Rep. John Bear

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's cemetery regulations to set specific structural and aesthetic standards for columbariums - above-ground structures containing urns. It requires exterior walls, roofs, and doors to be made of durable materials like granite, concrete, or similar substances that ensure structural safety and weather resistance, with walls needing a minimum six-inch thickness. The bill directly affects cemetery operators planning or constructing new columbariums within established cemeteries. These changes aim to standardize construction quality and appearance without altering burial rules or creating new requirements for existing facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 291 would require Wyoming to maintain a "Restricted Financial Institution List" of banks that boycott energy companies without a valid business reason. It defines a boycott as refusing to do business with fossil fuel-related entities (including exploration, production, or transportation) unless the bank can demonstrate a legitimate financial, legal, or risk-mitigation purpose. The state treasurer and auditor would be barred from entering into banking contracts with institutions listed on this public register, after the Secretary of State provides 45 days' notice and a 30-day correction period. The list would be updated annually and published online, with clear disclaimers that inclusion does not indicate financial instability or consumer risk.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming public school districts to designate all multiple-occupancy restrooms and changing rooms as exclusively for males or females based on sex assigned at birth. It mandates reasonable accommodations like single-occupancy rooms for students who cannot use designated facilities, while allowing exceptions for maintenance staff, emergency medical help, and coaches under specific conditions (e.g., accompanied by same-sex adults). School districts failing to comply risk losing accreditation, and parents can sue for noncompliance. The law directly affects public school students, staff, and districts, with enforcement tied to state education standards. (Note: Bill is pending in Wyoming Legislature as of 2025.)

Maddy summaryHB 199, titled the "Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act" (not "Steamboat Legacy," which appears to be a misreference), creates a state-funded scholarship program for K-12 students in Wyoming. It increases the maximum annual scholarship from $6,000 to $7,000 for students at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, with annual inflation adjustments, and funds it through a new "Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Program Account" using state education revenues. The bill eliminates mandatory certification for private schools and providers but adds voluntary registration, while prohibiting funding from local taxes. It directly affects low-income Wyoming families seeking to use scholarships for public, private, or online education options.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 92 declares carbon dioxide "not a pollutant" and a "beneficial substance," reversing its classification under environmental law. The bill repeals existing low-carbon energy standards and prohibits the state from pursuing "net-zero" carbon reduction targets. It requires public utilities to refund customers for rates paid under repealed carbon-related rules (excluding costs for carbon capture technology), with refunds mandated within 60 days of the bill's effective date. The law directs the public service commission to create implementing rules, directly affecting Wyoming's energy sector and utility ratepayers.

Maddy summarySF 83 requires legislative approval before state funds can be used for large energy projects exceeding $400,000. It mandates that state agencies, universities, cities, and counties (awarding entities) report annual project details to the legislature and seek new approval for any project funding beyond $200,000 after initial authorization. The bill defines "large energy projects" broadly to include carbon capture, hydrogen production, solar, wind, and other energy infrastructure. It applies to all state-funded projects starting July 1, 2025, shifting approval authority from agencies to the legislature for significant energy investments.

Maddy summaryHB 96 prohibits discrimination in public services based on a person's vaccination status, face covering use, or COVID-19 testing results. It applies to businesses and entities receiving state or federal subsidies, banning them from refusing services, goods, or facilities based on these factors. The bill also prohibits advertising or publishing requirements for masks, vaccines, or testing as conditions for accessing public services. Individuals harmed by violations can seek up to $5,000 in civil damages through a lawsuit.

Maddy summarySF 90 requires Wyoming public school districts to adopt policies by the 2025-2026 school year allowing "patriotic organizations" (defined as youth groups under 21 with educational purposes promoting patriotism, like 4-H or specific federally listed groups) to participate in schools. The policy must permit organization representatives to speak to students during school hours about their activities, distribute materials, and display information - subject to parental notification and consent for student participation. School districts must allow displays outside school hours without unreasonable restrictions but are not required to provide equal access to non-patriotic groups. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 108 prohibits payment processors (like banks and credit card networks) from using special merchant codes to categorize firearm or ammunition retailers differently from general merchandise or sporting goods stores. It requires these businesses to be classified under standard retail codes, preventing financial institutions from treating them as high-risk. Violations carry a misdemeanor penalty of $1,000 per violation. The law directly affects firearm retailers and payment processors, taking effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 169 creates a temporary property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners, reducing their tax bill by 50% on the first $1 million of their home's value for tax years 2025 and 2026. It applies to single-family residential properties like houses, mobile homes, and condos, directly benefiting homeowners who own these properties. The state will compensate local governments and schools for lost revenue using $125 million from the general fund, with funds expiring after June 2027. The exemption does not apply to tax year 2027 or later.