Maddy summaryHB 160, the "Protect Firearms Rights Act," prohibits Wyoming state and local governments from implementing or enforcing extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), which are court orders restricting firearm access for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. The bill directly affects Wyoming residents who might otherwise be subject to such orders, while explicitly excluding existing protection orders (e.g., domestic violence orders) and mental health hospitalization orders from this prohibition. Key provisions include preempting conflicting local laws, banning state/local use of funds or personnel to enforce ERPOs, and defining ERPOs to exclude specific existing legal mechanisms. The law takes effect July 1, 2024, and is currently in the introduction stage (received February 12, 2024).
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 123 repeals mandatory immunization requirements for children attending child care facilities (such as daycares and preschools) in Wyoming. The bill removes existing laws requiring immunizations for enrollment at these facilities, effective July 1, 2024. Current requirements will remain in place until that date, after which child care facilities cannot enforce immunization mandates. This change specifically applies to child care settings and does not affect immunization rules for public schools or other health regulations.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 167 proposes a legal process for the state to declare federal laws unconstitutional and "nullify" them, based on the bill's argument that such actions violate the U.S. Constitution's separation of powers and Tenth Amendment. It creates new statutes (W.S. 9-14-301-305) requiring the state to issue formal "orders of nullification" after a legislative petition and review process, with duties assigned to the Secretary of State and legislative leaders. The bill directly affects Wyoming's state government by establishing procedures for challenging federal actions it deems unconstitutional, though it does not change federal law or impact citizens directly. Currently inactive (last action: "H Did not Consider for Introduction" on 2024-02-17), it remains a procedural framework without enacted policy effects.
Maddy summaryHB 124 repeals Wyoming's law (W.S. 35-4-106) that authorized the Department of Health to require smallpox vaccinations. It removes the state's legal authority to mandate such vaccinations, effective July 1, 2024, while allowing existing requirements to remain valid until that date. This is a procedural repeal of an outdated provision, as smallpox has been eradicated globally and no longer poses a public health threat in Wyoming.
Maddy summaryHB 201 requires Wyoming's State Auditor to publish detailed vendor payment information on the auditor's public website. It mandates posting, within 30 days of payment, the date, vendor name, state agency, total amount, and payment description for all payments made over the previous five fiscal years. This applies to all state payments made on or after July 1, 2024, directly affecting state agencies and vendors receiving public funds. The bill aims to increase transparency by making vendor payment data accessible for public inspection and download.
Maddy summaryHB 162 changes Wyoming law to require public hearings for most appointments of public officers, professionals, or employees by local government bodies (like city councils or county commissions). It removes the option for these bodies to hold private "executive sessions" when making such appointments, unless the employee themselves requests a private hearing. The law applies to all agency appointments made on or after July 1, 2024, and mandates that decisions be made in open meetings. This directly affects how local governments handle hiring, employment, and disciplinary actions for public staff.
Maddy summaryHB 183 prohibits foreign governments, businesses, or individuals (defined as citizens of Russia, China, state sponsors of terrorism, or countries under specific arms regulations) from owning most land in Wyoming, allowing only personal residences under one acre. It requires existing foreign owners to sell their land by July 2026 (unless for a qualifying personal residence) and mandates annual registration with the Secretary of State for all foreign land ownership, including personal residences. Owners who fail to register face daily civil penalties of $5,000, and county clerks must report violations to the Attorney General for enforcement, which may include court-ordered forfeiture and sale of the land. The bill also requires tax assessment notices to inform owners about the foreign ownership restrictions and registration requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 182 prohibits payment processors from assigning special merchant category codes to firearm or ammunition retailers, requiring them to be classified as general merchandise or sporting goods retailers instead. This directly affects payment entities (like banks and credit card networks) and firearm retailers who must use standard retail codes. Violations carry a $1,000 fine per violation. The bill does not change gun laws or purchase requirements but modifies payment processing rules, effective July 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryHB 192 grants permanent right-of-way access (a "perpetual easement") for county and municipal roads that already exist on Wyoming state or school lands, specifically those established before January 1, 2024. It directly affects counties, cities, and towns responsible for maintaining these roads, requiring no fees for the easement. Key provisions include deadlines for documentation (by August 1, 2024, and April 1, 2029) and rules for securing the easements through the Board of Land Commissioners. Roads built after January 1, 2024, do not automatically receive this easement under the bill.
Maddy summaryHB 158 requires Wyoming's governor to rescind all existing refugee resettlement plans by July 1, 2024, and submit new plans to the legislature for approval before they take effect. The bill mandates that proposed plans include specific details on promoting refugee economic self-sufficiency, language training, employment services, coordination of resources, care for unaccompanied minors, medical needs, and detailed funding projections. A legislative committee must review these plans, hold public hearings, and report recommendations to the legislature. This bill directly affects state agencies and the governor's office by shifting authority for refugee resettlement oversight from executive action to legislative approval and public input.