Wyo Legislators May Call Special Session For Property Tax Bill

Members of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus had called for a "special session" after Governor Gordon vetoed some bills that were important to them.

At first Senate President Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, and House Speaker Albert Sommers, R-Pinedale, had said they were not interested in a special session.

Their opinion, at the time, was that Senate File 54, a property tax bill, could be implemented this year. They would just wait for the 2025 legislative session, which would avoid a lot of frustration and save a lot of money.

The odds of a special session happening were low, as of last weekend and Monday morning.

But then, late Monday, Mr. Driskill and Mr. Sommers released a statement announcing a stunning reversal.

As it turns out SF 54 could still be implemented for this tax season. Taxpayers could find relief, soon.

“While not reflecting the property tax exemption in the April assessment schedule may lead to some confusion, we believe it is likely still worthwhile to consider a special legislative session to enact meaningful property tax relief this year,” write Sommers and Driskill.

The two are not talking to Governor Gordon about a special session and how best to handle this.

If a special session is called, the question arises as to what other vetoes might be addressed.

Will the House and Senate take on the vetoed gun-free zone bill?

What about the money for the University Of Wyoming DEI program?

A two-thirds vote is not required in the second house. Special sessions may be called at any time by the Governor or the Legislature, in accordance with the Wyoming Constitution.