This bill amends existing laws related to watershed improvement districts in Wyoming by repealing their authority to exercise the power of eminent domain. Specifically, it removes the ability of the boards of directors of these districts to condemn private property for public use, as indicated by the deletion of the relevant language in W.S. 41-8-113(a)(iii). Additionally, the bill makes conforming amendments to W.S. 41-8-102 and 41-8-119(a), clarifying that recreational purposes do not grant initial condemnation power and removing references to eminent domain proceedings in the context of appeals.

The bill specifies that it will not affect any condemnation actions filed before July 1, 2026, and it will take effect on that same date. However, there are concerns that this repeal may conflict with the Wyoming Constitution, particularly regarding the rights of property owners and the obligations of contracts that may have been established prior to the enactment of this legislation. The bill's implications could also raise equal protection issues, as it treats watershed improvement districts differently from other special districts that retain eminent domain powers.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0227 v0.4: 41-8-102, 41-8-119, 41-8-113