Rep. Albert Sommers

Maddy summaryHB 140 requires health insurers in Wyoming to reimburse mental health and substance use disorder benefits delivered through the American Medical Association's defined Collaborative Care Model. This model mandates that care must be provided by a team including a primary care provider, a care manager, and a psychiatric consultant. The law applies to individual and group health insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after July 1, 2023, but excludes state-funded plans. Insurers must cover these services as specified, while retaining standard medical management authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the dollar threshold requiring legislative approval for projects funded by Wyoming's wildlife and natural resource trust. It raises the "large project" definition from $200,000 to $400,000 for total grants sought or awarded under the trust. Projects under $400,000 no longer need specific legislative authorization, streamlining approvals for smaller initiatives. The trust board must still notify the legislature within 30 days for any additional grants exceeding $200,000 on a single project. The change applies to all projects approved on or after July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 108 prohibits the sale of THC-containing edibles (like gummies or baked goods) and vaping products to anyone under 21 years old in Wyoming. It defines "edible products" as consumables with THC and "vaping products" as devices that deliver THC vapor, including e-cigarettes and vape pens. Retailers face fines up to $750 for violations (increasing for repeat offenses within 24 months) and may face temporary sales bans for third offenses. An exception allows parents/guardians to purchase CBD oil with ≤0.3% THC for minors’ use. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 102, the Food Freedom Act, allows home producers to directly sell homemade eggs, dairy, and non-hazardous foods (like baked goods) without state inspection, provided they follow specific rules. It prohibits Wyoming from enforcing food inspection standards stricter than those set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Sellers must clearly label products as "not inspected" and avoid displaying them alongside commercially inspected foods in stores. The law applies to sales at farmers markets, farms, homes, or agreed-upon locations, with producers or designated agents (named in writing) facilitating transactions. It explicitly aligns state rules with federal requirements, preventing stricter state oversight for these home-based food sales.

Maddy summaryHB 188 creates a program to compensate Wyoming livestock owners, lessees, or their agents for damages caused by gray wolves in areas where wolves are classified as predatory animals. The Wyoming Department of Agriculture will verify wolf-caused damage and determine compensation amounts based on department rules, using a $135,000 appropriation from the general fund. The program runs from July 2023 through June 2026, with funds dedicated solely to this purpose and expiring if unspent by the end of the period. It requires the department to contract with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and USDA for claims investigation and to promulgate necessary rules.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 128 modifies state law governing land exchanges between Wyoming and the federal government. It removes the previous requirement that exchanged federal and state lands must be equal in size, allowing for more flexible transactions. The bill also ensures all such exchanges follow existing orders, rules, and regulations related to land exchanges. This change directly affects how Wyoming manages land transactions with the federal government, streamlining the process without altering land use policies. The bill took effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a certificate of completion for high school students with disabilities in Wyoming, as defined under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It requires the state education board to establish rules ensuring these certificates align with each student's individualized education program (IEP). School districts must report annually by November 1 to the state education department to confirm compliance with these requirements. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 121 modifies Wyoming's property tax deferral program to help homeowners with primary residences on parcels ≤40 acres. It caps deferred taxes at 50% of annual real estate taxes, sets interest rates at 4% compounded annually (or treasury-based for specific cases), and requires the Department of Revenue to confirm funding availability before approving deferrals. Eligibility now requires annual financial status verification, and deferred taxes become due immediately if property value exceeds 50% of the property's fair market value. The bill also mandates county rulemaking, public outreach, and annual reporting to the Department of Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming joint resolution requests Congress to change federal policy by allowing the slaughter and processing of wild horses and burros for meat sale, both domestically and internationally. It specifically asks for legislation to remove the current funding ban that prevents USDA meat inspection for equine slaughter facilities, which has been in place since 2007. The resolution argues that current management is unsustainable, citing the Bureau of Land Management's $77.7 million annual cost for holding excess animals and the inability to control rapidly growing populations. The bill seeks to enable a new management tool - facilitating meat sales - to address overpopulation and reduce costs, as federal agencies struggle to maintain balanced wild horse and burro populations on public lands.

Maddy summaryHB 124 imposes a tax on electricity produced from wind and solar resources in Wyoming for sale or trade. It directly affects wind and solar electricity producers who sell power within the state, requiring them to pay a tax per megawatt-hour at the point where electricity connects to transmission lines. Producers must report their annual electricity output by February 1 each year. The tax applies to solar electricity sold after January 1, 2024, while existing wind electricity production tax rules remain in effect. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2023.