Proposed Wyoming bill would fund school projects and safety work

The bill would set aside money for listed school building and facility projects. The proposed funds cover listed K-12 school projects, including maintenance, charter school leases, design, construction, demolition, and unexpected project costs. The amounts are maximums, not guaranteed payments. For major maintenance projects, the commission may change the priority order to improve efficiency or based on project readiness. Most funds would be available from July 1, 2026, until project completion. Charter school lease funds cover the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years; starred projects would be funded immediately.

The bill would provide $10 million for school safety and security projects. The funding would cover security vestibules, vehicle barriers, and other prioritized school district safety remedies. Districts would apply to the state construction department, and the commission would have to approve each request. Before spending, the commission would have to add each remedy to the district facility plan, find it cost-effective, and set a maximum budget. The funds would be available beginning July 1, 2026, and remain available until each project is complete, unless otherwise provided by law.

The bill would require state officials to report on project spending and progress. The state construction department would report on projects funded under Section 1; the commission and department would report on safety and security funds. Project schedule reports would need commission approval. Reports would go to the select committee on school facilities, the joint appropriations committee, and the governor. Safety funding reports would be due by September 1, 2026, and each September 1 after that until the funds are spent or revert.