Rep. John Winter

Maddy summaryThis bill allows special districts in Wyoming that failed to meet annual audit reporting requirements to request reinstatement instead of automatic dissolution. It requires districts to fix reporting issues by April 1 of the following year, submit a corrective plan approved by county commissioners, and obtain written certification of compliance from the state audit department. If reinstated, the district is treated as if it never dissolved, preserving its legal status and operations. The bill directly affects local special districts (like water or fire districts) that missed reporting deadlines, providing a structured path to avoid termination.

Maddy summaryHB 93 increases Wyoming's reimbursement limit for livestock quarantine costs from $25,000 to $50,000 per single quarantine event under the state's animal reimbursement program. The bill directly affects livestock owners and the Wyoming Livestock Board, which administers these payments. It also establishes that payments will stop when the unexpended account balance reaches $100,000 or less, resuming once the balance exceeds that amount. The changes apply to quarantine efforts starting July 1, 2024, and adjust existing provisions in Wyoming Statute 11-19-118(d).

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for minors to file lawsuits against providers of gender transition services from age 18 to their 21st birthday. It applies to medical procedures like puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries (including genital and nongenital procedures) performed for gender transition. The law defines "gender transition services" broadly to include all medical care related to changing physical characteristics tied to gender identity. The change takes effect July 1, 2024, for cases arising after that date.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 120) invalidates out-of-state driver's licenses or driving privilege cards issued to people who are not legally allowed to be in the United States (defined as "unauthorized aliens"). It directly affects non-citizens who hold such licenses from other states, making them invalid for use in Wyoming. Key provisions include defining "unauthorized alien," requiring the state to issue rules for implementation, and imposing penalties for driving with an invalid license (up to $750 fine or 6 months in jail for first offenses). The law takes effect July 1, 2024, with rulemaking provisions effective immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 168 prohibits nonresident aliens, foreign businesses, and foreign governments from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Wyoming, with limited exceptions. It directly affects foreign entities seeking to own farmland, requiring existing owners (as of July 1, 2024) to retain but not expand their holdings. Key provisions include mandatory registration of agricultural lands, annual reporting, and penalties for violations - including state takeover (escheat) of noncompliant land. Exceptions allow inheritance, security interests, debt collection, and research use (with strict limits on commercial sales).

Maddy summaryHB 165 requires Wyoming's Office of State Lands and Investments to study the feasibility of creating an access point permitting system for commercial fishing on state lands. The study, due by October 1, 2024, must examine costs, benefits to residents and land trust beneficiaries, existing access points, staffing needs, funding requirements, and successful models from other states and federal agencies. The office must report findings to the joint travel and recreation committee, which may then propose legislation based on the study's recommendations. This bill does not implement a permit system but mandates an analysis to inform future decisions affecting commercial fishing outfitters using state land access points.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes federal oversight from Wyoming's State Guard, granting the governor full authority to organize and maintain it without federal approval. It specifies that state funds - not federal resources - will cover guard members' pay and equipment, aligning with existing state budget processes. The changes directly affect Wyoming State Guard members and the governor's operational control over the force. The bill takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 177 prohibits natural asset companies from operating in Wyoming. These companies, defined as SEC-recognized entities managing natural or agricultural lands for conservation, are barred from managing any federal, state, or private land within the state. The bill also stops conservation easement holders from using these companies via credits and bans the state treasurer from investing in them. It takes effect July 1, 2024, directly impacting natural asset companies, conservation groups using such structures, and state financial decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 202 requires individuals receiving Wyoming unemployment benefits to undergo weekly rapid drug testing under the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act. It disqualifies recipients from benefits if they fail a test and fall into specific categories: those recently employed by companies with approved drug-testing programs, those seeking jobs requiring drug tests (e.g., licensed occupations), or those targeting "extrahazardous" work. Employers may receive credits or refunds for unemployment contributions paid for disqualified employees. The bill mandates rulemaking by the Department of Workforce Services and takes effect July 1, 2024, with immediate implementation for certain sections.

Maddy summaryHB 115 requires blood donation centers to ask donors if they've received a COVID-19 or mRNA vaccine during their lifetime. Blood from vaccinated donors must be clearly labeled, and in non-emergency situations, transfusion recipients can request blood based on the donor's vaccination status if available. The bill applies to blood collectors, donation centers, and patients receiving transfusions. It takes effect July 1, 2024.