Rep. Trey Sherwood

Maddy summaryWyoming HB 272 creates a state housing investment program to address the critical shortage of affordable housing. It establishes a dedicated account funded by annual transfers, allocating 50% of funds to nonprofit organizations for new construction, rehabilitation, transitional housing, homebuyer assistance, and rental vouchers. Another 45% is reserved for loans to Wyoming residents or businesses for similar housing projects, with zero percent interest for nonprofits and capped interest rates for businesses. The program includes reporting requirements, a 1% administrative cost limit, and expires after a set period. It directly affects housing providers and residents seeking affordable housing options in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 57 creates a state-funded hearing aid program for adults with hearing impairment who meet specific income and eligibility criteria. It directly affects Wyoming residents aged 18+ diagnosed with hearing loss by a physician or audiologist, with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, who cannot obtain hearing aids through private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare at low cost. The program provides up to one set of hearing aids (one per ear) every five years, including fittings and ear molds, at state-paid rates matching Wyoming Medical Assistance program costs. The bill appropriates $90,000 from the general fund for program costs and $9,000 for an administrative position, both expiring June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 114) requires local governments (counties, cities, towns) to recognize contractor licenses issued by other Wyoming jurisdictions. It ensures contractors with active, good-standing licenses from one area can work elsewhere in Wyoming without paying new fees or retaking tests - only minimal verification (like proof of license validity) is allowed. The law does not force recognition for unrelated license types and lets localities maintain their own application processes for work outside a contractor’s original license scope. It applies to all Wyoming local governments issuing contractor licenses and takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 64 modifies electrical safety regulations by changing how inspection fees are distributed and clarifying inspector certification requirements. It directs 95% of collected fees (previously 60%) to fund additional state electrical inspectors, while only 5% (previously 40%) goes to the general fund. Local governments seeking to enforce electrical codes must ensure inspectors hold certification from the International Code Council or International Association of Electrical Inspectors and are licensed as journeyman or master electricians by the state. The bill takes effect July 1, 2024, and directly affects electrical inspectors, local governments, and building owners requiring inspections.

Maddy summaryHB 96 creates a formal grant program in Wyoming for local governments to apply for funds to reclaim abandoned mine sites. It requires the governor (via the abandoned mine land division) to establish clear application rules, prioritize projects approved by federal authorities (like the U.S. Office of Surface Mining), and process complete applications within 120 days. Local governments and joint powers boards can apply for these grants, and the program mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing grant requests and approvals. The bill does not create new funding but streamlines access to existing federal abandoned mine land funds.

Maddy summaryThe Reproductive Freedom Act (HB 76) would protect Wyoming residents' right to access abortion care before a fetus is viable or to protect the patient's life or health, prohibiting state interference with this right. It sets penalties for unauthorized abortions performed by providers (misdemeanor with up to one year in jail or $5,000 fine) while exempting patients and those assisting patients in exercising this right. The bill requires any state regulations on abortion to be medically necessary, consistent with medical practice, and impose the least restrictions possible. Additionally, it allows health care providers and private facilities to refuse to perform abortions without facing discrimination or professional penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a voluntary paid family and medical leave insurance program for Wyoming employees, providing up to 60% wage replacement for 12 weeks per year for qualifying events like childbirth, adoption, caring for a seriously ill family member, or the employee's own serious health condition. The program would roll out in phases: state employees would be offered coverage by March 2025, private employers with two or more employees could choose to offer it by March 2026, and self-employed individuals or small businesses (with one or fewer employees) could purchase individual coverage by March 2027. Employers may opt to cover premiums for their employees but are not required to, and premiums would be pre-tax where permitted by law.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes amending the Wyoming Constitution to remove the legislature's authority to set "reasonable and necessary restrictions" on health care decisions or payment. If approved by voters, it would eliminate Article 1, Section 38(c), directly affecting all Wyoming residents by ensuring their right to make personal health care choices without legislative interference in defining those limits. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to become part of the state constitution. It focuses on constitutional language, not specific health care policies or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 82 (Wyoming) creates a tax credit program to encourage property owners to improve abandoned or nuisance buildings in cities and towns. It allows local governments to designate properties as "abandoned" (vacant >6 months) or "nuisance" (deteriorated structures) for tax credit eligibility, with limits based on city size (e.g., max 3 designations for towns under 15,000 residents). Property owners can claim up to 50% of demolition costs or 100% of improvement costs within 2 years (or 5 years for new owners) by submitting proof to the city for approval. The bill failed to pass in the 2024 legislative session (H Failed Introduction on Feb 14, 2024) and remains a proposed framework, not enacted law.

Maddy summaryHB 113 increases scholarship amounts for Wyoming's Hathaway program, directly affecting eligible students pursuing degrees or certificates at participating institutions. The bill raises semester awards for three scholarship tiers: Opportunity ($882, up from $840), Performance ($1,323, up from $1,260), and Honor ($1,764, up from $1,680) for full-time students meeting specific GPA and standardized test score criteria. Need-based scholarships also see updated calculations, with a minimum $110 per semester and increased caps for unmet financial need. The changes apply to students qualifying under existing Hathaway program standards, effective July 1, 2024.