This bill amends Wyoming's laws regarding industrial development and the authority of the industrial siting council to adjust impact assistance payments for industrial projects. It allows the council to increase these payments beyond the previously established maximum percentages—2.25% for projects with estimated material costs of $350 million or less, 2% for projects between $350 million and $850 million, and 1.5% for projects exceeding $850 million—up to a new maximum of 2.76% if the council finds that the standard percentages are inadequate to mitigate identified impacts. The council is required to report to the joint appropriations committee and the joint minerals, business, and economic development interim committee within ten business days of any increase in payments.

Furthermore, the bill ensures that any approvals for increased payments are not subject to judicial review, making the council's decisions final. It includes provisions for the council to review and adjust the distribution of impact assistance payments based on various factors, such as unmitigated impacts and affected populations. Counties receiving these payments must submit annual reports on fund utilization. The act will apply only to impact assistance payments for industrial facility permit applications submitted after its effective date of July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
25LSO-0069 v0.7: 35-12-105, 39-15-111, 39-16-111