Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund Act
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Bill Summary - 24LSO-0345 Bill No.: HB0067 Effective: 7/1/2024 LSO No.: 24LSO-0345 Enrolled Act No.: HEA No. 0027 Chapter No.: 42 Prime Sponsor: Newsome Catch Title: Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund Administration-2. Has Report: Yes Subject: Administration of the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund. Summary/Major Elements: This act fully establishes and implements the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund that was created by 2023 Wyoming Session Laws, Chapter 153 and creates the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund Income Account. This act creates a nine (9) member trust account board, appointed by the governor. This act provides for the administration of the Trust Fund and Income Account, including providing authorization for the board to promulgate rules. The board is authorized to use income generated by the Trust Fund to make grants to develop, supplement and promote outdoor recreation infrastructure and opportunities in Wyoming. Grants made by the board for a project with a cumulative total grant that exceeds two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) is considered a large project that must be approved by the Legislature. This act creates new duties for the Select Natural Resource Funding Committee by requiring the Committee to monitor the board's progress regarding projects funded under this act and to review large project grants made by the board. The Trust Fund is currently funded by a six million dollar ($6,000,000.00) recurring biennial appropriation from the Wyoming Tourism Reserve and Projects Account and, beginning July 1, 2026, the six million dollar ($6,000,000.00) recurring appropriation will be split. Four million dollars ($4,000,000.00) will be deposited to the Trust Fund and two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) will be deposited to the Income Account. This act also provides a one-time fifty thousand dollar ($50,000.00) appropriation to the board for the purposes of funding administrative expenses and the costs of implementing the provisions of this act. Comments: This act requires the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Account board to annually report to the Governor, the Joint Appropriations Committee, the Select Natural Resource Funding Committee and the Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Interim Committee on all grants, appropriations, contributions, gifts, bequests, and donations received and credited to the Trust Account and Income Account for the preceding fiscal year and to report on all grants awarded by the board, including the progress made toward the conditions of any grant made. The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent. While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.
Public statements
Last checked Aug 5, 6:23 AM
R · S25
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker argues that while tourism promotion is happening, safeguards and protections for natural resources are missing. They believe funding should be balanced to protect landscapes and wildlife rather than solely promoting growth which crowds out locals.
R · S15
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it allows the state to direct tourism traffic to areas that need dispersal rather than letting tourists go wherever they want. They also cite broad support from community leaders and advocates across the state.
R · S18
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the bill because they believe government should not meddle in areas better left to private enterprise, viewing such involvement as excessive state control.
R · S16
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it allows funds to be used for community projects and local clubs, not just tourist attractions. They emphasize that the money is already collected and needs a mechanism to be spent.
S10
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it provides a way to manage recreational traffic by directing visitors and protecting private property through signage and parking areas.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it provides necessary funding to develop walking paths and trails, which improves recreation opportunities for new residents and workers in their community.
R · S04
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the bill because they believe it inappropriately entangles government with activities better left to the private sector and lacks sufficient legislative oversight.
D · S17
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it provides a governance structure to access funds already appropriated, allowing communities across the state to request projects for economic development.
R · S28
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the bill because they believe government is becoming too involved in managing sectors better handled by private entities and cites concerns about administrative fees.
R · H01
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it establishes a necessary governance structure for an existing trust fund, enabling access to tourism-derived money that is currently locked due to lack of oversight.
H42
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the bill because it transfers control of millions in funds from the legislature to a board appointed by the governor, removing legislative oversight.
If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.
Wyoming roll calls
7 roll calls
Official activity
Changes
1 stored
The amendment changes where certain funds will be deposited and removes some existing language about how these funds are to be distributed.