Rep. Trey Sherwood

Maddy summarySF 140 aligns Wyoming's building codes with federal refrigerant standards by prohibiting state or local restrictions on refrigerants approved under federal law (42 U.S.C. 7671k). The bill directly affects building code enforcement agencies and HVAC installers by removing potential local barriers to using federally-approved refrigerants. It requires that equipment containing permissible refrigerants must still comply with all other applicable building and safety laws. The law became effective July 1, 2023, with no new requirements for refrigerant types.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a certificate of completion for high school students with disabilities in Wyoming, as defined under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It requires the state education board to establish rules ensuring these certificates align with each student's individualized education program (IEP). School districts must report annually by November 1 to the state education department to confirm compliance with these requirements. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 174 removes the $20,000 value limit on homestead exemptions for Wyoming homeowners. This bill directly affects residents who claim homestead exemptions, allowing properties of any value to be protected from creditors. The key provision amends Wyoming's civil procedure code (W.S. 1-20-101) to eliminate the previous cap, meaning homeowners can now shield the full value of their primary residence. The change takes effect July 1, 2023. This is a straightforward policy update to the homestead exemption law, with no additional provisions or complex mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 164 requires Wyoming newspapers publishing legal notices (such as court filings or public hearings) to also post them online. Specifically, newspapers must publish these notices on a statewide digital repository (maintained by a newspaper organization representing most Wyoming papers) and on their own website, in a free, open location with no extra cost to the person publishing the notice. This applies to all legal notices currently required to be published in print, ensuring public access to these notices online without additional fees. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding joint resolution (HJ 5) directs Wyoming's state agencies to research and coordinate with neighboring states on expanding passenger rail service. It requires the Wyoming Department of Transportation and governor's office to study funding opportunities, collaborate with Colorado and Montana on rail planning, and prepare a report for the legislature and congressional delegation. The bill does not create new funding or mandate rail service but focuses on gathering data and building regional partnerships. It died in committee in February 2023 and directly affects state transportation officials and regional stakeholders.

Maddy summaryHB 131 creates a legislative task force to study Wyoming's state lands and investment systems. The task force, composed of 7 legislative members and 3 governor-appointed members, will examine the structure and duties of the state loan and investment board and the office of state lands and investments, including grant programs, land leases, and fund management. It must identify governance issues and recommend potential changes to the legislature by 2025. The bill appropriates $50,000 for legislative members' travel and $25,000 for governor-appointed members' expenses, with the task force terminating January 1, 2025. This is a procedural study bill with no direct policy changes.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 214 creates a "regulatory sandbox" program allowing businesses to temporarily test new products or services without complying with certain state laws or regulations. It directly affects innovators (like tech startups or new service providers) with a physical presence in Wyoming, requiring them to apply to the state council for approval. Key provisions include mandatory applications detailing consumer benefits, risks, and specific regulations sought to be waived, along with strict safeguards to protect consumer safety and ensure no federal law conflicts. The council coordinates with state agencies to approve waivers only for demonstrably safe, consumer-benefiting innovations during a limited testing period.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits abortions after fetal viability (when a fetus can survive outside the womb) except to preserve a woman’s life or health, or in cases of incest or sexual assault (with assault reports required within 5 days of the incident or victim’s capacity to report). It also bans state funds from covering abortions except in those specific exceptions. The bill repeals prior conflicting provisions in Wyoming law regarding abortion restrictions and funding. These changes apply immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 138 requires Wyoming school districts to provide age-appropriate, evidence-based suicide prevention education to students. It directly affects all public school districts and their students across the state. The bill mandates that programs align with existing state materials under W.S. 21-2-202(a)(xxxv) and training requirements in W.S. 21-3-110(a)(xxxiii). The law was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2023, if passed. This is a policy change requiring specific educational programming in schools, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 227 increases Wyoming's veterans' property tax exemption from $3,000 to $6,000 annually in assessed value. It directly affects qualifying veterans who own property in Wyoming and receive the tax exemption. The bill requires the Department of Revenue to create implementing rules and applies to property taxes assessed on or after January 1, 2023. The exemption change would take effect for taxes due in 2023, with some provisions becoming effective immediately upon enactment.