Rep. Tom Kelly

Maddy summaryHB 130 creates a property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners, providing a 50% reduction on the first $200,000 of a primary residence's value (e.g., a $300,000 home would have $100,000 exempt). It applies to single-family homes where owners live at least 8 months yearly (including military members with service-related absences), directly affecting homeowners who qualify. The state will reimburse local governments for lost tax revenue using a $176 million appropriation from the general fund, with payments distributed to counties and school districts. The exemption expires after the 2026 tax year, ending January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 159 regulates chemical abortions in Wyoming by requiring healthcare providers to: (1) physically examine patients, be present during drug administration, schedule follow-up visits within 7 days, and provide labeled catch kits and medical waste bags for disposal. The bill defines "chemical abortion" as using drugs to intentionally terminate pregnancy or kill an unborn baby, with exceptions for medical emergencies like ectopic pregnancy. It also holds drug manufacturers strictly liable for environmental cleanup if abortion drugs enter wastewater or water supplies, requiring proper disposal of medical waste. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and drug manufacturers in Wyoming, with penalties including up to 3 years in prison or $10,000 fines for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryHB 278 (Wyoming bill) requires county clerks to publicly test voting machines before elections and make these tests accessible to the public. It mandates posting public notices 5 days before testing (or 24 hours before re-tests), allowing political party representatives and the public to observe accuracy checks and counter resets. The bill removes the previous presumption that machines were properly prepared, instead requiring documented testing that verifies counters start at zero and accurately count votes. These changes apply directly to Wyoming county clerks and election officials managing voting systems.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 124 would require employers to verify the immigration status of potential employees before hiring and report unauthorized workers to law enforcement. It mandates that law enforcement officers ask about immigration status during detentions and notify federal agencies when encountering unauthorized aliens. The bill also requires verification of lawful presence for individuals applying for state or local public benefits (excluding emergency medical care and disaster relief). These provisions directly affect employers, law enforcement agencies, and immigrants seeking public benefits or employment in Wyoming. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee with a recommendation for amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 163 prohibits employers in Wyoming from hiring individuals who are unlawfully present in the U.S. or not authorized to work under federal law. It imposes misdemeanor penalties of $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill exempts workers with valid visas or those lawfully renewing status under federal guidelines, and each violation counts as a separate offense. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Wyoming officials from enforcing any mask, vaccine, or testing requirements related to COVID-19 or its variants based on guidance from the CDC or WHO. It declares these federal and international health organizations have no jurisdiction in Wyoming for such mandates. The law directly affects Wyoming residents, healthcare providers, and state/local officials who might otherwise comply with CDC/WHO recommendations. It does not alter state public health authority or address health measures unrelated to COVID-19.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 241, the Telehealth Freedom Act, allows licensed healthcare providers from other states to offer telehealth services to Wyoming residents without needing a Wyoming license. This applies to providers physically located outside Wyoming who notify the relevant licensing board before starting services (unless an established patient relationship exists). The bill defines telehealth as electronic medical communication between a provider and patient in different locations and modifies existing licensing statutes to include this exception. It directly affects out-of-state healthcare professionals seeking to serve Wyoming patients remotely and expands access to telehealth services for residents.