This bill amends existing laws regarding the leasing of state lands in Wyoming, specifically expanding the purposes for which these lands can be leased to include residential uses alongside industrial, commercial, and recreational purposes. It establishes that leases must comply with minimum standards adopted by state regulatory agencies and introduces a new subsection that mandates the board of land commissioners to create review criteria for leasing state lands for commercial or residential purposes. These criteria will consider local government provisions, such as growth policies, zoning regulations, and other land use planning aspects, as long as they do not violate the Wyoming Constitution. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "recreational purposes" to encompass a broader range of activities and facilities, including any other recreational purpose determined by the board of land commissioners. It also revises the appraisal process for improvements made on state lands, ensuring that if a sale occurs, the improvements will be appraised separately from the land. The bill specifies that the current market value of improvements will be determined based on their replacement value, considering their remaining useful life. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
24LSO-0355 v0.3: 36-5-114, 36-5-115, 36-9-103, 36-9-105