Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 126, the "Human heartbeat act," prohibits most abortion procedures after a detectable fetal heartbeat is identified (typically around 6 weeks gestation), directly affecting pregnant individuals seeking abortions and healthcare providers performing them. The bill requires healthcare providers to confirm a detectable heartbeat via standard medical equipment before proceeding with an abortion, except in cases of medical emergencies that threaten the patient's life or major bodily function. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by up to five years in prison or $10,000 fines, and healthcare professionals face mandatory license revocation for noncompliance. The law creates new definitions, exceptions for medical emergencies, and penalties for violations, effective upon enactment.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 123 creates the Wyoming Energy Dominance Fund, administered by the Wyoming Energy Authority, to support the state's traditional energy industries. The fund receives a portion of severance tax revenues (50% for fiscal years 2027-2028, then 50% for 2029 onward) that would otherwise go to the permanent mineral trust fund or school accounts. It provides grants and loans for projects like coal innovation, natural gas, uranium processing, and pipeline infrastructure - requiring a 1:1 match from non-state funds - but explicitly excludes wind and solar energy projects. The fund aims to bolster Wyoming's energy sector, which supports over 60,000 jobs and generates significant state revenue.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 120 creates "industrial sovereign zones" where natural gas producers and manufacturers can transform gas into new products (like hydrogen or ammonia) through substantial chemical changes. It provides tax exemptions for facilities in these zones, fast-track permitting for new manufacturing operations, and establishes a voluntary "gold standard" certification for products with low methane emissions (under 0.2%). The bill directly affects natural gas producers selling to these facilities and manufacturers building new processing plants within designated zones. Key provisions include streamlined licensing, tax breaks for machinery and gas sales, and certification standards to promote Wyoming-made products as distinct from raw fossil fuels.
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 110 establishes a lower property tax assessment rate for primary residences owned by residents who live there year-round. It sets an 8.3% assessment rate for owner-occupied primary homes (down from 9.5%) while maintaining a 9.5% rate for other residential properties. To qualify for the lower rate, homeowners must submit an annual claim to their county assessor by May 4th, demonstrating they occupy the property as their primary residence for at least six months. The bill repeals an existing exemption for primary residences and takes effect for the 2027 tax year.
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 112 eliminates the requirement for vehicle owners to replace license plates on a fixed schedule (e.g., every 8 years). Instead, plates must only be replaced when they become permanently unreadable due to wear, fading, corrosion, or damage - not from temporary issues like snow or mud. The bill adds a $8 fee for replacement plates meeting this standard, while maintaining existing rules for specialty plates (like University of Wyoming or wildlife conservation plates) that still require periodic redesigns. This change directly affects all vehicle owners needing to replace damaged plates, shifting the requirement from routine renewal to condition-based replacement.
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 104 creates a dedicated $51.2 million university faculty research project account at the University of Wyoming to fund faculty research. The bill requires universities to secure at least 1:1 nonstate matching funds for most projects (except graduate student stipends), which can cover equipment, donor-aligned research, or business-requested projects matching the university's strengths. Profits from funded research must be split equally between the university and faculty researchers, with annual reports required to state committees on project details and spending. This directly affects University of Wyoming faculty, graduate students receiving stipends (up to $1,500/month), and external donors or businesses partnering on research.
Maddy summaryHB 117 requires Wyoming abortion providers to obtain written informed consent before performing an elective abortion, ensuring patients receive complete information about the procedure and alternatives. The bill defines coercion (e.g., threatening job loss, scholarship revocation, or physical harm) as a violation, allowing women harmed by negligent or non-consensual abortions to sue providers. It creates civil liability for providers who fail to verify consent or knowingly perform abortions under coercion. The law applies directly to abortion providers and patients in Wyoming, focusing on preventing coercion through legal accountability.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Wyoming cities, towns, and counties from imposing fees, conditions, or concessions related to workforce housing, unmet housing needs, or affordable housing on new residential or commercial development projects. It applies to all permit applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, and does not affect existing contracts or obligations for projects approved before that date. The law creates new state code sections (15-1-612 for municipalities and 18-5-209 for counties) to enforce this prohibition, directly affecting local governments and developers by removing potential requirements for affordable housing projects.
Maddy summaryHB 159 protects students' religious, political, and ideological speech in Wyoming public schools. It prohibits schools from discriminating against students for expressing these views in class discussions, assignments, club activities, or clothing - similar to how other student speech is treated. The bill creates a legal cause of action for violations, allowing students or clubs to seek at least $5,000 in damages plus other remedies. Exceptions include unprotected speech (per the First Amendment) or conduct that disrupts school operations or creates a hostile environment.
Maddy summaryHB 127 requires voter approval before school districts or county commissioners in Wyoming can impose new mill levies for recreational facilities and public recreation systems. It limits new levies to one mill (one dollar per $1,000 of assessed property value) and mandates that any new levy must be approved by a majority vote at the same election as the general election. The levy would expire after four years unless reapproved by voters at subsequent general elections held every four years. Existing levies not approved by voters before December 31, 2028, would also expire. This directly affects local governments seeking to fund recreation programs through property taxes.