effect 07/01/2025\" (Brenda Henson).","The Senate Revenue Committee voted 4–1 to advance House Bill 311, restoring a sales-tax exemption for electricity used in oil gathering lines and adding a clarifying word to preserve existing pipeline exemptions; the Department of Revenue warned litigation over earlier language is pending and the change would take effect July 1, 2025.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6680689,"Committee passes bill restricting use of state funds for sexually explicit events after removing explicit 'drag queen' text",2348,3001000,5349000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2346862-c5e5fe4c77446643d9932b4c2ca99061&start=3001&end=5349","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2346862-c5e5fe4c77446643d9932b4c2ca99061/thumbnail_3001000.jpg","/articles/6680689/Wyoming/Committee-passes-bill-restricting-use-of-state-funds-for-sexually-explicit-events-after-removing-explicit-drag-queen-text","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6680689-2ed74f789c1c8fe97e8325d215af46dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771112336&Signature=VD7plhtDSWZ4a~XCBP7ZJPXcr5qr8rRkDe7rvaqq0WDHfycVbAx40c297tlDkojpCR2aNy96wNX8N~tmFc2wHxFS~5Z5pfiESw-3WZzLdDXjCBu2yYHvpmCW2gfmGxUrnDCmrqp9GEL4tedpODRrnDj4UWIVSbO0vD70~OpDTSghC3hsToXZbWkrrwlTaI2j4~3-vsT8pzOCWuaL9cE0rRlmhWtroVKJCBhZtk6E7w5UWgaRdR-HlVpS-YgndX0ClXsgvYL5mYCa5jCDeNyMg98ccg76K46rUqMEYj-Qy082k6TIo9nJRUI7sQqcsu3qZ-EI5Toyf70V2wgEEnlOvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Revenue Committee narrowly advanced House Bill 134, a measure that prohibits taxpayer-funded state or federal dollars from being used to sponsor events the bill characterizes as sexually explicit; the committee adopted an amendment removing a line that had explicitly listed \"drag queen events\" and ultimately approved the bill 3–2.

The sponsor (recorded in committee transcript as the bill's representative) told the committee the bill \"ensures that taxpayer money is not used to support events that some may find inappropriate or offensive\" and described a recent local controversy over a drag show where public-health testing and private fundraising intersected. Early draft language included an explicit example, but after questions from the committee the sponsor agreed with an amendment to delete the provision that read \"explicit events shall include drag queen events.\" The committee adopted that deletion.

Public comment and institutional witnesses raised concerns about how broadly the bill could reach public institutions and routine public-health, theater or court activities. Sarah Burlingame, executive director of Wyoming Equality, testified in opposition and warned the bill's definition of \"explicit\" is broad: she said it could sweep in non-sexual theater or routine public-health testing at community events, and that the single example in the sponsor's testimony had been misconstrued in public discussion. Mike Smith of the University of Wyoming and Erin Taylor of the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees both expressed concern that including facilities or equipment or unpaid volunteer activity could prevent campus programming and that university campuses routinely host content some will find objectionable while protecting free-speech principles.

Committee amendment attempts and debate: Senator Hyde proposed an amendment to limit the prohibition to paid personnel and to remove facilities or equipment from the ban (so that volunteer or unsanctioned student activity might not be caught). That amendment failed on a recorded voice vote. Earlier, the committee approved an amendment to delete the explicit reference to \"drag queen events.\" Supporters of the bill argued it is about funding choices: \"I don't want my hard earned money going to pay for this event,\" Senator French said in the debate. Opponents called the measure overbroad and cautioned about unintended consequences for theater, student clubs, public-health testing and court functions.

Action and next steps: The committee recorded a roll-call vote on the amended bill: Senators French, Eyde and Chairman McEwen voted aye; Senators Case and Pappas voted no. The committee reported House Bill 134 as amended to the next legislative stage.

Votes at a glance

- House Bill 134 (taxpayer funds for sexually explicit events prohibited), as amended (deleting example referencing \"drag queen events\"): moved by Senator Hyde, seconded by Senator French; committee outcome: passed, 3 aye, 2 no.

Sources and provenance

This article is based on the bill sponsor's presentation, public-comment testimony from advocacy and campus witnesses, committee amendment attempts, and the roll-call vote recorded in committee minutes.","House Bill 134, which would prohibit use of state or federal funds for events deemed sexually explicit, passed the Senate Revenue Committee 3–2 after members removed draft language explicitly naming \"drag queen events\" and debated the bill's scope for university, college and judicial activities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Revenue committee advances constitutional amendment to exempt 100% disabled veterans from property tax

Senate Revenue Committee OKs sales-tax exemption for oil gathering-line power with amendment

Committee passes bill restricting use of state funds for sexually explicit events after removing explicit 'drag queen' text