Rep. J.T. Larson

Maddy summaryHB 214 allows Wyoming cities, towns, and counties to pay claims and demands using electronic payments or fund transfers, instead of physical checks or warrants. It updates existing laws to explicitly permit electronic methods while maintaining current requirements, such as requiring claim certification by a manager and approval by a governing body before payments over $50. The bill ensures electronic payments must still specify the purpose, be payable to specific recipients, and be documented in county payment registers, with effective implementation set for July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 41 amends Wyoming law to clarify which financial institutions can issue irrevocable letters of credit (a type of financial guarantee) that environmental operators may use instead of bonds. It specifies that these letters must be issued by U.S.-organized banks insured by the FDIC or credit unions insured by the NCUA. The bill directly affects mining operators (especially noncoal operations on non-federal land) and solid waste facility operators who need to post financial security with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. The changes apply to letters of credit issued on or after July 1, 2025, and require the Environmental Quality Council to create implementing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 170 clarifies when documents filed by nonprofit corporations and statutory trusts in Wyoming become effective. It amends two sections of Wyoming law to specify that documents are effective at the time they are received for filing, as shown by the secretary of state's endorsement date and time on the original document. This procedural change directly affects nonprofit organizations and statutory trusts that file documents with the state. The bill does not alter substantive requirements but updates the legal language to remove ambiguity about effective dates. It takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 237 modifies Wyoming's license plate issuance process. It shifts responsibility for issuing standard license plates from county treasurers to the Department of Transportation (DOT), clarifies the number of plates provided per vehicle, and eliminates the requirement to replace plates after a fixed time period. The bill also mandates rulemaking by the DOT and updates related statutes. This procedural change primarily affects all vehicle owners who register vehicles in Wyoming by streamlining plate issuance and removal of outdated replacement rules.

Maddy summaryHB 204 increases fees for nonresident fishing licenses in Wyoming. It raises the annual license from $100 to $110, the daily license from $12 to $14, and the five-day license from $54 to $60. These changes directly affect out-of-state anglers who purchase fishing licenses in Wyoming. The fee increases will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming's Department of Environmental Quality to conduct water quality testing before limited mining operations begin if the department believes drinking water sources might be impacted. It applies specifically to small-scale mining (15 acres or less) for materials like sand, gravel, or limestone, where operators must notify state agencies and nearby landowners 30 days in advance. The department may delay operations to complete required testing, and the Environmental Quality Council must create implementing rules. The law updates existing notification requirements for these operations without changing their basic scope.

Maddy summaryHB 225 allows people attending Wyoming legislative meetings to park on streets without time limits during official sessions. It specifically prohibits local ordinances from restricting parking duration: (1) within the Capitol complex during active legislative or committee meetings, and (2) within one-half mile of any official meeting location during those sessions. The law applies to all attendees, including the public and legislators, and takes effect July 1, 2025. This bill directly modifies parking regulations to accommodate meeting attendance without imposing time restrictions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 197 limits fees that local governments can charge developers to fund affordable or workforce housing. It caps these fees at 4% of construction costs (or less based on impact studies), exempts the first 3,000 square feet of single-family homes and 1,750 square feet of multi-family units, and prohibits fees for agricultural land subdivisions. Developers must receive written fee notices within 30 days and can request a detailed, individualized explanation of the fee calculation from local authorities. The law applies to all cities, towns, and counties issuing land use permits for residential or commercial projects.

Maddy summaryHB 254 would appropriate $93,000 from the state general fund to install microphones at every member's desk in the Wyoming House of Representatives chamber. The bill specifies these microphones would be used solely to enable roll call votes to be heard by attendees within the chamber and during legislative broadcasts. It requires the funds be used only for planning, design, purchase, and installation of the microphones, with any unspent funds reverting by June 30, 2026. The bill is procedural in nature and currently pending in the legislature (received for introduction January 21, 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 233 creates a dedicated "natural resource litigation account" to fund Wyoming's legal defense against lawsuits that restrict the state's management of coal and other natural resources. It appropriates $7.5 million from the general fund for the governor and attorney general to cover costs defending, commencing, or prosecuting lawsuits involving federal, state, or local actions that impede coal leasing, use, export, or coal-fired facility operations in Wyoming. The account requires annual reports on fund usage and expires June 30, 2027, with unspent funds reverting to the state. This bill directly affects Wyoming's government (via the governor's office and attorney general) and aims to support legal efforts protecting the state's coal industry and resource management authority. Note: The bill was introduced in January 2025 but has not yet been considered by the legislature.