Rep. J.T. Larson

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 80 amends definitions in solid waste management law to clarify what constitutes solid waste and recycling facilities. It excludes certain materials (like post-use polymers processed through advanced recycling) from "solid waste" definitions and creates new terms for "advanced recycling" (using processes like pyrolysis) and "advanced recycling facilities." This change specifically affects recycling operations that convert plastic waste into raw materials, removing them from standard solid waste management regulations. The bill requires the Environmental Quality Council to create implementing rules, with most provisions effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund to support recreational and tourism projects across the state. It creates a 9-member board (appointed by the governor) to manage the fund, approve grants for recreation projects, and ensure projects benefit both residents and visitors. The board must prioritize multi-partner projects, consult with tribal governments, and consider community impacts when reviewing grant applications. Funds will support small projects approved directly by the board and larger projects requiring legislative committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 86 requires towing and recovery services to request a title search from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (DOT) within five business days if a vehicle remains in a recovery lot for more than five days. The DOT must then identify the vehicle owner and any lienholders (such as banks or finance companies holding a financial claim on the vehicle) within 5 business days for Wyoming-registered vehicles or 7 days for out-of-state vehicles. Towing services must notify these lienholders of the vehicle's location within one business day after receiving the DOT's information. This law directly affects towing companies, vehicle owners, and lienholders by creating a clearer process for resolving vehicle repossessions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal right for vulnerable adults in Wyoming to sue anyone who exploits them. It allows vulnerable adults (or specific representatives like guardians, family members, caregivers, or nursing facilities) to seek compensation for actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. The law applies to exploitation cases and permits lawsuits in any appropriate court. It takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 52 establishes a homestead property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners based on age: up to $50,000 exemption for owners 64 or younger, $100,000 for ages 65-74, and $150,000 for those 75+ on January 1 of the tax year. It requires annual claims by May 4th to the county assessor, limits exemptions to one per property per year, and defines "primary residence" as where the owner lives most of the year. The bill includes an $88.4 million state appropriation to reimburse local governments for lost revenue from the exemption, ending December 31, 2027. It expires on that date, with no renewal automatic.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 76) updates prostitution and solicitation laws by expanding the definition of prohibited acts to explicitly include "sexual contact" and "sexual intrusion" as defined in existing law. It affects individuals engaging in or soliciting commercial sexual acts, now covering specific acts previously not explicitly listed under these statutes. The bill maintains the same penalties: up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both for violations. The law becomes effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHJ 3 is a Wyoming joint resolution expressing support for state and local government involvement in federal rulemaking. It does not create new laws but formally commits the Wyoming Legislature to oppose specific federal rules and plans (like the BLM's Rock Springs resource management plan) that the resolution claims negatively impact Wyoming's agriculture, energy, mineral, and recreation industries. The resolution requires the Wyoming Secretary of State to send this position to federal officials, including Congress and the White House. As a procedural resolution, it focuses on expressing legislative opposition rather than changing federal policy.

Maddy summaryHB 134 revises Wyoming's property tax deferral program for primary residences under 40 acres. It shifts administration to the Department of Revenue, limits deferrals to half the annual property taxes owed, and changes interest calculations (to 4% compounded or based on treasury yields). The bill requires annual financial verification from applicants and ties deferrals to available state funding, ending automatic deferrals if funds run short. This directly affects qualifying homeowners who own their primary residence on small parcels, ensuring they must re-qualify yearly and face potential immediate payment if their financial situation changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming to issue separate hunting licenses and establish distinct hunting seasons for mule deer and whitetail deer. It directly affects hunters of both species, including residents and nonresidents who purchase licenses, by mandating separate management under state wildlife regulations. The key mechanism involves amending existing laws to create new rules for license issuance, season scheduling, and preference point systems specific to each deer type. This change aims to improve wildlife management by allowing targeted conservation efforts for each species, without altering license fees or quotas.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Wyoming county treasurers to issue vehicle registration certificates electronically instead of on paper. It also creates a 30-day grace period for vehicle owners to affix validation stickers to their vehicles after registration, rather than requiring immediate display. The changes directly affect all vehicle owners in Wyoming who must display license plates or validation stickers. The bill amends existing statutes to formalize electronic certificates and the 30-day sticker placement requirement, effective July 1, 2024.