Rep. Dalton Banks

Maddy summaryHB 217 directs how Wyoming can use leftover federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPD) to address pandemic-related needs. It specifies funding allocations for state agencies, including $10 million for workforce programs, $22 million for outdoor recreation grants, $35 million for transportation communications systems, and $13 million for health department staffing. The bill sets conditions for spending these funds, requires reporting on their use, and ensures unspent ARPD funds revert to the federal government. It primarily affects Wyoming state agencies and local governments receiving these funds for pandemic recovery efforts.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 196 requires the federal government to exchange equivalent federal-owned lands whenever it acquires additional property in the state after July 1, 2024 (excluding specific military, infrastructure, or reclamation projects). The bill mandates that federal land acquisitions must be paired with transfers of federal lands to Wyoming to prevent a net increase in federal ownership. If an exchange isn't possible, the federal government must provide 90 days' notice to Wyoming's land board before finalizing the acquisition. Additionally, any land transferred to Wyoming under this policy must be disposed of through a public process prioritizing adjacent landowners and local uses if it would cause a net increase in state-owned lands beyond July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 218 amends vehicle code to increase the maximum length for semitrailers in certain truck combinations. Specifically, it raises the allowable semitrailer length from 48 feet to 53 feet in truck-tractor-semitrailer setups while keeping the combined length limit at 81 feet. This change directly affects commercial trucking operations that use standard semitrailer combinations on Wyoming highways. The bill takes effect July 1, 2024, allowing longer trailers for improved cargo efficiency without altering overall vehicle length restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 132 bans public school teachers, administrators, and state employees from teaching or using public funds for instruction on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin. It prohibits lessons that claim any group is inherently superior/inferior, blame individuals for past actions of their group, or label people as inherently racist or oppressive - except when teaching historical oppression or using approved primary sources. The bill allows private lawsuits against violators and imposes civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation for schools or state agencies. It also prohibits public employers from requiring training on these concepts and exempts sexual harassment training. The law directly affects K-12 educators, school districts, and state agencies using public funds for instruction or employee training.

Maddy summaryHB 183 prohibits foreign governments, businesses, or individuals (defined as citizens of Russia, China, state sponsors of terrorism, or countries under specific arms regulations) from owning most land in Wyoming, allowing only personal residences under one acre. It requires existing foreign owners to sell their land by July 2026 (unless for a qualifying personal residence) and mandates annual registration with the Secretary of State for all foreign land ownership, including personal residences. Owners who fail to register face daily civil penalties of $5,000, and county clerks must report violations to the Attorney General for enforcement, which may include court-ordered forfeiture and sale of the land. The bill also requires tax assessment notices to inform owners about the foreign ownership restrictions and registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 153 modifies Wyoming's sex offender registration law to prevent certain offenders from qualifying for relief (the ability to stop registering) after meeting time and behavior requirements. It specifically denies relief for individuals convicted of offenses involving victims under 13 years old or victims aged 13-15 years, as listed in the bill. This change applies only to cases where the offense was committed on or after July 1, 2024, meaning these offenders must continue registering for life without the possibility of petitioning for relief.

Maddy summaryHB 185 exempts qualifying oil and gas producers from specific severance taxes when using enhanced recovery techniques with Wyoming-sourced carbon dioxide. It provides a 50% exemption on one tax portion and a 100% exemption on another tax portion for production meeting strict criteria, including use of carbon capture technology and Wyoming-origin CO2. Producers must apply for the exemption, and the state must report annual revenue impacts to legislative committees. The exemption expires on July 1, 2032, applying only to production completed before that date. This directly affects oil and gas companies using enhanced recovery methods with in-state CO2.

Maddy summaryHB 173 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurers to include retail pharmacies in patients' network choices without using financial incentives like reduced copays to steer patients toward specific locations. It mandates the Wyoming Department of Insurance to create rules ensuring adequate in-network pharmacy access, including location requirements. The law, effective January 1, 2025, directly affects patients (who gain more pharmacy choice), retail pharmacies (protected from exclusion), and PBMs/insurers (prohibited from using cost-sharing tactics to limit options). It focuses on transparency and network adequacy without altering prescription drug pricing or coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 182 prohibits payment processors from assigning special merchant category codes to firearm or ammunition retailers, requiring them to be classified as general merchandise or sporting goods retailers instead. This directly affects payment entities (like banks and credit card networks) and firearm retailers who must use standard retail codes. Violations carry a $1,000 fine per violation. The bill does not change gun laws or purchase requirements but modifies payment processing rules, effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 192 grants permanent right-of-way access (a "perpetual easement") for county and municipal roads that already exist on Wyoming state or school lands, specifically those established before January 1, 2024. It directly affects counties, cities, and towns responsible for maintaining these roads, requiring no fees for the easement. Key provisions include deadlines for documentation (by August 1, 2024, and April 1, 2029) and rules for securing the easements through the Board of Land Commissioners. Roads built after January 1, 2024, do not automatically receive this easement under the bill.