Catch Title: SF0064 Investment in Wyoming Housing

Sponsor: Senator(s) Brennan, Gierau and Landen; Representative(s) Harshman, Larson, Campbell, E, Connolly, JT, Sherwood and Thayer

Effective Date: Immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for a bill to become law

Bill URL: https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/SF0064

Overview:

SF0064 creates the Wyoming housing revolving loan program and an associated account to address a critical shortage of adequate, affordable, and workforce housing in the state . The program, administered by the Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA), provides low-interest or zero-interest loans to local governments, housing authorities, and nonprofits for projects ranging from land acquisition and new construction to planning and design .

Key Provisions:

• Lead Agency Designation: The Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) is the lead agency responsible for administering the program, managing the account, and promulgating necessary rules .
• Funding Mechanism: Establishes the Wyoming housing revolving loan account with an initial $30 million transfer from either the strategic investments and projects account (SIPA) or the legislative stabilization reserve account (LSRA) .
• Continuous Appropriation: All funds in the account are continuously appropriated to the WCDA to provide a steady and predictable funding stream for housing projects
• Construction and Rehabilitation Loans (80% Pool): Up to 80% of the account balance is available for new construction, rehabilitation of existing housing, and land purchase. Interest rates are capped at the U.S. effective federal funds rate .
• Planning and Predevelopment Loans (20% Pool): Up to 20% of the account balance is dedicated to planning and predevelopment expenses (e.g., architectural drawings) at a zero percent (0%) interest rate .
• Eligibility: Loans are restricted to local governments, housing authorities, and nonprofit entities located in Wyoming .
• Legal Oversight: No loan can be made without a written opinion from the Attorney General certifying the legality of the transaction and documents .
• Annual Reporting: The WCDA must report account balances, loan recipients, and purposes to the Joint Appropriations Committee by November 1 each year .

Implications:

• Significant Administrative Discretion: The bill does not define specific income thresholds or criteria for what constitutes “adequate, affordable housing” or “workforce housing,” leaving significant discretion to the WCDA to establish these standards through rulemaking .
• Fiscal Uncertainty in Loan Terms: While interest rates are specified, the bill does [Not Specified] the maximum length of repayment terms for loans, creating uncertainty regarding the long-term turnover rate of the revolving fund .
• Funding Predictability: The use of continuous appropriation ensures that the program does not rely on biennial legislative action, providing a stable financial foundation for long-term housing development .
• Monitoring and Compliance: The WCDA is authorized to establish administrative fees for ongoing project monitoring to ensure continued compliance with the program’s aims .