Rep. Clarence Styvar

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 147) expands Wyoming's protections for service and assistance animals by explicitly including animals currently in training under the legal definitions of these animals. It increases criminal penalties for injuring or killing such animals, making it a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $5,000 fine. The law applies directly to individuals who harm or kill service animals (including those in training) or assistance animals, and affects all Wyoming residents and businesses serving people with disabilities. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 83 requires legislative approval before state funds can be used for large energy projects exceeding $400,000. It mandates that state agencies, universities, cities, and counties (awarding entities) report annual project details to the legislature and seek new approval for any project funding beyond $200,000 after initial authorization. The bill defines "large energy projects" broadly to include carbon capture, hydrogen production, solar, wind, and other energy infrastructure. It applies to all state-funded projects starting July 1, 2025, shifting approval authority from agencies to the legislature for significant energy investments.

Maddy summaryHB 77 requires ride-share drivers in Wyoming to provide proof of Wyoming motor vehicle registration before they can operate through transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft). Specifically, ride-share companies must verify that drivers submit a copy of their Wyoming vehicle registration for the vehicle they use to provide rides. This requirement applies to all drivers using Wyoming-registered vehicles for ride-sharing services and takes effect on July 1, 2025. The bill does not create new fees or alter driver licensing rules, only mandating registration verification as a precondition for drivers to work.

Maddy summaryHB 262 would limit Wyoming counties' reserve funds to their average annual spending over the previous five years (excluding specific purpose taxes). Counties exceeding this limit must refund excess funds to residents who lived in the county for at least one year, calculated pro rata and paid by August 15 annually starting in 2025. The bill requires counties to report reserve calculations to the Department of Revenue by July 1 each year and mandates refunds for any excess funds held on July 1, 2025, and subsequent years. Noncompliance would trigger the state treasurer withholding twice the excess amount from county payments until refunds are processed.

Maddy summaryHB 229 designates the High Plains Research Station and Arboretum in Laramie County as a state historic site managed by Wyoming's Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. The bill requires the department to create a strategic master plan for preservation and operations within one year, including partnerships with local entities, and authorizes fees to fund site maintenance, development, and staff. These fees must be deposited into the state parks account, with annual financial reports submitted to the legislature. The bill also specifies $3.3 million in existing funds for site operations, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 128 amends Wyoming's public health emergency laws to require the governor to declare when such an emergency exists or ends, then convene the legislature within two days for a vote on whether to concur with the declaration or terminate it. The bill allows the legislature to meet in person or remotely via electronic means to satisfy quorum and vote during emergencies. It updates the definition of "public health emergency" to include threats like pandemics or biological toxins, and clarifies that temporary health care provider licenses issued during emergencies (e.g., for out-of-state professionals) automatically end when the governor declares the emergency over. The changes apply to emergencies declared on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 76 requires Wyoming health insurers to have Wyoming-licensed physicians or healthcare providers make decisions on prior authorization denials and review appeals, instead of relying solely on insurance company staff. It amends state insurance code sections to mandate that all such decisions be made by licensed providers with current Wyoming practice permits. The law applies to all prior authorization decisions made on or after July 1, 2025. This directly affects insurers, healthcare providers, and patients seeking coverage approvals in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryHB 174 lowers Wyoming's minimum age to obtain a concealed carry permit from 21 to 18 years old. It directly affects residents aged 18 and older who wish to carry concealed firearms. The bill amends Wyoming Statute 6-8-104(b)(ii) to reflect this age change, while repealing an outdated section (6-8-104(j)). The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 194 creates a new misdemeanor crime for distributing material deemed "harmful to minors" to individuals under 18. It directly affects anyone who shares such material - like books, films, or online content - via digital means, in-person, or at events targeting minors. The bill defines "harmful to minors" by three criteria: material appealing to prurient interests in minors, patently offensive to adult standards for minors, and lacking literary/scientific value for minors. It repeals an existing exemption that previously protected school, library, and museum staff from obscenity charges when handling materials in their work. The law imposes fines up to $6,000 or up to one year in jail for violations, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 218 requires Wyoming's Public Service Commission to pause all pending rate cases, applications, and related proceedings when a public utility files a lawsuit challenging the commission's rules, regulations, or decisions. This pause continues until the lawsuit is fully resolved, affecting utilities, the commission, and any parties involved in those pending matters. The law does not apply to lawsuits focused on factual disputes (like evidence or witness testimony) or enforcement actions for commission violations. It directly changes how the commission handles active cases during utility litigation.