Rep. Chip Neiman

Maddy summarySF 91, the Wyoming Energy Project Accountability Act, requires legislative approval before construction begins for large energy projects or when state funds are used. It directly affects industrial-scale energy projects (over 150 megawatts or large footprints - 5,000 acres for wind, 500 for solar) and large industrial power loads (75+ megawatts). The bill mandates that any project using state funds over $200,000 must have a specific legislative bill or resolution detailing the project, funding source, and conditions to protect ratepayers. Exceptions apply for emergencies or routine maintenance on existing projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's tax exemption rules for housing projects owned by cities or counties. It requires that such housing property be 100% publicly owned (by a municipality, county, or fully controlled entity) to qualify for tax exemption, excludes profit-making portions from the exemption (while allowing adjustments for public utility costs), and permits cities to instead make payments to maintain low-rent housing. The changes apply to all Wyoming cities, towns, and counties starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 134 would require Wyoming's Legislative Service Office to redirect emails filtered out of a legislator's inbox to their main inbox upon request. If an email is automatically filtered (e.g., by spam or security systems), the sender can request redirection after the office verifies their email address. The office must comply within two business days unless a security threat exists. This applies only to system-wide filtering, not personal email settings, and affects anyone emailing legislators whose messages are automatically diverted.

Maddy summaryHB 135 prohibits Wyoming public officials from signing nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of information related to public funds, public obligations, land-use impacts, or information already required to be public under existing law. It applies to all elected and appointed officials, employees, and agents of Wyoming government entities (cities, counties, state agencies). The bill makes such agreements void and unenforceable, imposes misdemeanor penalties (up to $1,000 fine) for violations, and allows termination of employment or removal from office for violations. Residents can also seek court action to void noncompliant agreements. The bill never became law, as it failed committee consideration in February 2026.

Maddy summarySF 97 requires all Wyoming government entities (including state agencies, counties, cities, schools, and public colleges) to accept cash payments for in-person transactions like fees, fines, taxes, and event admissions. It prohibits these entities from charging extra fees solely because someone pays with cash, though they may still collect authorized fees regardless of payment method. The bill defines "cash" as physical U.S. coins and paper currency and takes effect on July 1, 2026. This law directly affects anyone paying government fees in person across Wyoming.

Maddy summaryHB 59 modifies Wyoming's bond election rules to require local governments to clearly state key details in bond questions, including the purpose, maximum principal amount, repayment term, and interest rate. Voters can now sue a local government if the bond question fails to meet these requirements, delaying bond issuance until a court resolves the dispute. The bill directly affects cities and towns seeking voter approval for bond issues and ensures transparency in how bond proposals are presented. It does not change election timing rules but adds a legal remedy for misleading bond language.

Maddy summaryHB 156 requires voters in Wyoming to prove they have been a bona fide resident of the state for at least 30 days before an election. It mandates that voters provide documentation verifying their residency when registering and prohibits registration based on documents showing noncitizen status. The bill defines "proof of residence" and directs the Secretary of State to establish acceptable documents through rulemaking. This affects all individuals registering to vote in Wyoming elections by adding a residency verification step to the registration process.

Maddy summaryHB 164 allows Wyoming prescribers (doctors, physician assistants, dentists, optometrists, and advanced nurses) and pharmacists to legally prescribe and dispense FDA-approved medications for medical conditions not listed on the drug's official label. The law protects these healthcare professionals from disciplinary action by licensing boards or employers solely for using medications off-label, as long as the prescription follows standard medical practice. However, the bill explicitly excludes prescriptions involving schedule I/II controlled substances, gender transition treatments for minors, or abortions. This law aims to expand treatment options for patients while providing legal safeguards for healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 125) defines "health care" in state law to clarify what legal actions qualify as health care. It specifies that medical procedures causing harm to body systems (like heart, brain, or organs) are *not* considered health care unless documented as medically necessary to save a pregnant woman’s life or for patients with no chance of meaningful recovery. The definition applies broadly to all Wyoming statutes and constitutional interpretations but excludes the Wyoming Health Care Decisions Act. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, aiming to protect public health and welfare through clear legal standards.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 43 requires commercial websites that profit from content harmful to minors (such as obscene material or child pornography) to verify users' ages before allowing access. Covered platforms must use specific, accepted methods like driver's licenses, passports, or credit cards (excluding those not requiring users to be 18+) to confirm users are not under 18. The law creates legal liability for platforms that fail to verify ages, imposing penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, and allows parents or minors to sue for damages. It directly affects commercial online platforms hosting such content, not general websites or non-profit services.