Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 167 proposes a legal process for the state to declare federal laws unconstitutional and "nullify" them, based on the bill's argument that such actions violate the U.S. Constitution's separation of powers and Tenth Amendment. It creates new statutes (W.S. 9-14-301-305) requiring the state to issue formal "orders of nullification" after a legislative petition and review process, with duties assigned to the Secretary of State and legislative leaders. The bill directly affects Wyoming's state government by establishing procedures for challenging federal actions it deems unconstitutional, though it does not change federal law or impact citizens directly. Currently inactive (last action: "H Did not Consider for Introduction" on 2024-02-17), it remains a procedural framework without enacted policy effects.
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Maddy summaryHB 136 would repeal a specific definition of "gender identity" in Wyoming education law that previously determined student eligibility for interscholastic activities (like school sports). This change would directly affect student-athletes in Wyoming public schools by removing the requirement to use that definition for participation eligibility. The bill's key provision is simply removing the referenced statutory definition (W.S. 21-25-201(a)(v)), with no new rules added. It is currently pending in the Wyoming legislature (last action: received for introduction on February 9, 2024) and would take effect July 1, 2024, if enacted. The bill does not create new eligibility rules; it only eliminates the existing definition.
Maddy summaryHB 99 prohibits Wyoming state agencies and recipients of state funds from using public money to purchase products or services made with child labor or slave labor. The bill defines "child labor" as work by anyone under 18 violating U.S. or state labor laws (including foreign labor that would violate U.S. law) and "slave labor" as forced work under threat of penalty. Exceptions include juvenile justice programs, correctional industry programs, and specific statutes. The state budget department must create implementing rules, with the law taking effect July 1, 2024, for most provisions.
Maddy summaryHB 212 requires all Wyoming state entities (including agencies, schools, counties, and cities) to include the current federal poverty level's exact dollar amount in any public or legislative report that references it. Instead of using vague terms like "below 100% of poverty level," reports must state the actual numeric value (e.g., "$14,570 for a single adult in 2024"). This applies to all reports published on or after July 1, 2024, ensuring transparency about the specific income threshold being discussed. The bill focuses solely on clarifying reporting standards, not altering poverty definitions or benefits.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 137 would require healthcare providers to show a pregnant person an ultrasound (including the heartbeat if audible) at least 48 hours before providing medication for a chemical abortion. The law mandates providers document the ultrasound details (date, time, physician, and fetal age) and verify the ultrasound occurred before dispensing abortion drugs. Violations could result in felony charges with fines up to $20,000 or up to five years in prison, though pregnant people would not face criminal penalties. This bill directly affects medical providers and individuals seeking medication-based abortions in Wyoming.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 190 requires schools to notify parents about student health changes, name/pronoun adjustments, and well-being questionnaires, while prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for K-12 students. The bill mandates parental consent for school health services and prohibits schools from restricting parental access to student records or discouraging parent involvement in student welfare decisions. School staff violating these provisions face disciplinary action, and schools may be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. The law directly affects K-12 students, parents/guardians, and school staff, with implementation set for the 2024-2025 school year. It also establishes legal remedies for parents alleging violations by schools or staff.
Maddy summaryHB 201 requires Wyoming's State Auditor to publish detailed vendor payment information on the auditor's public website. It mandates posting, within 30 days of payment, the date, vendor name, state agency, total amount, and payment description for all payments made over the previous five fiscal years. This applies to all state payments made on or after July 1, 2024, directly affecting state agencies and vendors receiving public funds. The bill aims to increase transparency by making vendor payment data accessible for public inspection and download.
Maddy summaryHB 132 bans public school teachers, administrators, and state employees from teaching or using public funds for instruction on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin. It prohibits lessons that claim any group is inherently superior/inferior, blame individuals for past actions of their group, or label people as inherently racist or oppressive - except when teaching historical oppression or using approved primary sources. The bill allows private lawsuits against violators and imposes civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation for schools or state agencies. It also prohibits public employers from requiring training on these concepts and exempts sexual harassment training. The law directly affects K-12 educators, school districts, and state agencies using public funds for instruction or employee training.
Maddy summaryHB 162 changes Wyoming law to require public hearings for most appointments of public officers, professionals, or employees by local government bodies (like city councils or county commissions). It removes the option for these bodies to hold private "executive sessions" when making such appointments, unless the employee themselves requests a private hearing. The law applies to all agency appointments made on or after July 1, 2024, and mandates that decisions be made in open meetings. This directly affects how local governments handle hiring, employment, and disciplinary actions for public staff.
Maddy summaryHB 183 prohibits foreign governments, businesses, or individuals (defined as citizens of Russia, China, state sponsors of terrorism, or countries under specific arms regulations) from owning most land in Wyoming, allowing only personal residences under one acre. It requires existing foreign owners to sell their land by July 2026 (unless for a qualifying personal residence) and mandates annual registration with the Secretary of State for all foreign land ownership, including personal residences. Owners who fail to register face daily civil penalties of $5,000, and county clerks must report violations to the Attorney General for enforcement, which may include court-ordered forfeiture and sale of the land. The bill also requires tax assessment notices to inform owners about the foreign ownership restrictions and registration requirements.