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Word "tax" on wooden blocks held together with a caliper tool. A calculator and assorted coins and currency are in the background.

Wyoming lawmakers seek constitutional change to require voter approval of tax increases

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Dan McCaleb | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Some Wyoming lawmakers want voters to have the final say over any tax increases in the state.

Senate Joint Resolution 1 seeks to change the state constitution to require voter approval of any state or locally imposed tax hikes.

Sponsored by Sen. Tom James, R-Sweetwater, SJ-1 would need to be approved by two-thirds of members of the state House and Senate before appearing on the ballot as a constitutional amendment. Voters then have to approve the change to the state's constitution.

"No tax shall be imposed without the consent of the people or their authorized representatives by a vote of the majority of electors during a general election," would be added to the constitution if approved.

If the resolution language becomes part of the constitution, any time a governing body wants to impose a new tax or a tax increase, a majority of voters would have to approve it at the polls.

The measure has nine cosponsors.