The bill amends the duties of the state forester in Wyoming and establishes a wildfire management task force. Key changes include the addition of new responsibilities for the state forester, such as adopting necessary rules, appointing assistants, and maintaining wildland and forestry fire control programs. The task force will consist of legislative members, state government officials, and representatives from local governments and the agriculture industry. Its primary duties include studying wildfire impacts, evaluating response systems, and reporting findings and recommendations by October 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill appropriates funds for wildfire suppression efforts and allows the governor to borrow up to $30 million from the legislative stabilization reserve account if necessary. It also repeals prior borrowing authorizations and ensures that appropriated funds do not lapse at the end of any fiscal period. The task force is set to terminate on December 31, 2026, and the bill is effective immediately upon completion of necessary legislative procedures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-2-108