Rep. Albert Sommers

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill allows property owners to mark private land boundaries using fluorescent orange or pink paint (50+ square inches) instead of traditional signs to indicate trespassing restrictions. It requires the Game and Fish Commission and State Parks to include trespassing rules in hunting/fishing permits and park materials, and to develop signs at public road entrances to private land clarifying visitors shouldn’t leave the road. The law directly affects landowners seeking to define property lines and recreational users like hunters or hikers who may encounter marked boundaries. It takes effect July 1, 2022, and does not change existing trespassing penalties.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 15 allows local governments (like counties or cities) that own golf courses with liquor licenses to contract out golf course operations to private companies without transferring the liquor license. The bill amends state law to clarify that political subdivisions may subcontract food and beverage services at these courses while retaining their existing liquor licenses, maintaining the limit of two such licenses per local government. This change directly affects local governments operating golf courses with club liquor licenses, ensuring they can partner with private operators without losing their license rights. The law took effect on July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 76 simplifies licensing for Wyoming real estate brokers who operate as sole proprietors with only one office. It eliminates the requirement for these brokers to obtain a separate license for their single office, allowing them to use one license for their sole business location. This change applies to licenses issued on or after July 1, 2022, and directly affects sole proprietor real estate brokers with a single office location. The bill does not alter licensing rules for brokers with multiple offices or other license types.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 81 clarifies that the state owns all underground water within its boundaries, as established by the state constitution. The bill preserves existing water use rights for well owners (for irrigation, municipal, or industrial purposes) but requires registration of wells with the state engineer by specific deadlines. It mandates permits for new well construction after July 1, 2022, while allowing existing "exempt" wells to register before December 31, 1972. The bill is declaratory - clarifying current law without altering existing water rights or creating new restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 85 creates a new felony offense for pregnant individuals who knowingly use methamphetamine or certain narcotics (like heroin or fentanyl) without a prescription from a healthcare provider. It directly affects pregnant people using these substances without medical authorization, imposing penalties of up to five years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The law specifically targets non-prescribed use of Schedule I/II controlled substances during pregnancy, framing it as endangering the unborn child, and takes effect July 1, 2022. The bill does not address medical treatment or addiction support, focusing solely on criminal penalties for non-prescribed substance use.

Maddy summarySF 99 allows Wyoming state agencies and local governments to deposit public funds into credit unions that meet state approval requirements, expanding options beyond traditional banks. The bill amends state law to explicitly include credit unions as "approved depositories" under the same rules as banks, requiring all deposits to be fully insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUA) or FDIC. It maintains existing requirements for security, withdrawal terms (including 30-day notice for some accounts), and approval by the state board of deposits. This change directly affects state treasurers, county governments, and other political subdivisions managing public funds, giving them access to credit unions as a deposit option. The law took effect July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 110 would authorize the Game and Fish Commission to regulate commercially guided fishing boats by setting daily limits on how many boats can launch into specific river sections to protect fisheries. It directly affects fishing outfitters and guides (defined as those offering paid fishing services) operating in major river drainages like the Snake, Wind River, or North Platte. The bill requires the Commission to hold public hearings in affected communities before setting limits and establishes rules for tracking boat launches. It defines key terms and would take effect July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 50 would allow Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to apply for state and federal education grants as if they were local school districts, directly affecting BOCES and participating school districts. It requires approval from at least two school districts' boards before BOCES can apply for grants on their behalf, and participating districts would not be eligible to apply for the same grants individually. The bill also requires the state education department to treat BOCES as local education agencies for grant purposes and to create rules for the application process. This change aims to streamline grant access for rural or collaborative school systems without preventing non-participating districts from applying separately.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill creates a new misdemeanor offense for unauthorized drone flights over private property. It prohibits drones from flying below 200 feet over someone's land or home without the owner's permission (or a court order), applying to small drones under 55 pounds. Violators face up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both. The law takes effect July 1, 2022, directly affecting property owners and residents concerned about drone privacy.

Maddy summaryHB 25 exempts certain lodging services provided by licensed guides and outfitters from Wyoming's sales tax. Specifically, it removes the tax on temporary accommodations like tents, snow shelters, base camps, and other temporary shelters used by these licensed businesses. The exemption applies to services distributed through existing tax codes (W.S. 39-15-211(a)(ii)) and covers all forms of temporary lodging they provide. This change directly affects Wyoming-based guide and outfitter businesses operating under W.S. 23-2-407. The bill took effect July 1, 2022.