Rep. Liz Storer

Maddy summaryThis non-binding joint resolution (HJ 5) directs Wyoming's state agencies to research and coordinate with neighboring states on expanding passenger rail service. It requires the Wyoming Department of Transportation and governor's office to study funding opportunities, collaborate with Colorado and Montana on rail planning, and prepare a report for the legislature and congressional delegation. The bill does not create new funding or mandate rail service but focuses on gathering data and building regional partnerships. It died in committee in February 2023 and directly affects state transportation officials and regional stakeholders.

Maddy summaryHB 150 authorizes the creation of local early childhood development special districts in Wyoming counties to provide services for children birth through age 8. These districts, formed through voter approval (requiring 15% of qualified voters' signatures or a county commission resolution), can levy up to 2 mills annually on property taxes to fund services like childcare, education, health, and developmental support. Each district must create and publish a public plan detailing eligible recipients, service providers, and funding options before offering services. The bill establishes governance rules, including requirements for public transparency and regular voter referendums on continued mill levies.

Maddy summaryHB 151 creates a property tax exemption for nonprofit child care facilities in Wyoming. It directly affects nonprofit organizations operating facilities that care for minors under parental, guardian, or agency request, as defined by state law. The bill adds a new exemption category to Wyoming's property tax code, removing the tax burden on property used exclusively for these child care operations. The exemption became effective July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 281 requires the state Board of Land Commissioners to obtain written consent from local governments (counties, cities, or towns) before designating state historic sites on their property. It mandates providing at least 30 days' written notice to the local governing body, with consent presumed if no objection is raised within that period. This bill directly affects local governments owning land potentially designated as historic sites, adding a procedural step to the state's designation process. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law, as specified in the bill text.

Maddy summaryHB 162 allows Wyoming counties to voluntarily impose an excise tax on high-value real estate sales to fund affordable housing. Specifically, counties must first get voter approval (via petition or resolution) to tax sales exceeding $1.5 million at a 1% rate, with all revenue dedicated exclusively to local affordable housing projects for low/moderate-income households. The bill requires counties to define "affordable housing" based on local income standards and exempts common transfers like spousal gifts, deeds correcting prior records, and property transfers under $1.5 million. It does not mandate the tax but creates a framework for counties to adopt it through democratic processes.