Rep. Sandy Newsome

Maddy summaryHB 138 requires Wyoming school districts to provide age-appropriate, evidence-based suicide prevention education to students. It directly affects all public school districts and their students across the state. The bill mandates that programs align with existing state materials under W.S. 21-2-202(a)(xxxv) and training requirements in W.S. 21-3-110(a)(xxxiii). The law was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2023, if passed. This is a policy change requiring specific educational programming in schools, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Wyoming's wildlife terminology by replacing "trophy game animal" with "large carnivore game animal" in statutes. It specifically designates two geographic areas (in northwest Wyoming) where gray wolves will be classified as "trophy large carnivore game animals," allowing them to be hunted under regulated conditions. The change applies after gray wolves are removed from federal endangered species protections. The bill requires the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to establish implementing rules and affects how wolves are managed for hunting in designated zones. This redefinition clarifies wildlife management jurisdiction without altering existing hunting seasons or quotas.

Maddy summaryHB 227 increases Wyoming's veterans' property tax exemption from $3,000 to $6,000 annually in assessed value. It directly affects qualifying veterans who own property in Wyoming and receive the tax exemption. The bill requires the Department of Revenue to create implementing rules and applies to property taxes assessed on or after January 1, 2023. The exemption change would take effect for taxes due in 2023, with some provisions becoming effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 247 prohibits the intentional waste of edible portions from trophy game animals (like elk or deer) and bans possessing parts of wasted animals. It requires hunters to transport and properly care for carcasses within 48 hours of harvest, and forbids abandoning meat at processing plants for more than 45 days without agreement. Processing plants must report abandoned meat to wildlife authorities, and confiscated meat may be sold to cover storage costs after a conviction. The bill directly affects hunters and meat processing facilities, taking effect July 1, 2023.

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 summaryThis bill (SF 41) updates Wyoming's 911 emergency communication system by expanding the Public Safety Communications Commission's role. It adds two new members to the commission (representing emergency communications officials and homeland security) and directs the commission to develop guidelines for next-generation 911 systems that integrate current infrastructure. The bill also allows existing 911 tax funds to cover costs for next-generation systems, including equipment, maintenance, and personnel supporting system integration. These changes directly affect public safety agencies operating 911 call centers and emergency response systems across Wyoming.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 44 updates procedures for issuing and transferring vehicle and mobile home titles. It allows a single co-owner to transfer a mobile home without others' signatures unless the title specifies "and" or joint ownership. The bill requires county treasurers to issue excise tax receipts and mandates duplicate titles to include a warning that they may be subject to rights under the original title. These changes apply to all vehicle and mobile home owners, dealers, and county clerks handling title transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming law to update requirements for local governments (municipalities and counties) seeking to enforce electrical safety codes. It requires inspectors to hold specific certifications from recognized organizations like the International Code Council or International Association of Electrical Inspectors, or state licensing as a journeyman/master electrician. If a local government loses its certified inspectors, enforcement authority reverts to the state after 120 days (with possible 120-day extensions for good cause). The bill also clarifies that local enforcement authority for electrical codes must align with these certification standards, effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 65 clarifies that property tax protest appeals mailed by Wyoming taxpayers are considered timely filed if postmarked by the deadline date (within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice), rather than requiring physical receipt by the county by that date. This directly affects property owners challenging their tax assessments who use mail to submit appeals. The key provision replaces the previous uncertainty about mailing deadlines with a clear, objective standard based on the postmark date. The law became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 52 creates special license plates for residents to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. It allows owners of non-commercial vehicles to apply for these plates, with applicants able to register as anatomical gift donors and optionally donate $1 or more to support awareness programs. The funds collected go into a dedicated account managed by the Department of Health to promote donation education. The plates must display a distinctive symbol but match standard size and color, and production will end if fewer than 1,000 plates are issued by December 2031.