WY HB0180

Cities and towns must stop charging fees for surface water diversion/runoff systems on April 1, 2026, unless voters approve continued fee collection by majority vote, with reauthorization required every 4 years at municipal elections.

Existing surface water systems established before April 1, 2026 must either be reclassified into a surface water drainage utility (requiring voter approval) or operate solely on non-fee municipal funds by July 1, 2027.

Systems that fail to comply by July 1, 2027 must dissolve and refund all fees collected before April 1, 2026 to users by September 1, 2027, except fees pledged to repay revenue bonds issued before April 1, 2026.

Appropriates $5,000 from the general fund to the Office of State Lands and Investments for pro rata distribution to cities and towns transitioning systems to surface water drainage utilities, with funds available through June 30, 2028.

Effective immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for enactment.