A joint conference committee of Wyoming lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on a proposed property tax relief measure early Tuesday morning, leaving the future of the bill uncertain as legislative deadlines approach, Gillette News Record reports.
The proposal under discussion aimed to amend Senate File 69, “Homeowner Property Tax Exemption”, by implementing a 25% property tax cut for residential properties valued up to $1 million, without replacing the lost revenue from state savings. The bill included no sunset date, though the tax cut could be reconsidered depending on the outcome of a 2026 ballot initiative that proposes a 50% reduction in property taxes.
The Wyoming Senate had previously advocated for a 50% tax cut, set to expire in two years, without using state funds to compensate for lost revenue. Meanwhile, the House proposed a 25% cut without an expiration date, while also allocating over $200 million from state savings to support cities, towns, and counties reliant on property tax revenue.
The Senate’s delegation on the committee—Senators Troy McKeown (R-Gillette), Tim Salazar (R-Riverton), and Mike Gierau (D-Jackson)—all voted in favor of the 25% tax cut proposal presented Tuesday morning. However, the House delegation—Representatives Scott Heiner (R-Green River), Tony Locke (R-Casper), and Christopher Knapp (R-Gillette)—opposed the measure, arguing that more discussion was needed before finalizing an agreement.
Senate leaders expressed frustration, stating that a handshake agreement had been reached between the two chambers on Monday night. Senate President Bo Biteman (R-Ranchester) emphasized that the House delegation had already agreed to the deal before the Tuesday morning meeting.
Senator Salazar acknowledged that the Senate had preferred a 50% tax cut, but supported the 25% reduction as a compromise that would still provide property tax relief. He expressed disappointment that an agreement was not finalized, saying:
“I’ve always said that perfection is the enemy of the good. This was a good deal.”
Senator McKeown echoed these concerns, stating that the House members had previously supported the proposal but later backtracked, calling the situation “hugely disappointing.”
House Representative Scott Heiner clarified that the House had not rejected the proposal outright but wanted time to analyze its financial impact before making a decision.
“After getting the Senate’s proposed amendment this morning, we wanted to go back to our chamber and discuss it with our members and to run the numbers,” Heiner explained.
Representative Locke added that the House was committed to property tax relief, but needed “a little time” to ensure they fully understood the implications of the agreement.
With a March 6 adjournment deadline looming, lawmakers have only a few days left to negotiate a deal and send a finalized bill to Governor Mark Gordon’s office. Friday is the deadline for bills to reach the governor in time for a potential veto override before the session ends.
