Rep. Art Washut

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Wyoming's threshold for simplified probate procedures from $200,000 to $500,000 for estates. It directly affects residents and nonresidents with smaller estates (valued under $500,000 after debts) who qualify for streamlined distribution without full court supervision. Key provisions raise the value limit for summary procedures under W.S. 2-1-205, simplify nonresident estate processing under W.S. 2-11-201 and 2-11-202, and clarify disclaimer rules under W.S. 2-1-403. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, reducing administrative burdens for smaller estates.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's Court Supervised Treatment Program Act to expand treatment options for individuals involved in the justice system. It changes "substance abuse" to "substance use" throughout the law, adds mental health treatment to program offerings, and allows programs to accept participants from any jurisdiction within Wyoming. The bill also permits public defenders to join treatment teams and represent participants, while updating definitions to clarify terms like "dual diagnosis" (co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders). These changes aim to improve access to integrated treatment and reduce incarceration for people with substance use disorders and mental health needs.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 22) amends state law to allow a child's parental rights to be terminated if the child has been under a relative's guardianship for over 24 months *and* the parent is found unfit. It specifically adds this scenario as a legal ground for termination, requiring clear evidence of both the extended relative guardianship and parental unfitness. The change directly affects parents whose children are in long-term relative care and have been deemed unfit by a court. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act (HB 207) protects individuals and religious organizations from government actions that interfere with their religious practices, unless the government proves it has a compelling reason and uses the least restrictive approach possible. It defines government interference as denying benefits, imposing penalties, excluding from programs, or blocking access to facilities, and requires strict justification for such actions. People affected by these government actions can challenge them in court to seek remedies like injunctions, compensation, or other relief. The law applies to all state and local laws, rules, and policies, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 125 repeals Wyoming’s existing law (W.S. 31-11-102) that defined "unauthorized use of a vehicle" as a crime. This bill directly affects the state’s criminal code by removing this specific offense, meaning the unauthorized use of a vehicle will no longer be prosecuted under this statute. The repeal takes effect on July 1, 2025, and does not create new penalties or alter other vehicle-related laws. The bill is procedural, with no additional mechanisms or provisions beyond the repeal.

Maddy summaryHB 72 requires public facilities in Wyoming, including schools, correctional facilities, and government buildings, to designate multi-occupancy changing rooms, restrooms, and sleeping quarters exclusively for males or females. It prohibits access to opposite-sex designated areas and allows individuals to sue public entities if they encounter someone of the opposite sex in a designated space, unless exceptions apply (like single-occupancy unisex rooms, medical emergencies, or cleaning staff). The bill defines "female" and "male" biologically and specifies that civil lawsuits must be filed within two years of a violation, with successful plaintiffs able to recover attorney fees. This directly affects public facility operators and users in shared spaces, aiming to enforce single-sex facility use through legal accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's confidentiality laws to allow the Department of Family Services (DFS) to share certain data for specific purposes. It creates a new exception permitting DFS to share information across agencies (like health, education, and workforce services) for referrals, service provision, and bona fide research, while still complying with federal law. The bill requires DFS to develop rules for data sharing and report to the legislature by October 2025 on shared data types and privacy safeguards. It directly affects DFS and the agencies receiving shared data, without creating new programs or altering eligibility for services. The main provisions take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 260 establishes a grant program to help Wyoming cities and towns cover costs linked to specific criminal activities. It provides up to $5 million in initial funding (for fiscal year 2025-26) to qualifying local governments that meet criteria like increased jail costs from higher incarceration rates, reported violent crimes using national data systems, fentanyl-related cases, or prosecutions against nonresidents. Grants are limited to 10 jurisdictions annually, must be used solely for documented criminal activity costs, and require annual reports on fund usage. The program requires cities/towns to use national incident reporting systems to qualify and mandates the attorney general to administer applications and oversee spending.

Maddy summaryHB 229 designates the High Plains Research Station and Arboretum in Laramie County as a state historic site managed by Wyoming's Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. The bill requires the department to create a strategic master plan for preservation and operations within one year, including partnerships with local entities, and authorizes fees to fund site maintenance, development, and staff. These fees must be deposited into the state parks account, with annual financial reports submitted to the legislature. The bill also specifies $3.3 million in existing funds for site operations, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 182 clarifies that for voting purposes in Wyoming, "residence" refers only to a person's primary home where they actually live and intend to return, excluding secondary or commercial addresses not used for habitation. The bill amends election code definitions to prevent voters from registering using vacation homes, rental properties, or business locations as their official residence. It directly affects Wyoming voters who might attempt to register at non-primary addresses. The bill died in committee in March 2025 and never became law, with no effective date implemented.