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Committee reviews repeal of sunset for long-term homeowner property tax exemption
Summary
The Joint Revenue Committee heard testimony on 26 LSO 99, a bill that would remove the 2027 sunset from Wyoming's long-term homeowner property tax exemption; assessors and county commissioners urged administrative tweaks and consideration of local revenue impacts.
The Joint Revenue Committee on Wednesday reviewed 26 LSO 99, a one-page bill to repeal the July 1, 2027, sunset in 2024 Wyoming Session Laws, chapter 106, that currently limits the long-term homeowner property tax exemption. Josh Anderson of the Legislative Service Office said the draft "repeals 2024 Wyoming session laws, chapter 106," removing the scheduled sunset.
The Department of Revenue's Ken Gill told the committee the bill is "pretty straightforward" but that the exact fiscal impact is uncertain because applicant numbers change year to year. He cited assessed residential value tied to the exemption at about "680,500,000" and used an average mill levy of "0.069187" in rough calculations during questioning. Gill said he would follow up with more precise figures.
Commerce County assessor Dixie Huxtable described how counties have implemented the exemption and urged administrative changes to reduce burdens on taxpayers. "We worked with the Department of Revenue to develop an affidavit form so that if a taxpayer was qualified last year, and nothing changed in their status ... they could basically just come in and sign a form," Huxtable said, adding that Converse County had roughly "700 applicants last year" and at least "50 brand new ones" so far this year.
County commissioners and the Wyoming Association of Municipalities urged caution about long-term revenue effects and recommended considering either a means test or a state backfill similar to the veterans exemption. Jeremiah Grama, representing Wyoming’s county commissioners, said the original fiscal note projected about "$10,000,000 per year" and warned current estimates have grown. He recommended options including a targeted means test or a dedicated replacement revenue stream.
Committee members asked staff to supply more detailed fiscal estimates, applicant counts and implementation options before further action. The committee did not take a final vote on 26 LSO 99 during the session.
The committee recessed to consider related bills and additional testimony.
