Rep. Ken Clouston

Maddy summaryHB 157 requires voters in Wyoming to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. It defines "proof of U.S. citizenship" to include documents like a Wyoming driver's license (without citizenship indicators), tribal ID cards, U.S. passports, birth certificates, or naturalization certificates. This applies to all voter registration processes, both in-person and by mail, and takes effect July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects any Wyoming resident seeking to register to vote for the first time or update their registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming law enforcement agencies to accept all reasonable reports of missing persons without delay, unless specific exceptions apply (such as knowing the person's location, confirming their safety, or verifying they are not a Wyoming resident). It mandates that reports be entered into state and national databases within 8 hours and requires agencies to compile detailed records - including photos - after 30 days, forwarding them to the attorney general and criminal investigation division. The law affects all Wyoming law enforcement agencies and ensures consistent handling of missing persons cases, improving data sharing for investigations. It also updates a related law to allow public sharing of missing person information to aid recovery efforts.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 75 reduces the severance tax rate for surface coal mining from 6.5% to 6% effective July 1, 2025. The bill lowers both the constitutional portion (from 1.5% to 1%) and the statutory portion (from 5% to 4.5%) of the tax. This directly affects surface coal mining companies operating in Wyoming by decreasing their tax burden. The change modifies existing tax distribution rules outlined in Wyoming statutes but does not alter how the tax revenue is allocated to the mineral trust fund or severance tax account.

Maddy summaryHB 320 creates the Taxation and Revenue Task Force 2028 to study how local governments, school districts, and special districts in Wyoming fund essential services. The task force, composed of legislative members, county/city representatives, school district leaders, and revenue experts, must analyze current revenue sources to determine if they cover services and meet constitutional requirements for equal education funding. It will develop recommendations for sustainable revenue solutions through 2050, including potential legislation, and report findings to the governor and legislature by December 2026. This bill does not change tax laws but directs a study to address long-term revenue needs for local services and schools.

Maddy summaryHB 237 modifies Wyoming's license plate issuance process. It shifts responsibility for issuing standard license plates from county treasurers to the Department of Transportation (DOT), clarifies the number of plates provided per vehicle, and eliminates the requirement to replace plates after a fixed time period. The bill also mandates rulemaking by the DOT and updates related statutes. This procedural change primarily affects all vehicle owners who register vehicles in Wyoming by streamlining plate issuance and removal of outdated replacement rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Wyoming school districts calculate "average daily membership" (ADM), the metric used to determine state funding for schools. It lowers the attendance threshold for counting students as full-time from 80% to 75% of full-time equivalent hours and requires proportional calculation for part-time students. Students who withdraw or miss over 10 consecutive days will no longer be counted in ADM totals. These changes apply to school funding calculations starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects Wyoming public school districts receiving state funding based on ADM.

Maddy summaryHB 198 modifies Wyoming's education savings account program by adjusting annual deposit amounts based on household income relative to federal poverty levels. It provides $6,000 annually for students in households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, $4,800 for households between 151-200%, and $3,600 for households between 201-250%. The bill directly affects students whose families qualify under these income thresholds, determining the funds available for educational expenses through the state's savings account program. The changes would take effect January 1, 2025, if enacted, modifying existing law established by 2024 legislation. The bill is currently in early stages (received for introduction on January 16, 2025) and has not yet been considered by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 261 amends Wyoming's penalties for "accessory after the fact" (helping a criminal after a crime is committed). It creates three penalty tiers: 1) For non-violent felonies where the accessory is not a relative (3 years max jail or $3,000 fine), 2) For violent felonies (same as above), 3) For non-violent felonies when the accessory is a relative or the principal is a minor (6 months max jail or $750 fine). The bill directly affects individuals who assist criminals post-crime, with lighter penalties for family members or minors involved. It is pending legislative action and would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 319 exempts sales and use tax on mining equipment used in surface, underground, or in-situ mining operations in Wyoming. It directly affects mining companies purchasing qualifying equipment, such as machinery and tools for extraction. The bill creates new tax exemptions in Wyoming’s tax code (sections 39-15-105 and 39-16-105) with a sunset clause repealing the exemption on July 1, 2029. The exemption becomes effective July 1, 2025, and applies only to equipment specifically defined for mining operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming school districts to ensure high school students (grades 9-12) can access at least 12 post-secondary credit hours through partnerships with accredited colleges or universities. It directly affects public high school students and school district boards, mandating they collaborate with post-secondary institutions to make these options "reasonably accessible." The key provision specifies that districts must guarantee access to these credits as part of standard high school programming, without adding new costs to students. The requirement becomes effective July 1, 2025.