Rep. John Bear

Maddy summaryHB 292 requires the governor to recommend setting aside 10% of estimated general fund revenue for the next two-year budget period into a dedicated budget reserve account. At the end of each biennium, any unspent general fund money (after covering expenses) is automatically transferred to this reserve. The reserve funds are invested by the state treasurer, with earnings returned to the general fund, and cannot expire. Spending from the reserve requires a new legislative appropriation, ensuring the state maintains a financial buffer for future budget needs.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment shifts primary responsibility for building public school facilities to local school districts, requiring voter approval for capital projects. It mandates state funding to equalize costs so districts pay no more than a statewide average tax burden (based on per-person valuation), using mechanisms like statewide mill levies. The state may also provide additional funds to address financial hardships for school districts. This change replaces a system previously required by a 2001 court ruling that placed full responsibility on the state, which relied on declining coal lease revenue.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming joint resolution (SJ 2) demands that the U.S. Congress extinguish federal ownership of public lands and subsurface resources within Wyoming's boundaries - currently covering over 46% of the state's surface and 69% of its subsurface resources - to fulfill Wyoming's constitutional right to "equal footing" as a state admitted to the Union. It cites the state's 1890 admission act and the U.S. Constitution's Admissions and Property Clauses, arguing that continued federal control violates Wyoming's sovereignty. The resolution specifically asks Congress to confirm its intent to transfer these lands to Wyoming by October 2025, proposes that transferred lands become state public lands, and offers to negotiate cession of lands deemed nationally significant. As a non-binding resolution, it serves as a formal request to Congress, not a legislative action with immediate effect.

Maddy summaryHB 295, the "Invest in Wyoming Act," requires the state treasurer to contract with Wyoming-based investment managers for a portion of state funds. It mandates that at least 3% but no more than 5% of eligible state funds be managed by qualifying Wyoming investment firms, which must maintain a physical office in Wyoming, employ certified professionals, and provide audited financial records. The bill directly affects the state treasurer's office (which must implement the program) and Wyoming investment firms (which must meet new licensing, location, and reporting requirements to qualify). Key provisions include quarterly performance reports to the state and limits on how much state funds any single firm can manage (capped at 10% of the firm's total assets). The law aims to redirect state investment capital toward local firms to support economic diversification and fiscal stability.

Maddy summaryHB 212 amends Wyoming's local sales and use tax procedures to require approval from at least 50% of incorporated municipalities (down from two-thirds) for tax propositions, instead of the previous 2/3 requirement. It shortens the tax term from four years to two years for new taxes, and repeals the optional municipal sales tax provision. The bill also modifies election timing and ballot language requirements for county-level tax votes. These changes directly affect Wyoming counties and municipalities seeking to implement or renew local sales taxes. The bill focuses on procedural adjustments to tax approval processes without altering tax rates or revenue distribution.

Maddy summaryHB 203 ("By the People Act") requires Wyoming state agencies to provide live audio or video access to public meetings where possible and allow remote public participation. It mandates clear public comment periods (with timed options specified on agendas) and requires agencies to make meeting minutes and recordings available online within 24 hours. The bill applies directly to all state agencies holding public meetings and ensures transparency by prohibiting restrictions on public recording unless it would disrupt the meeting. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not change existing requirements for meeting notice or attendance rules.

Maddy summaryHB 287 requires Wyoming counties to reimburse individuals for legal costs (including attorney fees and bail) when they successfully use self-defense in criminal cases and are found not guilty, have charges dismissed, or are released from prosecution. It also mandates courts to automatically expunge all related criminal records in these cases, removing arrest and prosecution history from public records. The bill directly affects people facing criminal charges who defend themselves, streamlining access to reimbursement and record removal through simplified court petitions with no filing fees.

Maddy summaryHB 158 requires Wyoming's legislature to install an electronic voting system in both chambers of the state capitol. It appropriates $250,000 from the general fund specifically for planning, purchasing, and installing devices at each legislator's desk to cast votes electronically, with systems required to display results in chambers and online. The bill mandates security measures to ensure votes are cast by individual legislators and specifies that any additional system functions must fit within the budget. The funds must be spent by June 30, 2026, and unspent money reverts to the state. This bill directly affects Wyoming legislators and their voting process, with no policy changes beyond modernizing the voting mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 125 repeals specific restrictions on concealed weapons in schools and public facilities while clarifying that only the Wyoming state legislature can regulate firearms, not local governments. It allows lawfully carrying concealed weapons in government meetings, legislative sessions, and public schools (excluding facilities where students are enrolled under existing law), and prohibits local entities from banning such carry in these locations. The bill also creates a misdemeanor penalty for blocking someone with a valid concealed carry permit from entering authorized areas. It explicitly preserves private property owners' rights to ban firearms on their land and requires the state building commission to issue necessary rules within 30 days of the law's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 148 regulates surgical abortion facilities in Wyoming by requiring them to obtain a specific license as ambulatory surgical centers. It mandates that only licensed physicians with hospital admitting privileges within 10 miles of the facility can perform surgical abortions, and facilities must comply with health department rules for surgical centers. Violations carry penalties: misdemeanor fines up to $1,000 for facilities or physicians, and felony charges (1-14 years imprisonment) for unlicensed providers. The bill directly affects surgical abortion facilities, licensed physicians performing abortions, and hospitals with admitting privileges, while defining key terms like "surgical abortion" and "abortion facility."