Rep. John Bear

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 253, the "Credit Card Defense Act," requires merchants selling firearms or ammunition in the state to use a "sporting goods" merchant category code for all transactions, instead of codes specifying firearms. Financial institutions, credit cards, and payment processors must not collect or generate personally identifying information beyond this category code for such purchases. The law directly affects firearm retailers, banks, and payment processors handling these transactions in Wyoming. It mandates that all relevant financial institutions adopt this coding standard by July 1, 2023, to limit transaction data collection related to firearm purchases.

Maddy summaryHB 282 created Wyoming's Critical Infrastructure Resiliency Initiative and a new board to strengthen the state's critical systems against prolonged disruptions like extended power outages. The bill targeted infrastructure including water, transportation, electrical grids, oil/gas facilities, and telecommunications, requiring systems to remain functional during "grid-down events" (months-long outages). The appointed board - comprising Homeland Security, utilities, oil/gas, telecom, and defense representatives - would coordinate with federal programs (like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) to adopt defense technologies, ensure water/wastewater systems operate without power, and leverage federal funding for resilience upgrades. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 215 creates a property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners who are either 65+ years old or honorably discharged veterans, provided they have lived in their primary residence for at least 15 years. To qualify, residents must file a signed annual statement by March 1 with their county assessor and confirm ongoing eligibility by May 4 each year. The exemption applies only to the primary residence and requires proof of veteran status through military separation documents showing an honorable discharge. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023, and directly affects qualifying elderly residents and veterans in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 166 creates a sales tax exemption for lodging services provided by licensed guides or outfitters. Specifically, it removes the state sales tax on temporary lodging like sleeping accommodations, tent placements, snow shelters, base camps, and other temporary shelters offered by businesses holding a guide or outfitter license under Wyoming law. This exemption applies to services distributed through the state's tax system (W.S. 39-15-211) and aims to support these tourism-related businesses as an economic incentive. The bill took effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 191 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Wyoming to protect pharmacies and patients. It requires PBMs to report quarterly on drug reimbursement appeals, including denial reasons and cost adjustments, and prohibits retroactive claim denials or fees for claim processing. The bill bans PBMs from basing pharmacy payments on patient outcomes without prior agreement, restricting point-of-sale fees, and preventing unfair contract changes without 45 days' notice. These provisions directly affect pharmacies and pharmacy designees that contract with PBMs, aiming to ensure fair reimbursement practices and transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 194, the Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act, creates education savings accounts (ESAs) providing eligible Wyoming students with $6,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) to cover approved educational expenses. It directly affects K-12 students who are Wyoming residents and not yet graduated, allowing parents to use funds for tuition at qualified schools, online programs, tutoring, textbooks, technology, and other approved educational services. The state treasurer administers the program, prohibits using local tax revenues for funding, and requires parents to sign agreements outlining permitted uses. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill prohibits state and local governments from enforcing "extreme risk protection orders" (ERPOs), which are court orders that temporarily restrict firearm access to prevent harm. It blocks the use of state funds or personnel to implement ERPOs and preempts any local laws conflicting with this prohibition. Violating this ban is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a $2,000 fine. The bill cites constitutional rights - including the Second Amendment and due process protections - as justification for its provisions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 166 appropriates $3 million to Texas and $2 million to Arizona for constructing border walls along the U.S.-Mexico border and transporting non-citizens to sanctuary cities in other states. The bill specifies that up to $250,000 from each state's allocation may fund transportation to sanctuary cities, requiring detailed spending reports. It mandates these funds be used only for border wall construction and non-citizen transport, with all unspent funds reverting by June 30, 2026. The bill directly affects Wyoming (as the funding state), Texas and Arizona (as recipient states), and sanctuary cities receiving transported individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 105 repeals restrictions on carrying concealed weapons in certain public spaces, allowing permit holders to carry in government meetings, legislative sessions, and most public schools (excluding specific areas under existing school district rules). It clarifies that only the Wyoming state legislature can regulate firearms, precluding local governments from enacting their own gun laws. The bill also establishes penalties for barring entry to someone lawfully carrying a concealed weapon in permitted locations. This changes prior "gun-free zone" policies by expanding where concealed carry is allowed while maintaining state-level control over firearm regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 220 prohibits schools and charter schools in Wyoming from using, displaying, or distributing pornographic or indecent materials that meet obscenity standards (defined as "sensitive materials" in the bill). It directly affects all public school districts, charter schools, and their instructional materials, excluding health, healthcare, or family and consumer sciences courses. Key provisions require school boards to ensure compliance, mandate annual reports to the education committee on complaints and resolutions, and direct the state board to create rules defining prohibited materials and handling violations. The bill does not restrict health-related instructional materials, which may be exempted by the state board.