The bill introduces comprehensive amendments to the budgeting, expenditure, planning, and reporting processes for capital construction projects and maintenance of public buildings and facilities in Wyoming. A significant new provision is the establishment of W.S. 21-17-208, which outlines the responsibilities of the University of Wyoming's board of trustees in managing property needs and capital construction projects, effective January 1, 2028. The board is tasked with creating a prioritized list of capital projects and submitting annual reports to the state construction department. Additionally, the bill clarifies that costs for major maintenance resulting from neglected routine maintenance will be the university's responsibility. It also updates definitions related to capital construction and maintenance, introduces new reporting requirements, and repeals certain funding mandates.
Moreover, the bill modifies the management and maintenance processes for state and community college properties, emphasizing the importance of routine maintenance and the development of comprehensive facility plans. It allows community colleges to allocate a portion of their annual distribution for major repairs, provided they receive departmental approval, and prohibits expenditures related to neglected maintenance without penalties for non-compliance. The bill also streamlines the prioritization and funding process for community college construction projects, requiring districts to cover at least 50% of costs from non-state sources. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with some provisions becoming effective immediately upon passage.
Statutes affected: 25LSO-0064 v0.4: 9-5-107, 21-15-109, 21-18-225