Wyoming committee endorses constitutional amendment for disabled veterans' property tax exemption

The Wyoming Legislature convened for its Senate Floor Session on February 24, 2025, to discuss several key legislative items, including House Bill 188 and House Joint Resolution 4. The session began with a motion regarding House Bill 188, which received a favorable recommendation from the committee of the whole, passing with unanimous support.

Following this, the Senate turned its attention to House Joint Resolution 4, a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at providing a property tax exemption for fully disabled veterans. The reading clerk introduced the resolution, which was sponsored by Representative Stiver and had previously been recommended for passage by Committee Number 3.

Senator McEwen, the chairman, moved to recommend that the resolution do pass. He emphasized the limited scope of the amendment, noting it would apply only to veterans who are 100% disabled and would cover their primary residence and up to 10 acres of associated land. Additionally, the resolution includes provisions for surviving spouses of disabled veterans, provided they remain unmarried and do not relocate.

Several senators expressed their support for the amendment, highlighting the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by disabled veterans. However, a notable discussion arose regarding the necessity of a constitutional amendment versus a statutory exemption. Senators Rothfuss, Pappas, and Cooper raised concerns, suggesting that a statutory approach might be more appropriate and less prescriptive than embedding the exemption in the state constitution. They argued that a legislative solution could provide the same benefits without the complexities of constitutional amendments.

Senator Bauer countered these concerns, asserting that a constitutional amendment would provide greater certainty and protection against potential legal challenges regarding property tax exemptions. He suggested that the amendment would ensure compliance with constitutional requirements for equitable tax application.

The session concluded with a vote on Senator McEwen's motion to recommend that House Joint Resolution 4 do pass. The resolution garnered support, although some senators remained skeptical about its constitutional basis. The discussions highlighted the ongoing debate within the legislature about the best approach to support veterans while ensuring legislative flexibility.

Overall, the session underscored the Wyoming Legislature's commitment to addressing veterans' issues, while also navigating the complexities of legislative processes and constitutional law. Further discussions and potential amendments may arise as the resolution progresses through the legislative process.