Rep. Mike Greear

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 104 establishes a specialized Chancery Court to handle complex civil cases, directly affecting residents and businesses involved in disputes requiring specialized legal expertise (e.g., corporate, real estate, or contract matters). The bill creates a court with up to three nonpartisan judges serving six-year terms, requiring a $1,000 minimum filing fee for cases and authorizing the Supreme Court to set rules for procedures, fees, and case transfers. Funding comes primarily from case filing fees, with the legislature able to supplement from general funds if needed. The court operates statewide with concurrent jurisdiction, and appeals go directly to the Wyoming Supreme Court.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts qualifying private schools from county zoning regulations in Wyoming. It specifically applies to private schools located on 35 or more contiguous acres with a capacity for at least 50 students, as defined in state law. County zoning rules can no longer restrict the location, use, or occupancy of such schools. The policy change took effect July 1, 2019, directly affecting only private schools meeting these two size and capacity requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 236 creates a new legal entity type called "statutory foundations" in Wyoming, establishing specific rules for their formation, operation, and management. The bill sets out procedures for creating foundations (including required documents), defines roles like "founders" and "beneficiaries," and clarifies liability protections for contributors. It directly affects organizations seeking to form or operate as foundations in Wyoming, as well as foreign foundations wanting to establish operations in the state. Key provisions include standardized governance rules, fee structures for registration, and mechanisms for transferring foundation assets, all designed to provide a clear legal framework for this entity type.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 171 legalizes hemp production and processing by setting a 0.3% THC limit (on a dry weight basis) for hemp and hemp products. It requires licenses for producers and processors (with background checks and $500 annual fees), while allowing unrestricted possession and use of hemp products by all residents. The bill establishes enforcement through annual inspections, corrective action plans for violations, and misdemeanor penalties for intentional breaches. It also mandates a state regulatory plan, authorizes tribal agreements, and repeals conflicting laws.

Maddy summaryHB 134 requires Wyoming livestock brand owners to rerecord their brand every ten years. If a brand is not rerecorded by its expiration date, owners must pay a delinquent fee (capped at $150) within three years to avoid abandonment, and may use the brand for one livestock sale before paying. The bill mandates the Livestock Board to send multiple notices to owners about rerecording deadlines and abandonment timelines, including a notice at least six months before declaring a brand abandoned. This directly affects ranchers and livestock owners who register brands for their animals.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 111 amends voting procedures for the Environmental Quality Council. It specifies that members who recuse themselves, are absent, unable to attend due to illness, or vacant council positions are not counted as participating in votes. This clarifies that a quorum requires four members physically present, and decisions require majority vote among those participating. The bill took effect July 1, 2019, and directly affects council members voting on environmental matters.

Maddy summaryHB 87 modifies civil procedure in Wyoming by allowing healthcare providers to use the amount they agreed to accept (after discounts or forgiven debt) as proof of the fair cost of services in lawsuits. It directly affects patients, providers, and insurers involved in civil cases where healthcare costs are disputed. The law specifies that evidence of this agreed-upon payment amount becomes admissible to establish reasonable value, replacing previous methods of valuing services. This applies to all civil cases filed on or after July 1, 2019. The bill does not change healthcare costs or insurance rules but changes how those costs are proven in court.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 69) expands eligibility for Wyoming's Water Development Program by adding two categories of public entities that can participate. It allows any entity covered under Wyoming Constitution Article 16, Section 10 (including irrigation districts, public water corporations, and state subdivisions) and any other public entity with taxing or fee authority for serviced lands. The change directly affects water management groups, public utilities, and local governments seeking program funding. The bill became effective July 1, 2019, without altering existing program operations.

Maddy summaryHB 86 simplifies probate for property passed through family lines by creating a "summary distribution" process. It allows heirs or beneficiaries to directly claim property inherited through previous family members' estates without full court oversight, using a new definition of "distributee." The bill sets limits on creditor claims against distributed property and requires court decrees to be recorded as proof of ownership. This applies to property distribution cases filed after July 1, 2019, streamlining the process for qualifying heirs.