Rep. Scott Heiner

Maddy summaryHB 102 would allow school employees with valid concealed carry permits to carry firearms on school property if their district board adopts specific rules. School boards that choose not to adopt such rules must submit a written explanation to the state education department. The bill appropriates $100,000 for a statewide marketing campaign to promote this authority, with funds restricted to use from July 2024 through June 2026. The bill failed its introduction in the Wyoming House on February 14, 2024, with a vote of 35-26.

Maddy summaryHB 157 clarifies that Wyoming property tax valuations must consistently follow the state law definition of "fair market value" as specified in W.S. 39-11-101(a)(vi). The bill requires county assessors and the Department of Revenue to use appraisal methods aligned with this definition when annually valuing taxable property. It directly affects property taxpayers and local assessors by mandating uniform valuation practices under existing tax statutes. The bill, which failed committee passage in February 2024, takes effect July 1, 2024, if enacted.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 152, the "Life is a Human Right Act," prohibits most abortions by defining "abortion" as the intentional termination of an unborn baby's life from conception. It directly affects pregnant individuals and medical providers in Wyoming by banning abortion except when a physician uses reasonable medical judgment to prevent the death of the pregnant woman, address a serious risk to her life or a life-sustaining organ, or treat an ectopic pregnancy. The bill explicitly excludes contraception from the prohibition and defines "unborn baby" as a living human from fertilization through birth. This law creates criminal penalties for violations and amends existing abortion-related statutes.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 174 creates a new Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board to oversee public charter schools statewide. The board, consisting of five members (including the state superintendent and appointees from the governor, Senate, and House), will approve, renew, and oversee charter schools under specific quality standards. The bill modifies how charter schools are authorized (replacing school district oversight with the state board), adjusts funding rules, and requires transparency in decision-making. This directly affects public charter schools, their governing boards, and the state education department as the local education agency.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 147 prohibits state and local governments from requiring contractors or bidders to join or follow labor union agreements in construction-related contracts or grants for facilities they own or lease. The law, effective July 1, 2023, removes terms that favor or block union agreements, aiming to promote fair competition for projects like building construction, road repairs, or infrastructure work. Government entities may exempt specific contracts only if an imminent threat to public health or safety requires it. This affects all government agencies awarding construction contracts, including schools, counties, and state departments, by eliminating union membership requirements as a contract condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes shed antlers and horns from big game animals found on Wyoming public lands the property of the state, not private individuals. It requires the Game and Fish Commission to establish specific collection seasons, with residents allowed to begin collecting three days before nonresidents. The rules must minimize disturbance to big game populations in areas west of I-90 (from Montana to Buffalo) and west of I-25 (from Buffalo to Colorado). This directly affects hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who collect shed antlers on public lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows elected and appointed town officers in Wyoming (such as mayors and council members) to voluntarily waive their salary or compensation at any point during their term. It amends existing law to explicitly state that officers entitled to pay may choose not to receive it, without affecting other officials' existing rights. The change is procedural and takes effect immediately upon enactment, providing a clear option for officers who wish to serve without pay.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Wyoming's Energy Authority to finance oil and gas refinery construction and expansion projects through bonds. It amends the authority's purpose to explicitly include supporting refinery development and permits bond issuance specifically for these projects. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming effective. This directly affects oil and gas refineries in Wyoming seeking state-backed financing for new or expanded facilities.

Maddy summarySF 72 prohibits Wyoming employers from requiring or pressuring employees to get microchips implanted in their bodies, including during hiring, and bans punishing employees who refuse. It also bans employers from creating hostile work environments or denying promotions, raises, or job security based on refusal to consent to voluntary implants. For voluntary microchips, employers must obtain written consent, cover all costs (including removal), disclose data usage, and remove chips within 30 days of termination. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, and applies to all employers and employees in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 144 prohibits physicians and health care providers from performing or prescribing certain medical procedures related to gender transition for children under 18. The bill bans surgeries like hysterectomy or orchiectomy, mastectomies, and specific drugs that suppress puberty or alter hormone levels, with an exception for children with certain genetic disorders of sex development. It also prohibits health insurance from covering these procedures for minors and states that violating this law can lead to license suspension or revocation for medical professionals. The law applies to insurance policies issued after July 1, 2023, and takes effect on that date for medical procedures.