Rep. Clarence Styvar

Maddy summaryHB 282 created Wyoming's Critical Infrastructure Resiliency Initiative and a new board to strengthen the state's critical systems against prolonged disruptions like extended power outages. The bill targeted infrastructure including water, transportation, electrical grids, oil/gas facilities, and telecommunications, requiring systems to remain functional during "grid-down events" (months-long outages). The appointed board - comprising Homeland Security, utilities, oil/gas, telecom, and defense representatives - would coordinate with federal programs (like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) to adopt defense technologies, ensure water/wastewater systems operate without power, and leverage federal funding for resilience upgrades. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 256 would have provided a temporary property tax reduction for Wyoming property owners during the 2023 tax year. It offered a 33.33% reduction for most properties and a 16.67% reduction for industrial properties, as defined in existing law. The tax relief applied only to 2023 taxes and would have expired on June 30, 2024, with no permanent change to tax rates. This bill specifically affected property owners paying ad valorem taxes, including those with mineral production properties.

Maddy summaryHB 194, the Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act, creates education savings accounts (ESAs) providing eligible Wyoming students with $6,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) to cover approved educational expenses. It directly affects K-12 students who are Wyoming residents and not yet graduated, allowing parents to use funds for tuition at qualified schools, online programs, tutoring, textbooks, technology, and other approved educational services. The state treasurer administers the program, prohibits using local tax revenues for funding, and requires parents to sign agreements outlining permitted uses. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill prohibits state and local governments from enforcing "extreme risk protection orders" (ERPOs), which are court orders that temporarily restrict firearm access to prevent harm. It blocks the use of state funds or personnel to implement ERPOs and preempts any local laws conflicting with this prohibition. Violating this ban is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a $2,000 fine. The bill cites constitutional rights - including the Second Amendment and due process protections - as justification for its provisions.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Wyoming's legislature to limit annual increases in the assessed value of residential real property for tax purposes. If approved, it would enable the state to implement a "maximum annual valuation increase" for residential properties, preventing rapid yearly jumps in taxable value. The amendment directly affects residential property owners by potentially stabilizing their property tax assessments over time. It does not change current tax rates but modifies how property values are calculated annually. The proposal requires voter approval to become part of Wyoming's Constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 212 establishes a new standing committee on federal review in Wyoming's legislature, directly affecting state lawmakers by creating a dedicated body to monitor federal actions. The committee must review all federal laws, regulations, and executive orders to assess whether they infringe on Wyoming's sovereignty or violate the U.S. Constitution's enumerated powers, without considering Supreme Court interpretations of those actions. This procedural bill creates a formal mechanism for the legislature to evaluate federal overreach and potentially sponsor related legislation, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 116 restricts land ownership by specific foreign entities, including governments of Russia, China, or countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism, as well as foreign businesses and individuals from those countries. It prohibits ownership of land (except for personal residences under one acre) and requires existing foreign owners to sell their property within two years of the law's effective date. Owners must register their land with the Secretary of State annually, face a $5,000 daily penalty for non-compliance, and county tax notices must now include warnings about the ownership restrictions. The bill also mandates that tax assessment schedules inform property owners about the registration requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 155 changes Wyoming's election rules to require independent candidates and minor party candidates to file petitions 81 days before the major party primary election, aligning their deadline with the existing requirement for minor party candidates. This affects candidates running without major party affiliation in statewide and local elections. The bill amends Wyoming Statutes 22-4-304(c) (minor party candidates) and 22-5-307 (independent candidates) to standardize the filing timeline. The change takes effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 205 prohibits K-12 public school educators and state employees from using public funds to teach or require training on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans instruction claiming any group is inherently superior/inferior, that individuals should be discriminated against based on identity, or that people are inherently racist due to their background. Exceptions allow teaching historical oppression or using primary sources in approved curricula. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident, private lawsuits for damages, or disciplinary action against educators. The bill is pending in Wyoming's legislature (introduced January 2023, not yet considered for debate).

Maddy summaryHB 66 prohibits businesses and organizations from refusing service, goods, or facilities to the public based on a person's vaccination status, use of face coverings (masks), or medical testing results related to infectious diseases like COVID-19. It also bans advertisements or communications requiring masks, vaccines, or testing as a condition for public services. Violations are punishable by a misdemeanor fine of up to $5,000 or one year in jail. The law applies to all public-facing businesses and services, such as restaurants, stores, and venues. It repeals prior immunization requirement laws and takes effect immediately.