This bill amends the Wyoming state forestry good neighbor authority revolving account by removing the previous restrictions on the number of authorized employee positions and allowing for the hiring of additional employees funded from various sources within the account, rather than solely federal funds. Specifically, the bill deletes the limitation on the number of full-time and at-will employee positions that could be filled, thereby enabling the state forester to hire as many employees as necessary for good neighbor authority projects. Additionally, the bill authorizes the acceptance of grants, gifts, transfers, bequests, and donations into the account, while explicitly prohibiting the acceptance of real property for good neighbor authority purposes.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the state forester is empowered to accept these funds, including those with specific limitations imposed by the grantor, and ensures that funds in the account are continuously appropriated for the intended projects. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026. Overall, the changes aim to enhance the operational capacity of the good neighbor authority by providing more flexible funding options and removing previous employment restrictions.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0125 v0.4: 36-1-502, 36-1-503