Rep. John Bear

Maddy summaryHB 105 reduces Wyoming's severance tax rate for surface coal mining from 7% to 6.5% by lowering the statutory tax portion from 5.5% to 5%, while maintaining the constitutional 1.5% rate. This change directly affects surface coal mining companies operating in Wyoming, reducing their tax burden on coal extracted from the surface. The bill updates tax distribution rules to reflect the new rate, with the constitutional portion (1.5%) continuing to fund Wyoming's permanent mineral trust fund. The reduced rate applies to surface coal produced on or after July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 123 establishes rules for disposing of specific materials during mine reclamation. It requires mining operators to pay fees (25% for wind turbine blades/towers in coal mines, 10% for inert material in non-coal mines) to the state department, with fees credited to the general fund. The bill defines "inert material" as non-reusable waste and sets requirements like burying it below aquifers at minimum depths, removing mechanical parts, and following solid waste management standards. These rules apply to operators using such materials for backfilling reclamation sites in Wyoming, effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 92 would ban most abortions in Wyoming, allowing them only when necessary to prevent a serious risk of death or permanent injury to the mother (excluding psychological conditions). The law would take effect five days after Wyoming's Attorney General certifies that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in a way that allows this ban to be enforced - specifically, after the Court overruled *Roe v. Wade* or issued a final decision enabling such restrictions. It also prohibits using state funds for abortions except under the same limited circumstances. The bill remains inactive until the Attorney General's certification, with no immediate effect.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 109 requires the Department of Revenue to study converting the state's property tax system to one based on a property's purchase price (acquisition value), excluding agricultural and commercial land. The study must assess necessary legal changes, revenue impacts, and ensure the transition would be revenue-neutral in the first year, with valuations applied prospectively only. The department must report findings to the Joint Revenue Committee by September 2022, enabling lawmakers to consider related legislation for the 2023 session. This bill does not change current tax rules but mandates an analysis of potential future reforms.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new felony offense for intentionally or recklessly exposing an unborn child to a controlled substance without a valid prescription, if measurable drug levels are present in the umbilical cord, blood, or tissue at birth and cause bodily injury, disability, or disfigurement. It directly affects pregnant individuals using un-prescribed drugs and expands mandatory reporting requirements to include suspected prenatal drug exposure that could harm a newborn. The law requires anyone with knowledge or reasonable suspicion of such exposure to report it to child protective services or law enforcement, with penalties up to 10 years in prison for standard violations and up to 25 years for aggravated cases involving severe injury. It became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 108 prohibits financial institutions from discriminating against customers based on social credit scores, environmental/social justice metrics, social media activity, political affiliation, union membership, or employer-related factors. The law defines a "social credit score" as a metric based on personal behavior, technology use, and lifestyle choices, and declares its use a deceptive trade practice. Financial institutions may still apply subjective criteria if they fully disclose and explain them in writing before contracts are signed. This law directly affects banks, credit unions, and lenders operating in Wyoming, effective July 1, 2022. It aims to prevent consumer discrimination tied to non-financial personal data.

Maddy summaryHB 65 clarifies that property tax protest appeals mailed by Wyoming taxpayers are considered timely filed if postmarked by the deadline date (within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice), rather than requiring physical receipt by the county by that date. This directly affects property owners challenging their tax assessments who use mail to submit appeals. The key provision replaces the previous uncertainty about mailing deadlines with a clear, objective standard based on the postmark date. The law became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 108 clarifies the definition of embalming to exclude non-arterial disinfection or "setting features" for identification. It revises education requirements for funeral service practitioners, now requiring either 60 college credits plus an associate's degree in funeral service or a mortuary science diploma plus five years of experience. The bill also updates reciprocal licensing rules, allowing out-of-state practitioners with similar education to obtain licenses without additional training if they've practiced for at least three years. These changes apply to new license applications submitted on or after July 1, 2022, directly affecting funeral service professionals seeking licensure in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 27 establishes mandatory visitation rights for patients in healthcare facilities who stay more than five consecutive days. The bill requires facilities to allow unrestricted visitation and lets patients or their representatives choose visitors or limit access. It directly affects patients receiving extended care and healthcare facilities statewide. The law takes effect July 1, 2022, and prohibits facilities from imposing visitation restrictions under this provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of chemical abortion drugs (such as RU-486, mifepristone, and misoprostol) for abortions in Wyoming, affecting healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer these drugs. Exceptions include contraceptive use before pregnancy confirmation, treatment for natural miscarriages, and medical care for immediate physical threats to a woman's life (excluding mental health concerns or self-harm risks). Violating the ban would result in misdemeanor charges with penalties of up to six months in jail or a $9,000 fine. Women undergoing abortions with chemical drugs would not face criminal prosecution under this law.