Rep. Martha Lawley

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts natural hair braiding from Wyoming's cosmetology licensing requirements. It defines "practice of natural hair braiding" to include hand-twisting, weaving, and extending hair with tools or accessories (but excludes dyeing, chemical treatments, or altering hair structure). Salon owners may still require private certification for braiders working at their locations. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to braiders not otherwise regulated under cosmetology law.

Maddy summarySF 79 creates a new rule for civil cases filed in the wrong district court in Wyoming. It allows courts to transfer such cases to a proper venue, and treats the transferred case as if it were originally filed in that correct location. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies directly to parties involved in civil lawsuits filed in an incorrect court.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 146) amends Wyoming's Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act to modernize rules for agreements where consumers rent property (like furniture or electronics) with an option to purchase. It directly affects consumers entering these agreements and merchants offering them in Wyoming, including those using digital platforms. Key provisions require clear written disclosures about termination rights and mandatory liability damage waiver disclaimers (printed in bold 10-point type or equivalent digital format), allow agreements to be signed digitally with consumer consent, and define terms like "online presence" and "independent third-party retailer location." The bill also specifies how notices must be delivered (e.g., email with consent) and prohibits misleading terms in waiver contracts. It is currently proposed legislation (introduced January 2025), not yet enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 157 requires voters in Wyoming to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. It defines "proof of U.S. citizenship" to include documents like a Wyoming driver's license (without citizenship indicators), tribal ID cards, U.S. passports, birth certificates, or naturalization certificates. This applies to all voter registration processes, both in-person and by mail, and takes effect July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects any Wyoming resident seeking to register to vote for the first time or update their registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 110) modifies Wyoming's Governmental Claims Act to include crossing guard volunteers and school district employees acting as crossing guards under the definition of "public employee." It directly affects these volunteers and school staff by granting them the same legal right to file claims for injuries sustained while performing crossing guard duties as other public employees. The key change creates a new definition subsection (H) in the law, explicitly adding these individuals to the category covered by the Claims Act. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with no additional implementation mechanisms or financial provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public school districts in Wyoming to equip non-school-bus vehicles used for student transportation (e.g., vans or shuttles for field trips or after-school activities) with flashing white and amber lights. It specifically amends vehicle lighting laws to authorize these lights for such vehicles, distinguishing them from standard school buses. The change applies immediately upon enactment and directly affects school districts managing student transport outside of traditional school bus operations.

Maddy summarySF 130 expands Wyoming’s existing civil immunity for emergency responders to include mental health crises. It protects licensed healthcare providers, volunteer ambulance/rescue staff (earning under $1,000 annually or per call), hospitals, and trainees who provide emergency mental health assistance in good faith. The immunity applies to acts or omissions during mental health emergencies but excludes gross negligence or willful misconduct. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, and aligns mental health crisis response with existing emergency medical service protections.

Maddy summarySF 151 amends Wyoming's rules for distributing monthly ad valorem taxes collected from mineral production. It requires county treasurers to distribute these taxes by the 10th day of the following month, except for taxes collected after final reconciliation. Crucially, it prohibits distributing taxes to government entities that don't levy taxes under specific statutes (W.S. 39-13-104(k)), and mandates holding such taxes until reconciliation is complete. This bill directly affects county treasurers and local governments receiving mineral tax revenue, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 42 requires all surgical abortion facilities in Wyoming to obtain a separate license as an ambulatory surgical center, with facilities performing three or more first-trimester abortions monthly or one or more second/third-trimester abortions annually subject to this rule. It mandates that physicians performing surgical abortions must be state-licensed, have hospital admitting privileges within 10 miles of the facility, and report each procedure to the health department. Violations carry penalties: misdemeanor fines up to $1,000 per day for unlicensed facilities, and felony charges (1-14 years imprisonment) for unlicensed providers performing abortions. The bill defines "surgical abortion" as procedures using instruments or devices to terminate pregnancy with intent to cause fetal death, excluding exceptions like ectopic pregnancy treatment or miscarriage care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming law enforcement agencies to accept all reasonable reports of missing persons without delay, unless specific exceptions apply (such as knowing the person's location, confirming their safety, or verifying they are not a Wyoming resident). It mandates that reports be entered into state and national databases within 8 hours and requires agencies to compile detailed records - including photos - after 30 days, forwarding them to the attorney general and criminal investigation division. The law affects all Wyoming law enforcement agencies and ensures consistent handling of missing persons cases, improving data sharing for investigations. It also updates a related law to allow public sharing of missing person information to aid recovery efforts.