Rep. Chip Neiman

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill creates a new misdemeanor offense for unauthorized drone flights over private property. It prohibits drones from flying below 200 feet over someone's land or home without the owner's permission (or a court order), applying to small drones under 55 pounds. Violators face up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both. The law takes effect July 1, 2022, directly affecting property owners and residents concerned about drone privacy.

Maddy summaryHB 66, the Working Animal Protection Act, prohibits Wyoming cities, towns, and counties from creating or enforcing local ordinances that ban or restrict the use of "working animals" in lawful commerce or animal enterprises. It directly affects local governments and businesses using animals for work (such as ranching, transportation, or tourism), while exempting zoning laws and public health/safety regulations. The bill defines "working animals" broadly to include animals used for specific duties (e.g., service, agriculture, or tourism), but explicitly excludes food/fiber animals like cattle, sheep, or poultry. It became effective July 1, 2022, and overrides conflicting local policies enacted before that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Wyoming State Highway 258 as the "President Donald J. Trump Highway" and requires the state Department of Transportation to install signage identifying the route. The signage must be installed with consultation from the city of Casper, and the department may accept donations to cover costs (reducing the state appropriation by the donation amount). The bill appropriates $2,800 from the general fund for signage installation, with unspent funds reverting by June 30, 2024. It affects state highway naming procedures and signage costs, directly impacting the Department of Transportation and local officials in Casper.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 112) limits how Wyoming cities and towns can collect past-due payments for trash, recycling, water, or sewer services. It states that municipalities may only recover such payments if a property owner has a specific written contract for that service. The law does not change existing contracts signed before the bill's effective date (July 1, 2022). It directly affects property owners who use municipal services and the cities/towns providing those services.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJ 3) proposes changing Wyoming's requirement for reapportioning the legislature after the federal census. It would move the deadline for reapportionment from "December 10" to allow primary elections to be held in May, with runoff elections possible afterward if needed. The amendment would require the legislature to call a special session (up to 10 working days) if reapportionment is needed to meet this new timeline. It directly affects how Wyoming's legislature schedules elections and reapportions seats following census data. The bill failed to advance after introduction in February 2022.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 97 bans public school teachers and administrators (K-12) from using public funds to teach specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, or national origin. It prohibits instruction that suggests any group is inherently superior/inferior, blames individuals for past actions of others, or labels people as "racist" based on identity. The bill allows teaching historical context, such as oppression of groups or primary sources, when presented holistically. Violators face disciplinary action, civil fines up to $5,000 per violation, and lawsuits by affected individuals. The law explicitly excludes training on sexual harassment or abuse recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 1005 requires Wyoming employers who mandate COVID-19 vaccines to grant exemptions for employees with religious objections, medical reasons preventing vaccination, or who have fully recovered from COVID-19. Employers must accept written evidence of these exemptions and cannot terminate an employee for seeking one. If an employer denies a valid exemption and terminates the employee, they face liability for $5,000 in damages or actual losses, whichever is greater. This bill directly affects employers in Wyoming with vaccine mandates and employees seeking exemption from those requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1004 prohibits Wyoming employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment or discriminating against employees based on their vaccination status. The bill defines "COVID-19 vaccination status" and creates penalties, including misdemeanor charges (up to 6 months in jail or $750 fine) and potential $500,000 in damages for affected workers. It also amends other laws to ensure employers violating this prohibition cannot claim liability immunity under public health emergency protections. This law directly affects all Wyoming employers with one or more employees and their workers regarding vaccination-related employment decisions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 1004 prohibits employers from requiring employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment or discriminating against them based on vaccination status. It applies to all employers and employees in the state, making it illegal to refuse hiring, alter pay, or change working conditions due to vaccination status. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties of up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both. Affected employees can also sue for at least $500,000 in damages plus additional relief.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1005) proposes that Wyoming employers must grant exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine mandates for employees with religious objections, medical reasons, or proof of prior infection. It requires employers to accept written evidence of these exemptions and mandates that employers pay $5,000 or actual damages if they deny a valid exemption and terminate an employee. The bill also modifies liability protections (in W.S. 35-4-114) to ensure employers cannot claim immunity for violating these exemption requirements. It directly affects Wyoming employers and employees in workplaces with vaccine mandates. The bill was introduced in 2021 but did not advance beyond committee consideration.