Rep. Albert Sommers

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 207) requires Wyoming voters switching between major political parties to submit their change at least 14 days before a primary election. It affects voters who want to change their party affiliation from one major party (like Republican or Democrat) to another, modifying existing rules about when and how this change can be processed. The key mechanism is mandating a 14-day filing deadline with the county clerk for such switches, though changes can still be made at the polls on election day or when requesting absentee ballots. The bill amends Wyoming election code sections 22-5-212 and 22-5-214, effective July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 54 creates a property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners, reducing taxes on the first $100,000 of value for primary residences. To qualify, owners must claim the exemption annually by May 4th with the county assessor, proving the property is their main home (where they live most of the year). The exemption expires December 31, 2029, and the state will reimburse counties $31 million for lost tax revenue through 2025. This directly affects homeowners with primary residences valued under $100,000, lowering their annual property tax bills.

Maddy summaryHB 202 creates a Wyoming community college loan program to cover costs for students pursuing aviation degrees and commercial pilot certificates at Wyoming community colleges. It directly affects Wyoming residents or high school graduates enrolled in eligible aviation programs who commit to working as airline pilots in Wyoming for three years to avoid repaying the loan in cash. Key provisions include requiring applicants to seek federal aid first, limiting loans to tuition/certification costs minus other aid, and allowing debt forgiveness for undue hardship. The program is funded by a $1.5 million state appropriation for 2023-2026, with repayment options deferred for military service.

Maddy summaryHB 137 prohibits the sale of cannabidiol (CBD) products to anyone under age 21 and bans minors from purchasing or possessing such products. Retailers face fines up to $750 for selling to minors (with escalating penalties for repeat violations), while minors violating the law can be cited for a $50 fine (or community service) and have the offense expunged after payment. The bill includes an exception if sellers reasonably rely on valid ID showing the buyer is 21 or older. It also allows courts to issue temporary sales bans for repeat violations at specific retail locations. Note: This bill died in committee in February 2023 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 60 proposes creating the Colorado River Authority of Wyoming within the state engineer's office to manage the state's water resources in the Colorado River system. The authority, composed of nine members (including basin-specific county appointees, the state engineer, and a gubernatorial appointee), will develop management plans to protect Wyoming's water rights under existing compacts. It can establish advisory councils and provide input to the river commissioner, who will coordinate with the authority. The bill does not alter existing water rights or the state engineer's role, and the authority will meet annually with a five-member quorum required for decisions. This is a procedural bill establishing new governance, not yet considered by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 103) adds a sales tax exemption for current Wyoming state legislators purchasing lodging services while acting in their official capacity. It amends Wyoming tax law to exempt these specific lodging purchases from the state sales tax. The exemption applies only to legislators using lodging for official duties, not personal travel. The change took effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 91 sets minimum and maximum annual salary ranges for specific county officers in Wyoming, effective January 2, 2023. It directly affects county assessors, part-time county/prosecuting attorneys, county clerks, clerks of district court, sheriffs, and treasurers. The bill requires these officers to receive at least $10,000 per year but no more than the salary authorized for a district court judge (per W.S. 5-1-110). It also repeals outdated salary language in the existing statute.

Maddy summaryHB 63 updates salary structures for Wyoming's district attorneys and county/prosecuting attorneys. Starting in 2023, district attorneys will earn the same as district court judges, while county attorneys must receive at least $35,000 annually but no more than the district court judge's salary. The bill also increases state funding for county attorneys, covering up to $50,000 per year (or 50% of salary, whichever is less) for the main attorney and $30,000 for each assistant. These changes take effect July 1, 2022, with the new salary levels applying from January 2, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 72 allows unsuccessful hunting license applicants in Wyoming to choose whether to donate a portion of their refund to specific wildlife funds. Applicants can elect at the time of application to have their refund deposited into either the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Income Account or the Game and Fish Access Account. The bill requires the department to provide this option on the application form and specifies that administrative costs for these donations will be covered by the trust account. This policy change directly affects hunters who apply for licenses but do not receive them, offering them a voluntary contribution mechanism for conservation funding. The bill became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 71 amends Wyoming law to increase penalties for driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license by including violations of similar laws in other states as "subsequent" offenses. It directly affects drivers who operate vehicles while their license is suspended, particularly those with prior suspensions in other jurisdictions. The key provision requires a minimum 7-day jail sentence (instead of probation) and a $200-$750 fine for such violations, with no eligibility for early release. This change expands the scope of prior offenses considered for enhanced penalties beyond Wyoming's own laws. The bill became effective July 1, 2022.