Rep. Sandy Newsome

Maddy summaryHB 45 creates a property tax exemption for single-family homes in Wyoming, directly affecting homeowners with residential structures. The exemption covers increases in a home's value above 5% of the previous year's assessed value, meaning homeowners pay tax only on growth exceeding that threshold. However, the exemption doesn't apply if the value increase comes from new construction, additions, or if the property was purchased in the prior year. The law requires tax assessment notices to include exemption details and applies to tax years starting January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund to support recreational and tourism projects across the state. It creates a 9-member board (appointed by the governor) to manage the fund, approve grants for recreation projects, and ensure projects benefit both residents and visitors. The board must prioritize multi-partner projects, consult with tribal governments, and consider community impacts when reviewing grant applications. Funds will support small projects approved directly by the board and larger projects requiring legislative committee review.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 79) allows small malt beverage manufacturers (producing 25,000 barrels or less annually) to terminate distribution agreements with distributors without needing a specific reason. It requires manufacturers to pay distributors compensation equal to the franchise’s fair market value plus the cost of inventory held in warehouses or transit. Disputes over compensation are resolved through binding arbitration under specific rules, with costs shared equally unless a good-faith estimate was made. The law takes effect July 1, 2024, applying to new agreements and renewals of existing ones after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 81 removes mandatory fiscal training requirements for state public officers in Wyoming, effective July 1, 2024. It specifically eliminates the requirement that public officers complete minimum fiscal training within one year of taking office and excludes members of governing bodies (like city councils or school boards) from the definition of "public officer" under this law. The bill repeals existing provisions that required the state auditor to establish training rules and monitor compliance. This change directly affects state-level officials handling public funds, removing a compliance obligation that previously applied to them.

Maddy summaryHB 165 requires Wyoming's Office of State Lands and Investments to study the feasibility of creating an access point permitting system for commercial fishing on state lands. The study, due by October 1, 2024, must examine costs, benefits to residents and land trust beneficiaries, existing access points, staffing needs, funding requirements, and successful models from other states and federal agencies. The office must report findings to the joint travel and recreation committee, which may then propose legislation based on the study's recommendations. This bill does not implement a permit system but mandates an analysis to inform future decisions affecting commercial fishing outfitters using state land access points.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 63) creates a property tax exemption for single-family homes. It exempts homeowners from paying tax on any increase in their home's assessed value that exceeds 5% over the previous year's value. The exemption does not apply if the home was recently renovated, added to, or purchased within the last year. Tax assessment notices must now include details about this exemption and how it affects the homeowner's tax bill. The exemption applies starting with the 2024 tax year.

Maddy summaryHB 207 repeals a lifetime restriction preventing certain hunters from obtaining moose or bighorn sheep hunting licenses. It directly affects individuals who, as of July 1, 2022, were subject to a five-year restriction under Wyoming law for these species. The bill allows these hunters to apply for and receive licenses as if they had never been restricted after July 1, 2022, though they will face the standard lifetime restriction if issued a license after the bill's effective date of July 1, 2024. This change modifies existing provisions in Wyoming's hunting license regulations (W.S. 23-1-703 and 23-1-705) without altering the underlying five-year restriction period.

Maddy summaryHB 178, the Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act, would prevent state government from restricting religious practices unless it proves the restriction is necessary for a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive option. It applies to individuals, businesses, and religious groups whose religious exercise is burdened by government actions like denying permits, benefits, or access to facilities. Those affected could sue in court to challenge such restrictions. The bill explicitly states it does not override laws protecting public health, safety, or order.

Maddy summaryHB 206 requires criminal background checks for all personnel directly involved in Wyoming's horse racing and pari-mutuel betting events. It specifically applies to roles like jockeys, trainers, mutuel employees, grooms, farriers, and others with access to restricted areas or wagering systems. The bill mandates that these individuals submit fingerprints for checks through the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation before working at events. This policy aims to prevent individuals with criminal histories from participating in regulated betting activities, as defined by the Wyoming Gaming Commission's rules.

Maddy summaryHB 216 would have removed a requirement for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Wyoming to obtain additional "advanced certification" to provide hospital care. Instead, it would have allowed hospitals to set their own physician oversight rules through their medical staff bylaws, rather than mandating certification through the Board of Nursing. The bill proposed this change take effect on July 1, 2024. However, the bill was withdrawn by its sponsor on February 16, 2024, and did not become law.