Rep. J.D. Williams

Maddy summaryHB 45 removes otters from Wyoming's list of protected animals under hunting regulations. This change directly affects hunters and wildlife management by allowing regulated hunting of otters, which were previously protected. The bill amends Wyoming Statute 23-1-101(a)(ix) to delete "otter" from the definition of "protected animal," which previously included species like black-footed ferrets and lynx. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, if enacted. This is a substantive policy change altering hunting permissions, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 234 prohibits state and local governments from collecting or maintaining lists of privately owned firearms or their owners using specific merchant codes (like "firearms codes") in payment processing. It also bans payment processors from requiring such codes for firearm retailers or discriminating against them by charging higher fees or refusing transactions based on firearm sales. The bill directly affects firearm retailers, payment processors, and state agencies by restricting how firearm-related transaction data can be handled. Violations could lead to civil actions or criminal penalties, including misdemeanor charges for knowingly violating these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 237 modifies Wyoming's license plate issuance process. It shifts responsibility for issuing standard license plates from county treasurers to the Department of Transportation (DOT), clarifies the number of plates provided per vehicle, and eliminates the requirement to replace plates after a fixed time period. The bill also mandates rulemaking by the DOT and updates related statutes. This procedural change primarily affects all vehicle owners who register vehicles in Wyoming by streamlining plate issuance and removal of outdated replacement rules.

Maddy summaryHB 296 requires Wyoming's Legislature to study and fix how legislative districts are drawn to comply with the state constitution and federal law. It mandates that a committee study apportionment during the 2025 interim, gather public input, and report by December 2025, ensuring districts follow county lines and include at least one senator and representative per county as required by Wyoming Constitution Article 3, Sections 3 and 48. The bill addresses long-standing violations where districts since 1992 ignored county boundaries and failed to guarantee minimum representation per county, which also conflicts with the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. This process will lead to proposed legislation for constitutional redistricting during the 2026 budget session.

Maddy summaryHB 204 increases fees for nonresident fishing licenses in Wyoming. It raises the annual license from $100 to $110, the daily license from $12 to $14, and the five-day license from $54 to $60. These changes directly affect out-of-state anglers who purchase fishing licenses in Wyoming. The fee increases will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 301 reorganizes Wyoming's state senate districts by assigning each district to a single county, replacing the previous multi-county structure. It creates 23 new senate districts (e.g., District 1 = Natrona County, District 2 = Laramie County), effective for the 2028 general election. The bill specifies that odd-numbered districts will have two-year terms in 2028, while even-numbered districts will have four-year terms, with all districts using four-year terms starting in 2030. This directly affects all Wyoming residents by determining which county-based district they vote in for state senate elections beginning in 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 146 increases penalties for taking stray livestock without the owner's consent in Wyoming. It sets a minimum $750 fine (up from prior) and maximum $1,500 fine for first offenses, and a minimum $1,500 fine with a maximum $3,000 fine for second or subsequent offenses under W.S. 11-24-103. The bill directly affects individuals who take, retain, or restrain lost animals without the owner's knowledge or permission. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and modifies existing penalties for violations of livestock estray laws.

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 summaryWyoming's SF 95 prohibits public utilities from expanding service into another utility's certified territory, directly affecting electric, gas, and water companies operating in the state. The bill amends utility law to prevent new certificates of convenience and necessity for service in areas already served by another utility, including indirect service (like delivering power outside a utility's certified area but for consumption within it). If a utility violates this rule, the Public Service Commission can order it to stop providing service and pay just compensation to the affected utility. The law took effect July 1, 2022, clarifying territorial boundaries for utility operations.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 109 prohibits members and staff of the state gaming commission from engaging in, investing in, or pursuing any business regulated by the commission, including horse racing betting or other gaming activities. It requires immediate disclosure and divestment of any such interests if they exist, and mandates that affected individuals recuse themselves from related commission decisions. This applies directly to commission members and staff who own or have family interests in regulated businesses, such as racetracks or casinos. The law, effective July 1, 2022, strengthens ethics safeguards by preventing conflicts of interest in gaming regulation. It amends existing rules to clarify prohibitions and repeals a duplicate provision.