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

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.