Rep. Eric Barlow

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 171 legalizes hemp production and processing by setting a 0.3% THC limit (on a dry weight basis) for hemp and hemp products. It requires licenses for producers and processors (with background checks and $500 annual fees), while allowing unrestricted possession and use of hemp products by all residents. The bill establishes enforcement through annual inspections, corrective action plans for violations, and misdemeanor penalties for intentional breaches. It also mandates a state regulatory plan, authorizes tribal agreements, and repeals conflicting laws.

Maddy summaryHB 297 requires Wyoming school districts to implement a reading screening program for all kindergarten through third-grade students, including early checks for dyslexia and other reading difficulties. It mandates annual reporting on student progress toward an 85% goal for third graders reading at grade level, with schools failing to meet this target required to submit improvement plans addressing staffing ratios and evidence-based interventions. The law also directs the state superintendent to create supporting rules and provide direct assistance to schools developing these plans. This bill directly affects K-3 students, school districts, and educators by establishing standardized assessment, intervention, and accountability measures for early literacy.

Maddy summaryHB 143 gives judges more discretion in sentencing by allowing them to skip or limit presentence investigation reports for felony defendants. The bill amends Wyoming law to state that courts may dispense with the report requirement or restrict its scope to factors relevant to sentencing, instead of mandating full reports in all felony cases. It specifically maintains the requirement for substance abuse assessments in certain felony cases (like third misdemeanors or felonies) and keeps the cost assessed to the offender. This directly affects felony defendants and courts by changing when detailed pre-sentence reports are needed before sentencing.

Maddy summaryHB 18 clarifies the hiring authority and budget process for Wyoming's state board that licenses water well drillers and pump installers. It specifies that the board must approve the budget prepared by the board's secretary (previously unclear), and clarifies the board can hire an executive director and set employment terms. The bill directly affects the state board, its staff, and licensed water well contractors by streamlining internal operations. It takes effect July 1, 2019, and does not change licensing requirements or continuing education rules for well drillers.

Maddy summaryHB 307 requires a study to develop a process for state and local governments to recover infrastructure costs (such as roads, water, and sewage systems) when power plants are decommissioned earlier than planned. The industrial siting division and council must review how to let governments recoup these expenses from utilities, consulting with local entities about impacts on communities and infrastructure. A report on the study is due by September 1, 2019, to a legislative committee that may propose new laws in 2020 to address cost recovery. The bill also allocates $25,000 for public hearings and committee meetings related to the study.

Maddy summaryHB 184 creates a new legal process for landowners in Wyoming who lack access to public roads to establish private road easements over neighboring properties. It requires applicants to prove they’ve exhausted other access options and pay a bond to cover costs, while courts must appoint neutral viewers to determine the most reasonable route (max 30 feet wide), minimize land damage, and set fair compensation for affected neighbors. The law prioritizes historical access paths when agreed upon and mandates compensation for land value loss, improvements, and income impacts. This directly affects isolated rural landowners and their neighbors in disputes over access rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Wyoming's Children's Trust Fund can spend money. Until the fund's total assets reach $5 million, the board may spend up to 90% of annual contributions plus prior year's interest. Once the fund exceeds $5 million, only interest income and specific other funds (like those from certain state fees) can be used. The rules took effect July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 150 modifies primary election rules for specific county offices in Wyoming, including sheriff, clerk, treasurer, and others, when more than two candidates run. It requires that the two candidates receiving the most votes in the primary - regardless of political party - advance to the general election ballot. In case of a tie for the top two spots, the county canvassing board resolves it by drawing lots. Additionally, if a candidate who qualified for the general election withdraws, dies, or becomes ineligible before ballots are printed, the remaining top candidate (with tie-breaking by lot if needed) replaces them.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 173 creates a dedicated court supervised treatment program account to fund court-referred treatment services, such as substance abuse or mental health programs. The bill ensures all interest earned on funds in the account stays within it, and the state Department of Corrections uses these funds to support eligible programs while keeping department implementation costs under 10% of total funding. This account provides continuous, dedicated funding for treatment programs without requiring annual legislative appropriations. The law took effect on July 1, 2019, directly affecting the Department of Corrections and the court-supervised treatment programs it administers.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for violating Wyoming's child labor laws, raising the maximum fine from $500 to $750 and adding potential jail time of up to 100 days for employers who break the rules. It clarifies that children under 14 may still work for parents, grandparents, or family-owned businesses in non-hazardous jobs outside school hours. The bill repeals one outdated provision and takes effect July 1, 2019. It directly affects employers who hire children in violation of these specific regulations.