Rep. Ken Clouston

Maddy summaryHB 167 reauthorizes Wyoming's teacher shortage loan repayment program, targeting educators in high-demand subjects like special education, math, science, world languages, reading, and English as a second language. The bill allows teachers to repay student loans without cash payments by teaching at least 50% of their time in these specific areas within Wyoming public schools, with repayment required within the loan amount's repayment period plus two years after graduation. It appropriates $500,000 from the legislative stabilization reserve for the program during fiscal 2023-2024, with up to 5% allocated for administrative costs. The program requires annual reporting to the legislature on its impact in addressing teacher shortages and funding needs.

Maddy summaryHB 238 sets a maximum fee for newspaper publications required in Wyoming probate cases involving heirship notices. It limits the cost to the lowest display advertising rate charged to counties by local newspapers, whichever is less than standard open rates. This affects counties paying for these notices, newspapers publishing them, and individuals involved in probate proceedings (like heirs, creditors, or devisees). The bill does not change the notice requirements themselves, only the fee structure for publishing them. It became effective July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 201 creates the Hathaway Fallen First Responder Scholarship, providing financial aid to children of Wyoming first responders who died while on duty. It directly affects students whose custodial parent or guardian was a Wyoming resident first responder (as defined by Wyoming law) killed in the line of duty, and who graduated from an accredited high school (in Wyoming or out-of-state). To qualify, students must have a minimum 2.50 high school GPA and score at or above the 43rd percentile on a national college entrance exam. The scholarship offers $1,680 per semester for full-time enrollment (12+ hours), prorated for fewer hours, and is funded through Wyoming's existing Hathaway scholarship program.

Maddy summaryHB 244 proposes to expand Wyoming's property tax refund program to include renters who occupy rental properties as their principal residence, regardless of ownership. The bill would allow applicants meeting income limits (capped at 125% of median household income or 3/4 of the median, whichever is higher) and asset limits ($100,000 per adult adjusted for cost of living) to receive refunds. Refunds would be limited to 50% of the applicant's prior year property tax paid or $250 (for renters), with multi-family properties calculated by square footage. The bill, which died in committee in February 2023, has not become law and remains a proposed change to the existing refund program.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 192 requires all public school districts to provide daily lunch to every enrolled student starting in the 2023-2024 school year. It creates a state financial assistance program covering up to 50% of unpaid meal costs from the previous school year, funded by $150,000 in state appropriations (with $75,000 available annually). School districts must apply by September 30 each year, charge a state-determined minimum meal price, and report program details to the education department. The law directly affects all Wyoming public school districts and their students, with funds administered by the state education department through a new rulemaking process.

Maddy summaryHB 179 modifies Wyoming's medical education programs to prioritize training for rural healthcare needs. It requires universities to emphasize rural health care in medical curricula, create a Medical School Student Fund (using student payments and investments), and use fund income for relocation costs, rural training, and scholarships for students committing to practice in underserved areas. The bill directly affects medical students, Wyoming's higher education institutions, and rural communities facing healthcare shortages. Universities must report annual fund usage and program modifications to legislative committees by October 1 each year.

Maddy summaryHB 149 creates new criminal offenses for assault, threats of violence, and battery against healthcare workers while requiring healthcare facilities to implement safety measures. It establishes misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine) for first offenses and felony penalties (up to 3 years jail or $1,000 fine) for repeat offenses against workers performing their duties. Healthcare facilities must post clear anti-violence signs (18x18 inches, English, visible locations) and develop workplace violence prevention plans including staff training. The law directly affects healthcare workers, facilities, and anyone committing violence against them during work duties. The Wyoming Department of Health must also create public resources on prevention strategies and best practices.