Rep. J.T. Larson

Maddy summaryWyoming's SJ 9 is a joint resolution urging Congress to protect the state's access to federal public lands while ensuring local communities have a say in land management decisions. It opposes broad or indiscriminate sales of public lands and demands federal agencies respect Wyoming's existing land-use plans, county-level input, and multiple-use frameworks that support recreation, agriculture, hunting, fishing, and resource development. The resolution also calls for funding to streamline efficient land exchanges under current laws when they benefit local communities and public access, without advocating for specific policy changes.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 61 would exempt sales or transfers of motor vehicles between immediate family members (parents, children, spouses, or siblings) from state sales and use tax. This applies only when the original seller/donor paid tax on the vehicle when they first purchased it. The bill requires the transfer to occur directly between qualifying family members and designates the vehicle as tax-exempt under state law. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 128 provides a 5-year severance tax exemption for oil and gas operators using certified advanced extraction methods (tertiary production) between July 2026 and July 2031. It directly affects oil and gas producers who implement qualifying projects approved by the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission after July 1, 2026. The bill requires annual reports by the Commission and Department detailing production volumes, qualifying operators, wells, and the tax savings from the exemption. This exemption applies specifically to severance taxes under Wyoming law, with reports due each November 1 from 2026 through 2036.

Maddy summarySF 107 creates a statewide electronic system for processing motor vehicle registrations and license plates in Wyoming. The Department of Transportation must implement this system by July 1, 2028, to handle all registration transactions (like renewals and transfers), plate issuance, and fee processing for registration, specialty plates, and sales taxes. County treasurers are required to use this system for their vehicle registration duties instead of older methods, and the state may charge a $5 transaction fee to cover system costs. The bill also mandates electronic record-sharing between counties and the state, with development part of replacing the existing revenue system.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 90 limits fees charged by school districts for non-school activities using district property, such as youth clubs or community groups. It requires these fees to be capped at the actual hourly costs incurred by the district (including staff, equipment, and utilities) and mandates an itemized cost statement within 15 days of a request. The bill applies to all such rentals starting July 1, 2026, and does not affect contracts signed before that date. This policy ensures transparency and cost-based pricing for facility rentals, directly affecting community groups and organizations seeking to use school spaces.

Maddy summarySF 105 redefines "customer" in Wyoming real estate law as a person who has not established an agency relationship with a broker, such as someone viewing properties without formal representation. It requires real estate licensees to provide written disclosures about agency relationships before discussing transactions, clarifying that customers do not need to sign agency agreements to tour properties and are not entitled to confidentiality. The bill specifies that these disclosures must include key details about the customer relationship and include a signature line for acknowledgment, though the acknowledgment alone does not create a binding contract. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, and apply to all new transactions after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Wyoming school districts to create and adopt written policies governing student use of cell phones and smart watches during school hours. It defines "smart watch" as a wearable device that functions like a phone (excluding basic timepieces or health trackers) and mandates that districts submit their policies to the state superintendent by July 1, 2026. The law applies directly to every public school district in Wyoming, setting a clear deadline for policy implementation. It does not specify exact restrictions but establishes a framework for districts to develop their own rules.

Maddy summaryHB 157 creates a civil lawsuit right for parents if Wyoming state agencies or local governments infringe their parental rights under Wyoming law (specifically W.S. 14-2-206). It removes standard government immunity and waives the typical 2-year notice requirement for filing such claims. Parents who win these lawsuits can recover attorney fees and court costs. The law applies to state agencies and political subdivisions (like school districts) and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from Wyoming's tourism reserve fund to support the development of a rodeo and cowboy museum and hall of fame in Wyoming. The funds will be distributed in three installments of $5 million each on July 1, 2026, 2027, and 2028, contingent on the Wyoming Tourism Board certifying that relocation efforts will boost tourism, jobs, and state revenue. Applicants must provide matching funds (at least $1 for every $1 granted) and relocate to Wyoming by June 30, 2028, or repay the grant. The Wyoming Office of Tourism must report annually on fund usage until 2036.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution encourages Wyoming's Law Enforcement Memorial Committee to add Patrolman Michael A. Rosa's name to the Wyoming Law Enforcement Fallen Officer Memorial at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas. Rosa, a Rock Springs police officer killed in 1978 while working undercover, was not included on the state memorial despite meeting national memorial criteria (his name appears on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and the Officer Down Memorial Page). The resolution requests the committee rectify this omission before the next memorial service. It is a commemorative measure with no policy changes, formally recognizing Rosa's sacrifice.