Rep. John Winter

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 64 is a state policy resolution opposing a federal rule requiring electronic ear tags for livestock. It states Wyoming's position that the state will continue using traditional identification methods (like brands, ear tags, and tattoos) under existing law, rather than adopting mandatory electronic devices. The bill requires state and local veterinarians to inform livestock producers about these traditional options and clarifies that Wyoming livestock buyers in other states would be responsible for electronic tagging if required there. This bill does not change Wyoming's current identification rules but formally rejects the federal mandate as unnecessary and costly.

Maddy summaryHB 226 creates special "Search and Rescue" license plates for Wyoming residents registering non-commercial vehicles. Owners pay a $100 one-time eligibility fee (waiving the first year's $25 annual fee) and can donate additional voluntary amounts. All fees and donations go directly to the state's Search and Rescue Account under Homeland Security, managed per existing law. The plates must feature Wyoming's bucking horse and rider symbol and will stop production if fewer than 1,000 sets are issued by 2032. This program directly affects vehicle owners who choose to participate in funding search and rescue services.

Maddy summaryHB 61 amends Wyoming's state land leasing rules to give current leaseholders a preferred right to renew their leases. It directly affects individuals or entities holding state land leases who have paid rent on time and not violated lease terms. The bill requires these lessees to meet the highest bid from other qualified applicants, but the bid cannot be below the minimum fair market value (determined by the board) and must not exceed 120% of the previous year's local fair market value. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 63 allows property owners adjacent to state lands (without a lease) to build legal partition fences along those boundaries. The state lands office will cover half the construction cost, and both parties share maintenance costs based on their interest in the fence. The bill requires the state lands office to create implementing rules and takes effect July 1, 2025, except for rulemaking and effective date provisions that take effect immediately upon enactment. This directly affects landowners bordering state lands and the state lands office.

Maddy summaryHB 45 removes otters from Wyoming's list of protected animals under hunting regulations. This change directly affects hunters and wildlife management by allowing regulated hunting of otters, which were previously protected. The bill amends Wyoming Statute 23-1-101(a)(ix) to delete "otter" from the definition of "protected animal," which previously included species like black-footed ferrets and lynx. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, if enacted. This is a substantive policy change altering hunting permissions, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 221 amends a prior Wyoming law (Chapter 105) related to bighorn and domestic sheep relocation by removing a delayed effective date tied to federal law. It sets the law to take effect on January 1, 2026, instead of requiring federal alignment, and repeals a duplicative provision. This change directly affects Wyoming's wildlife management program by establishing a fixed implementation date for the relocation rules. The bill does not alter the substance of the relocation policy but streamlines its effective date. It is a procedural adjustment to ensure the prior law takes effect without waiting for federal action.

Maddy summaryHB 234 prohibits state and local governments from collecting or maintaining lists of privately owned firearms or their owners using specific merchant codes (like "firearms codes") in payment processing. It also bans payment processors from requiring such codes for firearm retailers or discriminating against them by charging higher fees or refusing transactions based on firearm sales. The bill directly affects firearm retailers, payment processors, and state agencies by restricting how firearm-related transaction data can be handled. Violations could lead to civil actions or criminal penalties, including misdemeanor charges for knowingly violating these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 102 changes Wyoming's Attorney General from a governor-appointed position to a statewide elected office starting in the 2026 general election. It establishes a four-year term, sets the salary, and creates rules for filling vacancies, making the Attorney General a state-elected official like the governor and other top state officers. The bill also updates ethics laws and other statutes to apply to the elected Attorney General, requiring them to be a licensed attorney with four years of practice. This directly affects Wyoming voters, who will elect the Attorney General beginning in 2026, and the Attorney General’s office, which will now operate under elected official rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Wyoming property owners from selling or transferring real property to the federal government without prior consent from the Wyoming legislature. It requires sellers to submit a notice and evidence that the federal government's acquisition would be based on a constitutional power (like eminent domain) before signing any binding agreement. Failure to comply results in a civil penalty equal to the sale's net proceeds. The law applies to all such transactions occurring on or after July 1, 2025, directly affecting property owners and federal agencies seeking land acquisitions in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryHB 204 increases fees for nonresident fishing licenses in Wyoming. It raises the annual license from $100 to $110, the daily license from $12 to $14, and the five-day license from $54 to $60. These changes directly affect out-of-state anglers who purchase fishing licenses in Wyoming. The fee increases will take effect on July 1, 2025.