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Wyoming Bill Boosts Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 21:31 GMT by Wyoming News
      Locales: Wyoming, UNITED STATES

CHEYENNE, WY - February 16th, 2026 - A bill gaining momentum in the Wyoming legislature aims to substantially increase property tax exemptions for veterans, offering potentially significant financial relief to those who have served the nation. House Bill 47, originally proposed by Representative Roy Edwards (R-Wyoming), passed through the House Revenue Committee on Monday with unanimous support and is now poised for consideration by the full House of Representatives.

The current Wyoming law offers a modest property tax exemption to qualifying veterans, capping the exempted assessed value of a primary residence at $20,000. While appreciated by many, advocates argue this amount hasn't kept pace with rising property values and the increasing cost of living in Wyoming. HB 47 seeks to address this by not only increasing the exemption amount but also by broadening the eligibility criteria, ensuring more veterans benefit from the program.

Representative Edwards, a vocal advocate for veteran's affairs, emphasized the importance of supporting those who have served. "These men and women answered the call to duty, putting their lives on the line to defend our freedoms," he stated. "Providing meaningful financial relief through property tax exemptions is a small way we can demonstrate our gratitude and help them maintain stability in their post-service lives."

The proposed changes within HB 47 are multifaceted. The bill proposes increasing the exempted assessed value to $50,000 for all eligible veterans. More critically, it introduces a tiered system, offering significantly higher exemptions to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Veterans with a 50% to 99% disability rating would qualify for an exemption of up to $75,000, while those with a 100% disability rating, or those receiving Medal of Honor recognition, could potentially see their entire primary residence exempt from property taxes.

This tiered approach addresses concerns that the previous exemption was insufficient for veterans facing significant financial burdens due to disabilities incurred during their service. The increased exemption amounts are projected to have a substantial impact, particularly for low-income veterans and those on fixed incomes.

"We've heard from numerous veterans struggling to afford their property taxes, especially with the recent increases in property valuations across the state," explained Sarah Jenkins, a representative from the Wyoming Veterans Commission, who testified in support of the bill. "This bill isn't just about reducing taxes; it's about allowing veterans to remain in their homes, in their communities, and maintain a degree of independence."

However, the bill isn't without potential fiscal implications. The Wyoming Department of Revenue estimates that the expanded exemption could reduce local government revenue by approximately $3.5 million annually. While committee members acknowledged these concerns, they emphasized the moral obligation to support veterans and the potential economic benefits of keeping veterans in the state. Discussions regarding potential funding mechanisms to offset the revenue loss are ongoing, with possibilities including earmarking a portion of state sales tax revenue or exploring federal grant opportunities.

Several neighboring states have implemented similar, or even more generous, property tax exemptions for veterans. Montana, for instance, offers a full property tax exemption to 100% disabled veterans. Advocates argue that Wyoming must remain competitive to attract and retain veterans, contributing to the state's workforce and bolstering local economies.

The bill also includes provisions for simplifying the application process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for veterans seeking to claim the exemption. This includes allowing electronic submission of applications and streamlining the verification process. The intention is to make the process as user-friendly as possible, ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to without undue difficulty.

The full House is expected to debate HB 47 in the coming weeks. Its passage remains uncertain, but the unanimous support from the committee signals a strong bipartisan commitment to supporting Wyoming's veteran population. The Rawlins Times will continue to provide updates on the bill's progress. You can reach reporter Michelle Smith at msmith@wyomingnews.com or 307-325-2740 for more information.