Senate approves consent-list bills, moves dozens of measures including long-term homeowner tax-exemption repeal

The Wyoming Senate on Feb. 20 approved a consent list of bills and separately passed a measure that repeals the sunset on the long-term homeowner tax exemption.

Senate leaders moved a third-reading consent list that included a series of bills on data privacy, conservation district contracting, hospital pricing transparency and other items. Several senators removed two bills from the list for separate consideration; after roll-call votes the chamber declared the remainder of the consent list passed.

The session turned to a separate, contested third reading of Senate File 39, the long-term homeowner tax-exemption sunset repeal. Senator Case urged senators to oppose the bill, arguing it conflicts with constitutional uniformity: "I would urge us to, cast a no vote on this bill," he said, warning that class-based exemptions could distort valuations and the housing market. Senator Crago, urging an aye vote, said the bill continues targeted help for those who need it most and referenced Article 15, Section 12 of the Wyoming Constitution to justify legislative authority to create property tax exemptions.

After the roll-call, Senate File 39 passed the Senate by recorded tally (21 ayes, 1 no, 9 conflicts reported). Senator Cole subsequently explained his recorded conflict vote as representing constituents on fixed incomes who he said would benefit from the change.

What happens next: Senate File 39 passed the Senate and, if it proceeds through the House or final enrollment steps, will move forward in the legislative process. Other consent-list bills likewise passed the Senate on the same day.