The bill establishes the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund, which includes the creation of a trust account and an income account aimed at supporting outdoor recreation and tourism initiatives within the state. A board of nine members, appointed by the governor, will oversee the fund's administration, evaluate grant applications, and ensure compliance with established criteria. The bill specifies that only governmental entities, tribes, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for grants. It also mandates regular meetings, the adoption of necessary rules, and annual reporting on the fund's activities and financial status.

In terms of funding, the bill allocates an initial $50,000 for administrative expenses and a recurring biennial appropriation of $6 million from the Wyoming tourism reserve account, which will be divided between the trust fund and the income account as directed by the legislature. The legislation includes provisions to ensure that appropriations cannot be transferred or expended without additional legislative authorization, maintaining oversight. Furthermore, it establishes that these appropriations will not lapse or revert at the end of the fiscal period unless further legislative action is taken, overriding existing statutes that may conflict with this provision. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-11-401, 36-4-202, 36-4-203