Rep. Ken Pendergraft

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 75 reduces the severance tax rate for surface coal mining from 6.5% to 6% effective July 1, 2025. The bill lowers both the constitutional portion (from 1.5% to 1%) and the statutory portion (from 5% to 4.5%) of the tax. This directly affects surface coal mining companies operating in Wyoming by decreasing their tax burden. The change modifies existing tax distribution rules outlined in Wyoming statutes but does not alter how the tax revenue is allocated to the mineral trust fund or severance tax account.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt the primary residence (including up to 25 acres of land) of certain veterans from property taxes. It directly affects veterans certified with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability, and their surviving spouses who haven't remarried and keep the property as their primary residence. If approved by voters, the amendment would add this exemption to Wyoming's constitution, requiring the legislature to implement it through general law. The change would provide tax relief for eligible veterans and surviving spouses by removing property tax liability on their primary homes.

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 summaryHB 225 allows people attending Wyoming legislative meetings to park on streets without time limits during official sessions. It specifically prohibits local ordinances from restricting parking duration: (1) within the Capitol complex during active legislative or committee meetings, and (2) within one-half mile of any official meeting location during those sessions. The law applies to all attendees, including the public and legislators, and takes effect July 1, 2025. This bill directly modifies parking regulations to accommodate meeting attendance without imposing time restrictions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 85 requires the state Attorney General to investigate local government actions (counties, cities, towns) that allegedly violate state law or the Wyoming Constitution, following a legislator's written request. If violations are confirmed, the Attorney General must give local governments 30 days to fix the issue before the state treasurer withholds their share of state funds distributed under existing revenue laws. The bill creates a specific process: legislators notify local officials first, the Attorney General investigates within 30 days, and funds are withheld until violations are resolved. This directly affects local governments that fail to comply with state law, using withheld state revenue as an enforcement tool.

Maddy summaryHB 303, the "Second Amendment Protection Act-amendments," creates legal liability for Wyoming government entities or peace officers who enforce federal firearm regulations. It establishes a civil cause of action allowing individuals harmed by such enforcement to seek damages, including penalties up to $50,000 per violation, plus attorney fees. The bill specifically prohibits state officers from implementing federal rules on firearms, accessories, magazines, or ammunition, while clarifying that it does not block Wyoming from accepting federal law enforcement funding. This bill directly affects Wyoming peace officers, local governments, and state agencies that might enforce federal firearm laws. It is pending legislative action and would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 203 ("By the People Act") requires Wyoming state agencies to provide live audio or video access to public meetings where possible and allow remote public participation. It mandates clear public comment periods (with timed options specified on agendas) and requires agencies to make meeting minutes and recordings available online within 24 hours. The bill applies directly to all state agencies holding public meetings and ensures transparency by prohibiting restrictions on public recording unless it would disrupt the meeting. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not change existing requirements for meeting notice or attendance rules.

Maddy summaryHB 338 requires the Wyoming Legislative Service Office to publish a daily list of email domains and IP addresses blocked from delivering messages to state legislators. It allows anyone whose emails to legislators have been blocked to request removal, and the office must process such requests within two days unless a security threat exists. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, aiming to increase transparency about email delivery issues and provide a clear resolution process for the public.

Maddy summaryHB 152 requires blood donors in Wyoming to disclose if they've received a COVID-19 or mRNA vaccine. Blood from vaccinated donors must be clearly labeled on packaging and related paperwork. Patients receiving blood transfusions (in non-emergency situations) can request blood from unvaccinated donors if available at their facility. The bill defines key terms like "mRNA vaccine" and directs the state health department to create implementing rules. It does not change blood safety standards but adds disclosure and labeling requirements for donor vaccination status.