Rep. John Winter

Maddy summaryHB 189 prevents homeowners associations (HOAs) in Wyoming from banning political campaign signs on members' property. It directly affects HOA members and associations by requiring them to allow such signs indoors or outdoors, with specific exceptions. Key provisions allow HOAs to set reasonable rules for sign size (max 4x6 feet), placement (ground-mounted only), timing (90 days before primaries to 30 days after general elections), and to prohibit signs attached to vehicles or that threaten safety. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, and violations could result in misdemeanor penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 212 establishes a new standing committee on federal review in Wyoming's legislature, directly affecting state lawmakers by creating a dedicated body to monitor federal actions. The committee must review all federal laws, regulations, and executive orders to assess whether they infringe on Wyoming's sovereignty or violate the U.S. Constitution's enumerated powers, without considering Supreme Court interpretations of those actions. This procedural bill creates a formal mechanism for the legislature to evaluate federal overreach and potentially sponsor related legislation, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals restrictions that previously prohibited concealed weapons in government meetings and legislative sessions. It allows Wyoming residents with valid concealed carry permits to carry concealed weapons in those locations, specifically in "any meeting of a governmental entity" and "any meeting of the legislature or a committee thereof." The State Building Commission must create implementing rules within 30 days of the bill's effective date. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law, removing existing prohibitions without additional conditions for permit holders.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 116 restricts land ownership by specific foreign entities, including governments of Russia, China, or countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism, as well as foreign businesses and individuals from those countries. It prohibits ownership of land (except for personal residences under one acre) and requires existing foreign owners to sell their property within two years of the law's effective date. Owners must register their land with the Secretary of State annually, face a $5,000 daily penalty for non-compliance, and county tax notices must now include warnings about the ownership restrictions. The bill also mandates that tax assessment schedules inform property owners about the registration requirement.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 259 would require runoff elections for governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor, state superintendent, and federal offices if no candidate wins over 50% of votes in a party primary. The runoff would feature the top two candidates (determined by vote count or drawing lots for ties) and must be held on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in August during general election years. The bill specifies a standardized ballot format for runoffs, including clear voting instructions and office groupings. All costs for runoffs would be covered by the secretary of state, who would reimburse counties using a dedicated account. This bill is proposed legislation (not yet enacted) and would take effect only if a related constitutional amendment is approved.

Maddy summaryHB 266 requires Wyoming's legislature to approve any refugee resettlement plan before it takes effect, replacing the previous process of submitting plans directly to federal authorities. The governor must submit detailed plans by April 1, 2023, outlining how the state will support refugees' self-sufficiency, provide language/employment services, handle unaccompanied minors, address medical needs, and detail funding sources. A legislative committee will review the plans, hold public hearings, and recommend actions to the full legislature. This bill directly affects state agencies and the governor's office by adding legislative oversight to federal refugee resettlement programs.

Maddy summaryHJ 9 proposes a constitutional amendment to adjust Wyoming's timeline for legislative redistricting after the federal census. Currently, the legislature must complete redistricting by December 10 following census data. The amendment would allow the legislature to set a new deadline, enabling primary elections to be held in May with runoff elections if needed. If redistricting is required, the legislature would still need to convene a special session of up to 10 days. This amendment must be approved by voters to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 205 prohibits K-12 public school educators and state employees from using public funds to teach or require training on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans instruction claiming any group is inherently superior/inferior, that individuals should be discriminated against based on identity, or that people are inherently racist due to their background. Exceptions allow teaching historical oppression or using primary sources in approved curricula. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident, private lawsuits for damages, or disciplinary action against educators. The bill is pending in Wyoming's legislature (introduced January 2023, not yet considered for debate).

Maddy summaryHB 258 establishes licensing for denturists in Wyoming, allowing them to make and fit dentures under specific rules. It requires denturists to graduate from accredited programs (like those approved by the National Denturist Association) and limits their work to dental laboratory tasks directed by a licensed dentist. The bill also adds a denturist position to the state dental board and specifies that denturist students performing work as part of their training are exempt. This directly affects denturists seeking licensure, dentists overseeing their work, and patients receiving denture services.

Maddy summaryHB 107 would change Wyoming's attorney general from an appointed position to an elected statewide office, starting with the 2026 general election. Currently appointed by the governor, the attorney general would then be elected for a four-year term with requirements including at least four years of legal practice experience and state residency. The bill updates election procedures to include the attorney general on ballots alongside other statewide elected officials like governor and secretary of state, and subjects the office to the same ethics and disclosure laws as other elected state positions.