Rep. Jacob Wasserburger

Maddy summaryHB 216 prohibits animal control facilities in Wyoming from euthanizing pets using methods like gas chambers, carbon monoxide, or nonanesthetic gases. Instead, facilities must use injection methods (intravenous, intraperitoneal, or intracardiac after unconsciousness) for all pets, including dogs, cats, and other companion animals. The bill requires facilities to adopt training policies for staff performing euthanasia and maintain records of training, with violations classified as misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses. It applies specifically to animal control facilities handling stray, surrendered, or neglected household pets, excluding livestock. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 187 amends Wyoming's theft penalties to increase sentencing for certain offenses. It raises the felony threshold for most property theft from $500 to $1,000 (while keeping firearms/horses at $500), and increases misdemeanor penalties for lower-value thefts. Repeat offenders (fifth or subsequent theft convictions) face felony charges with up to 10 years in prison, $10,000 fines, or both. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of theft, shoplifting, or related property crimes under Wyoming law. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 252 repeals a three-year tax exemption for new wind energy production in Wyoming, effective immediately upon enactment. It directly affects new wind energy projects by removing a tax break previously available for the first three years of operation. However, wind turbines that began generating electricity for sale before the bill's effective date will retain the exemption under the repealed provision. The bill makes no changes to existing wind energy operations but alters tax treatment for future projects.

Maddy summaryHB 325, the "Industrial Power Consumption Freedom Act," allows large-scale industrial power users in Wyoming (defined as those with annual demand of at least 1 megawatt-hour) to directly purchase electricity from any provider, not just their local utility. Key provisions require electricity to be consumed solely on-site for commercial/industrial use, prohibit resale to other customers, and mandate that providers notify the state commission about agreements. The bill exempts these direct procurement arrangements from standard utility rate regulation and service territory rules, though transmission costs for other customers remain regulated. This policy change aims to give large industrial facilities more flexibility in sourcing power while maintaining service obligations for other utility customers.

Maddy summaryHB 163 prohibits employers in Wyoming from hiring individuals who are unlawfully present in the U.S. or not authorized to work under federal law. It imposes misdemeanor penalties of $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill exempts workers with valid visas or those lawfully renewing status under federal guidelines, and each violation counts as a separate offense. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Wyoming officials from enforcing any mask, vaccine, or testing requirements related to COVID-19 or its variants based on guidance from the CDC or WHO. It declares these federal and international health organizations have no jurisdiction in Wyoming for such mandates. The law directly affects Wyoming residents, healthcare providers, and state/local officials who might otherwise comply with CDC/WHO recommendations. It does not alter state public health authority or address health measures unrelated to COVID-19.

Maddy summaryHB 152 requires blood donors in Wyoming to disclose if they've received a COVID-19 or mRNA vaccine. Blood from vaccinated donors must be clearly labeled on packaging and related paperwork. Patients receiving blood transfusions (in non-emergency situations) can request blood from unvaccinated donors if available at their facility. The bill defines key terms like "mRNA vaccine" and directs the state health department to create implementing rules. It does not change blood safety standards but adds disclosure and labeling requirements for donor vaccination status.

Maddy summaryHB 287 requires Wyoming counties to reimburse individuals for legal costs (including attorney fees and bail) when they successfully use self-defense in criminal cases and are found not guilty, have charges dismissed, or are released from prosecution. It also mandates courts to automatically expunge all related criminal records in these cases, removing arrest and prosecution history from public records. The bill directly affects people facing criminal charges who defend themselves, streamlining access to reimbursement and record removal through simplified court petitions with no filing fees.