Rep. Lane Allred

Maddy summaryHB 119 would create a grant program to help Wyoming school districts hire additional mental health staff, including school counselors, nurses, and community mental health providers, for K-12 students during the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. The program, funded by a $37 million appropriation, would provide grants calculated at $206 per student based on each district’s previous year’s enrollment, with applications due by June 30 annually. School districts receiving grants must report on fund usage and student impact, and the state education department would submit annual effectiveness reports to the legislature by 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 87 amends Wyoming's livestock disease reporting rules to clarify how brucellosis test results must be shared. It requires the Wyoming Livestock Board to provide positive brucellosis test results directly to animal owners within 3 days and to all county brand inspectors and veterinarians within 7 days of receiving preliminary lab results. These changes apply specifically to livestock owners, veterinarians, and brand inspectors in counties where a positive test occurs. The bill does not alter disease control measures but ensures timely, targeted information sharing to manage outbreaks. The bill is effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 113 increases scholarship amounts for Wyoming's Hathaway program, directly affecting eligible students pursuing degrees or certificates at participating institutions. The bill raises semester awards for three scholarship tiers: Opportunity ($882, up from $840), Performance ($1,323, up from $1,260), and Honor ($1,764, up from $1,680) for full-time students meeting specific GPA and standardized test score criteria. Need-based scholarships also see updated calculations, with a minimum $110 per semester and increased caps for unmet financial need. The changes apply to students qualifying under existing Hathaway program standards, effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 146 expands Wyoming's property tax relief program to include renters who occupy rental properties as their principal residence. It allows eligible renters to apply for a refund of up to $250 (or the calculated amount, whichever is less) based on their income and assets, while existing owner-occupants continue to qualify for relief covering up to 75% of their property tax paid. To qualify, applicants must meet income limits (not exceeding 125% of their county's median household income), asset limits ($150,000 per adult), and occupy the property for at least 9 months annually. Applications must be submitted by June 1st each year, with refunds issued by September 30, and the bill takes effect January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 133) prohibits male students from competing on teams designated for female students in K-12 interscholastic sports. It requires schools to designate teams as "male," "female," or "coed" based on biological sex at birth (defined as "genetics and anatomy at birth" in Section 21-25-101(iv)). The bill also creates a commission to determine eligibility if courts invalidate the main prohibition (Section 21-25-202), but its core effect is to bar male students from female-designated teams. It directly affects public and private K-12 schools and student athletes in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes amending the Wyoming Constitution to authorize the legislature to create a property tax exemption for residential homes owned by elderly or infirm residents. The exemption would aim to preserve homeownership for these groups, particularly if deemed necessary for supporting the poor, but the legislature would determine specific eligibility and implementation. As a constitutional amendment, it requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect, and it does not automatically create the exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes shed antlers and horns from big game animals found on Wyoming public lands the property of the state, not private individuals. It requires the Game and Fish Commission to establish specific collection seasons, with residents allowed to begin collecting three days before nonresidents. The rules must minimize disturbance to big game populations in areas west of I-90 (from Montana to Buffalo) and west of I-25 (from Buffalo to Colorado). This directly affects hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who collect shed antlers on public lands.

Maddy summarySF 116 (Wyoming) protects firearm manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations from most civil lawsuits related to their products. The bill grants immunity from liability in "qualified civil liability actions" (claims about criminal misuse of firearms), unless specific exceptions apply. Key exceptions include cases involving criminal convictions for illegal transfers, negligent sales, knowing violations of firearm laws, product defects causing injury when used as intended, or gross negligence. It directly affects manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations by limiting their civil liability for firearm-related incidents. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summarySF 72 prohibits Wyoming employers from requiring or pressuring employees to get microchips implanted in their bodies, including during hiring, and bans punishing employees who refuse. It also bans employers from creating hostile work environments or denying promotions, raises, or job security based on refusal to consent to voluntary implants. For voluntary microchips, employers must obtain written consent, cover all costs (including removal), disclose data usage, and remove chips within 30 days of termination. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, and applies to all employers and employees in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 117 requires school districts to notify parents when a student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being changes, and to involve parents in decisions about their child's care. It prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade and mandates parental consent for school health services. The bill also establishes procedures for parents to file complaints about school non-compliance, requiring resolution within seven days, with appeals to an independent hearing officer if unresolved after 30 days. These provisions directly affect school districts, parents/guardians, and students in K-3, focusing on parental notification, consent, and complaint processes.