Rep. J.T. Larson

Maddy summaryHB 319 exempts sales and use tax on mining equipment used in surface, underground, or in-situ mining operations in Wyoming. It directly affects mining companies purchasing qualifying equipment, such as machinery and tools for extraction. The bill creates new tax exemptions in Wyoming’s tax code (sections 39-15-105 and 39-16-105) with a sunset clause repealing the exemption on July 1, 2029. The exemption becomes effective July 1, 2025, and applies only to equipment specifically defined for mining operations.

Maddy summaryHB 266 creates statewide licensing for food trucks in Wyoming, allowing operators licensed in one county or city to legally operate anywhere in the state. The bill requires food trucks to maintain proof of a valid license from the Department of Agriculture or local health department, a sales tax license if needed, compliance with fire safety rules, and adherence to other applicable laws. It directly affects food truck businesses by eliminating local licensing barriers and updating definitions to include food trucks under "commercial food establishment" in state law. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, with rulemaking requirements for the Departments of Agriculture and Health to implement the changes.

Maddy summaryHB 35 standardizes procedures for filling vacancies in Wyoming's elected offices, directly affecting governors, U.S. Congress members, state legislators, and other state officials. The bill requires special elections to fill vacancies occurring more than 60 days before a general election for governor, 3 months for state executive offices (like secretary of state), and 6 months for Congress, instead of temporary appointments. It specifies that vacancies within these timeframes must be filled at the next general election. The bill also clarifies election procedures and voting time-off requirements for special elections to fill congressional vacancies.

Maddy summaryHB 253 revises Wyoming's construction lien law by changing the timing for preliminary notice requirements. It requires subcontractors and material suppliers to send a notice within 30 days of starting work on a project (before final payment to the general contractor) to preserve their lien rights. Failure to send this notice will bar lien claims, except when the general contractor failed to provide required information under §29-2-113. The bill affects contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers working on construction projects in Wyoming and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 58 requires the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners to provide written notice to county commissioners at least 60 days before approving new mineral leases or lease extensions on state lands or state school lands. County commissioners must then be given an opportunity to submit public comments on the proposed lease in writing or at a meeting. The bill applies only to new leases and extensions starting on its effective date, leaving existing leases unaffected. This change aims to increase local government involvement in mineral leasing decisions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 230 creates a task force to study interstate highway traffic and authorizes up to $250 million from the state mineral trust fund to provide loans for highway construction projects. It requires annual $50 million transfers from the legislative stabilization reserve fund starting in 2026 to repay these loans, with interest rates set by the state treasurer. The bill specifically directs funding for adding passing lanes on segments of U.S. Highway 20 (between Casper and Thermopolis) and expanding U.S. Highway 287 near Laramie to four lanes. These provisions directly affect Wyoming's transportation infrastructure and the state's budget allocation for highway projects.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 99 amends trespass laws to clarify that people do not commit criminal trespass or game/fish trespass when accidentally touching or passing through private land while traveling between two adjacent parcels they're authorized to access - specifically when the parcels share a common corner or are immediately connected. The bill directly affects landowners and individuals traveling across private property for legitimate access to adjacent parcels (e.g., ranchers moving between properties). It creates a clear exception for incidental contact during this specific travel, removing ambiguity about whether such movement violates trespass laws. The change applies only to travel between authorized parcels and does not permit hunting, fishing, or other activities on private land without permission. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming school districts to adopt policies banning student cell phone and smart watch use during instructional time, effective July 1, 2025. It specifically exempts emergency situations, staff authorization, students with individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans, and health-related phone use authorized by medical providers. The policy must exclude basic health-monitoring or time-telling wearable devices. School boards must establish these policies by July 1, 2025, applying to all public K-12 schools. The bill directly affects students, school staff, and district administrators by changing classroom technology rules.

Maddy summarySF 86 creates a dedicated "firearms on school property account" to reimburse Wyoming school districts for specific safety-related costs. It authorizes $100,000 from the school foundation program to cover expenses like staff training (per W.S. 21-3-132) and implementing district security rules. School districts must apply within one year of incurring costs, submitting receipts and training documentation to receive reimbursement. Unspent funds roll over annually, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 45 creates a property tax exemption for single-family homes in Wyoming, directly affecting homeowners with residential structures. The exemption covers increases in a home's value above 5% of the previous year's assessed value, meaning homeowners pay tax only on growth exceeding that threshold. However, the exemption doesn't apply if the value increase comes from new construction, additions, or if the property was purchased in the prior year. The law requires tax assessment notices to include exemption details and applies to tax years starting January 1, 2024.