Rep. Jon Conrad

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 48) amends a Wyoming statute to rename the "deaf, dumb and blind account" to the "Deaf, dumb and hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired account." It only changes the name of an existing state fund account established under Wyoming law to better reflect current terminology and respect for people with disabilities. The bill does not alter funding levels, eligibility, or policy for the account. It takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 63) creates a property tax exemption for single-family homes. It exempts homeowners from paying tax on any increase in their home's assessed value that exceeds 5% over the previous year's value. The exemption does not apply if the home was recently renovated, added to, or purchased within the last year. Tax assessment notices must now include details about this exemption and how it affects the homeowner's tax bill. The exemption applies starting with the 2024 tax year.

Maddy summaryHB 186 appropriates $40 million from Wyoming's general fund to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline system trust fund, as specified in existing law (W.S. 35-25-506). The funding directly supports Wyoming's 988 suicide prevention hotline operations and is restricted to that purpose. The bill takes effect July 1, 2024, and does not create new policy but provides dedicated financial resources for the existing crisis hotline service.

Maddy summaryHB 159 prohibits unauthorized fees for advising on veterans benefits, directly affecting veterans seeking benefits and third-party advisors (like claim assistants). The bill requires written fee agreements meeting federal standards, mandates clear disclosures that free government services exist (including Wyoming Military Department and county agencies), and bans guarantees of specific benefit outcomes or pre-disagreement fees. It also prohibits excessive fees and requires advertising disclosures about free alternatives. Violations are treated as deceptive trade practices under Wyoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 215 transfers Wyoming's Integrated Test Center (established in 2014) from its current administration to the University of Wyoming's School of Energy Resources, effective upon the bill's passage. The bill requires the center to focus its research on carbon capture, emissions management, and clean energy technologies, including facility design, testing, and collaboration with state agencies. It mandates reporting to the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee by specific deadlines (October 1, 2024, and February 1, 2025) and establishes the School of Energy Resources as the governing body under the Energy Resources Council. The transfer includes all property, funds, and obligations of the center, with the university required to submit a transfer plan by May 1, 2024. This bill directly affects the center's operations, the university's energy research programs, and Wyoming's carbon capture research initiatives.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 185 exempts qualifying oil and gas producers from specific severance taxes when using enhanced recovery techniques with Wyoming-sourced carbon dioxide. It provides a 50% exemption on one tax portion and a 100% exemption on another tax portion for production meeting strict criteria, including use of carbon capture technology and Wyoming-origin CO2. Producers must apply for the exemption, and the state must report annual revenue impacts to legislative committees. The exemption expires on July 1, 2032, applying only to production completed before that date. This directly affects oil and gas companies using enhanced recovery methods with in-state CO2.

Maddy summaryHB 200 imposes a new excise tax on electricity generation within Wyoming, collected by electric utilities from customers based on the "purchaser sales price" (the full price paid for electricity, including fees and taxes). It specifically repeals existing taxes on wind and nuclear energy generation while creating new tax rules for all other electricity sources. The bill requires utilities to collect and remit the tax, with detailed provisions for tax calculation points (e.g., at transmission interconnection or customer meters) and strict confidentiality protections for tax data. This directly affects Wyoming's electric public utilities and their customers who pay for electricity.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 106 restricts hemp production and sales by banning the addition of synthetic substances or psychoactive additives to hemp products. It prohibits selling hemp containing more than 0.3% THC (measured via specific testing methods) or any synthetic THC, cannabinoids, or psychoactive analogs. The bill directly affects hemp producers, processors, and sellers in Wyoming, requiring compliance with these limits and mandating department inspections for enforcement. Violations may result in fines, license suspension, or revocation, with specific penalties for exceeding THC limits or using synthetic substances. The law also expands the definition of THC to include naturally occurring forms and psychoactive isomers under state controlled substances regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 182 prohibits payment processors from assigning special merchant category codes to firearm or ammunition retailers, requiring them to be classified as general merchandise or sporting goods retailers instead. This directly affects payment entities (like banks and credit card networks) and firearm retailers who must use standard retail codes. Violations carry a $1,000 fine per violation. The bill does not change gun laws or purchase requirements but modifies payment processing rules, effective July 1, 2024.