Rep. Martha Lawley

Maddy summaryHJ 3 is a Wyoming joint resolution expressing support for state and local government involvement in federal rulemaking. It does not create new laws but formally commits the Wyoming Legislature to oppose specific federal rules and plans (like the BLM's Rock Springs resource management plan) that the resolution claims negatively impact Wyoming's agriculture, energy, mineral, and recreation industries. The resolution requires the Wyoming Secretary of State to send this position to federal officials, including Congress and the White House. As a procedural resolution, it focuses on expressing legislative opposition rather than changing federal policy.

Maddy summaryHB 134 revises Wyoming's property tax deferral program for primary residences under 40 acres. It shifts administration to the Department of Revenue, limits deferrals to half the annual property taxes owed, and changes interest calculations (to 4% compounded or based on treasury yields). The bill requires annual financial verification from applicants and ties deferrals to available state funding, ending automatic deferrals if funds run short. This directly affects qualifying homeowners who own their primary residence on small parcels, ensuring they must re-qualify yearly and face potential immediate payment if their financial situation changes.

Maddy summaryHB 77 amends Wyoming's simple assault and domestic assault laws to explicitly include "threatening or menacing conduct" that causes someone to reasonably fear immediate physical harm. It expands the definition so that making another person feel in danger of being physically hurt - through words, gestures, or actions - now qualifies as assault, not just physical attempts. This change directly affects individuals accused of simple assault or domestic assault in Wyoming, applying to all offenses committed on or after July 1, 2024. The bill does not alter penalties but clarifies that verbal threats or menacing behavior alone can constitute a crime.

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 summarySF 102 prohibits foreign entities designated as "foreign adversaries" (including governments or companies from specified countries) from owning or acquiring real property within 10 miles of critical infrastructure or military installations in Wyoming. It requires such entities to divest property within 8 months of notice, with court-ordered sales and forfeiture of proceeds to the state if they fail to comply. The law mandates registration of foreign ownership with the Secretary of State, requires inclusion of ownership prohibitions in tax documents, and defines key terms like "critical infrastructure" and "significant interest" (25%+ ownership). These provisions apply directly to foreign governments, their entities, or U.S. entities controlled by them, aiming to protect infrastructure security through enforceable ownership restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes amending Wyoming's constitution to prohibit foreign adversaries of the U.S. and foreign entities deemed a national security threat by the legislature from owning, using, or inheriting property in Wyoming. It would block these entities from holding any real estate, mineral rights, or other property interests, including surface and subsurface rights. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect as part of the state constitution. (Note: This is a constitutional amendment proposal, not a law, and has not yet been enacted.)

Maddy summaryHB 203 creates a property tax exemption for single-family residential properties in Wyoming, covering the first $200,000 of value in 2024 and $1 million annually thereafter. To offset lost local revenue, it adds a 2% sales tax (raising the total rate to 6%) effective July 2024. Funds from this tax are distributed to counties based on their lost property tax revenue from the exemption, with any remaining funds used for sales tax refunds to businesses paying severance and sales taxes. The bill directly affects homeowners with qualifying properties and local governments reliant on property tax revenue.

Maddy summaryHB 89 gives Wyoming county clerks authority to reject or note filings as "frivolous" if they lack legal or factual basis or are filed for improper purposes like harassment. County clerks must first seek a district court ruling after providing notice and a hearing opportunity to the filer before rejecting a filing or adding a "frivolous" notation. If a court declares a filing frivolous, the clerk must refund any filing fee within 10 days and the filing gains no legal effect. This bill directly affects county clerks (who implement the process) and individuals or entities submitting court documents (who may face rejection or notations).

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 98 requires registered agents for Wyoming businesses to maintain current names and addresses of all entity owners (like partners, members, or shareholders) at the registered office. This applies to most businesses, except those with over 100 owners, which are exempted. Registered agents must update this information within 60 days of any change and keep it available for inspection. The law takes effect July 1, 2024.