Several property tax relief measures continue to work their way through the
system in the House of Representatives.

Among a proposal to provide tax relief for Wyoming’s seniors. It comes in two forms, a House Joint Resolution and the second in an accompanying bill.

On first consideration Tuesday morning the proposals failed to receive the two-thirds majority vote for introduction during the 2008 session, however after reconsideration by House leadership, both were brought back for a second vote in the afternoon.

This time the measures surpassed the majority vote. The resolution and
accompanying bill would allow for a 50 percent tax break on the first
$200,000 of fair market value for Wyoming residents over the age of 65.

Other property tax measures in the House include initial approval to revisit
the issue through a reforendom and a bill, still to be introduced, would
address fair market values.

A proposed increase in fuel taxes went down in the House. Representatives
failed to support a raise in gas and dismal taxes.

A statewide mill levy to fund community colleges failed.

A right to bear arms bill, prohibiting government officials to confiscate
guns in a national emergency passed on introduction.

A bill addressing illegal immigration failed on the house.

Fines may go up for those who chose to run a road block. Currently the fine
stands at $100, but a proposal to raise the fine to $750 received a
two-thirds majority on introduction.

An attempt was made to clarify a current law that suggests that it is illegal for a minor to be drunk in Wyoming, but legal to drink. The proposal to clarify
the law failed.

An attempt to give conflicted felons a right to vote failed on introduction.

A court security study was passed in the Senate.

A bill that would reimburse local governments $40 million on lost revenues
from the canceled food tax failed in the House. However, funding has already
been dedicated to the towns and counties in a $350 million budget proposal
prepared by the House and Senate Appropriations Committee.

On Wednesday House and Senate committees took on proposals for repeal
of a grand jury, uniform notarial acts, the right to bear arms, district
court judge salaries, employee criminal background checks. economic
development loans, natural gas valuations, fuel tax distributions, school
financing recapture payments, community juvenile services, residential
mortgages practicies, national guard licensing and commercial vehicle
licensing.