The bill amends the Wyoming national guard member referral incentive program to increase the referral bonus from a maximum of $500 to $1,000. It expands eligibility for the program to include not only current Wyoming national guard members but also veterans of the Wyoming national guard, current employees of the military department, and recruits beginning the enlistment process. Additionally, the bill extends the sunset date of the program from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028, ensuring its continuation for an additional two years.

To support the increased referral bonuses, the bill appropriates $163,000 from the general fund to the Wyoming military department specifically for making these payments. The funds are designated for use until June 30, 2028, and any unspent funds will revert as per the law. The bill emphasizes that this appropriation should not be included in the standard budget for the Wyoming military department for the following fiscal biennium, indicating a focused financial commitment to enhancing recruitment efforts within the national guard.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19-9-403