Maddy summaryHB 189 prohibits adults (18+) from engaging in a "pattern of communication" with minors (under 18) that includes obscene content defined as explicit sexual descriptions, requests for sexual images, or attempts to normalize adult-minor sexual contact. It specifically targets communications intended for personal sexual gratification, requiring two or more instances across any communication method (written, electronic, or verbal). Violations are felonies with penalties up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $20,000, plus social media restrictions and device forfeiture for convicted individuals. The law exempts school, college, or university activities involving sexual education. It directly affects adults communicating with minors in non-educational contexts and provides victims a civil lawsuit option.
Sponsored bills
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 summarySF 156 prohibits Wyoming school districts from using state foundation program funds for capital construction or major facility repairs/replacements. The bill specifically blocks these funds from covering costs for educational buildings, offices, portable classrooms, or "enhancements" (non-essential upgrades), and restricts special reserve funds from being spent on similar projects. It affects all Wyoming public school districts receiving foundation program funds, requiring them to separate these funds from capital improvement budgets. The law amends existing statutes to clarify these spending restrictions and requires districts to report compliance in annual financial reports.
Maddy summaryHB 250 defines "person" in Wyoming law to mean living human beings possessing at least one biological function (e.g., heart, brain, or respiratory activity). It prohibits health care decisions harming these functions except in medical emergencies to save a pregnant woman's life or when discontinuing life-sustaining treatment with documented no chance of recovery. The bill directly affects medical providers, patients, and families making health care decisions, requiring Wyoming Board of Medicine review for certain exceptions. It excludes the Wyoming Health Care Decisions Act and takes effect July 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 251 creates a new misdemeanor crime for operating a drone below 200 feet over someone else's private property without permission. The bill specifically targets drones weighing 55 pounds or less (including attached items) and prohibits unauthorized flights over private land or residences. Violators face up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both. This law directly affects drone operators who fly near homes or private property without the landowner's consent, effective July 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "Residential Property Tax Reduction Account" to fund property tax refunds for Wyoming homeowners. It directly affects primary residence owners who paid property taxes in the prior year, capping refunds at $13,300 per household. Key mechanisms include funding the account from unappropriated general fund balances (exceeding 5% of projected receipts) and mineral trust earnings, with refunds paid proportionally if funds are insufficient. Refunds will begin for 2025 taxes in 2026, with even years capped at half the account balance and odd years using the full balance. The program defines "primary residence" as where a homeowner lived at least six months of the tax year.
Maddy summaryHB 167 requires Wyoming municipalities, counties, school districts, and special districts to post their proposed and adopted budgets on their websites by specific deadlines (June 1 for proposed budgets, 30 days after adoption for final budgets). It mandates that adopted budgets include a detailed report of the previous fiscal year's revenues and expenditures. Non-compliant entities face consequences including withheld funding, public notices of potential dissolution, and mandatory cost assessments for non-compliance. The bill applies to all qualifying local government entities and aims to increase financial transparency through standardized online reporting.
Maddy summaryHB 198 modifies Wyoming's education savings account program by adjusting annual deposit amounts based on household income relative to federal poverty levels. It provides $6,000 annually for students in households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, $4,800 for households between 151-200%, and $3,600 for households between 201-250%. The bill directly affects students whose families qualify under these income thresholds, determining the funds available for educational expenses through the state's savings account program. The changes would take effect January 1, 2025, if enacted, modifying existing law established by 2024 legislation. The bill is currently in early stages (received for introduction on January 16, 2025) and has not yet been considered by the legislature.
Maddy summaryHB 78 creates a $300,000 grant program to help safe haven providers (like hospitals or shelters) purchase newborn safety devices. These devices alert staff when a newborn is placed inside, ensuring immediate safety for the infant. The program provides one grant per provider for a single device, runs from July 2025 through June 2026, and limits administrative costs to 1% of the funds. It directly affects safe haven providers by funding devices that prevent newborn abandonment risks.
Maddy summaryHB 319 exempts sales and use tax on mining equipment used in surface, underground, or in-situ mining operations in Wyoming. It directly affects mining companies purchasing qualifying equipment, such as machinery and tools for extraction. The bill creates new tax exemptions in Wyoming’s tax code (sections 39-15-105 and 39-16-105) with a sunset clause repealing the exemption on July 1, 2029. The exemption becomes effective July 1, 2025, and applies only to equipment specifically defined for mining operations.