New Laws Take Effect

Cheyenne, Wy – Eleven new laws went into effect in Wyoming Thursday.
Five of the new laws relate to the Game and Fish Department, including two that raise general hunting and fishing license fees. For most instate hunters and anglers, the fees will go up 20 percent.
Another law doubles the cost of a lifetime conservation stamp from 75 dollars to 150 dollars.
A fourth Game and Fish law creates a reduced-rate hunting license for people who have lived continuously in the state for at least 50 years and are at least 70 years old.
The fifth wildlife bill allows residents to purchase a lifetime small game and game bird license that does not include a fishing license, thereby saving the applicant 150-dollars.
Other new laws Thursday:
-- Stabilize the tax on the value of trona,
-- Expand the number of Vietnam veterans eligible for property tax relief,
-- Reduce unemployment taxes on Wyoming businesses,
-- Allow firefighters to obtain distinctive license plates,
-- Allow counties to file liens against future mining production if mining companies do not pay their taxes,
-- And allow temporary workers to obtain a decal instead of a license plate that is good for 90 days.
Each of the new laws was passed during the 2003 legislative session.