Rep. Steve Harshman

Maddy summaryWyoming's SJ 9 is a joint resolution urging Congress to protect the state's access to federal public lands while ensuring local communities have a say in land management decisions. It opposes broad or indiscriminate sales of public lands and demands federal agencies respect Wyoming's existing land-use plans, county-level input, and multiple-use frameworks that support recreation, agriculture, hunting, fishing, and resource development. The resolution also calls for funding to streamline efficient land exchanges under current laws when they benefit local communities and public access, without advocating for specific policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Wyoming to renew their state-issued identification cards by mail instead of appearing in person. To qualify, residents must be full-time facility occupants, submit a notarized attestation from facility staff, pay a fee, provide documentation for any ID changes, and surrender their old card. The renewal method cannot be used if a resident has already renewed twice in 16 years or is changing information on their ID. The Wyoming Department of Transportation must create rules to implement this process, which takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's Pharmacy Act to raise the minimum age for pharmacists to administer vaccines from 3 to 7 years old, directly affecting children under 7 who previously could receive immunizations from pharmacists. It also adds protections preventing employers from discriminating against pharmacists who decline to provide collaborative pharmacy care or administer vaccines to children under 13. The bill requires the Board of Pharmacy to create rules for collaborative care and vaccine administration, with most provisions taking effect July 1, 2026. These changes clarify pharmacist authority, patient eligibility, and workplace protections under the state's pharmacy regulations.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 113 requires county clerks to conduct hand counts of election ballots for the 2026 primary and general elections. Specifically, counties must physically examine approximately 5% of ballots for one federal race, one statewide race (selected by the state secretary of state), and all legislative races on the ballot. The hand count results must be compared to electronic tabulation results within nine days of the county canvass, with any discrepancies reported to the secretary of state. This bill directly affects county election officials who will implement the hand count audits. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with reports due by May 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 39 clarifies that individuals who have had their firearm rights restored under the laws of another state may legally possess firearms in Wyoming. The bill amends statutes (W.S. 6-8-102 and 6-10-106) to explicitly recognize out-of-state rights restoration as valid for Wyoming residents convicted of felonies or violent misdemeanors. This directly affects people with prior convictions who had their firearm rights restored in another jurisdiction but faced uncertainty under Wyoming law. The change takes effect immediately upon becoming law, removing barriers for these individuals to legally own firearms in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryHB 75 establishes licensing requirements for businesses operating virtual currency kiosks in Wyoming. It requires operators to either hold a Wyoming money transmitter license or be a licensed financial institution, prohibiting unlicensed operation. The bill creates penalties for violations, including up to 3 years in jail or a $10,000 fine, and directs the banking commissioner to create rules for kiosk operations. It takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting businesses seeking to offer virtual currency exchange services through physical kiosks in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Wyoming school districts to create and adopt written policies governing student use of cell phones and smart watches during school hours. It defines "smart watch" as a wearable device that functions like a phone (excluding basic timepieces or health trackers) and mandates that districts submit their policies to the state superintendent by July 1, 2026. The law applies directly to every public school district in Wyoming, setting a clear deadline for policy implementation. It does not specify exact restrictions but establishes a framework for districts to develop their own rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates kratom products sold in Wyoming by banning certain types and requiring specific labeling. It prohibits selling kratom products containing more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, designed to appeal to children (like candy-shaped products), or intended for vaporization. Retailers must label products with full ingredients, age restrictions (under 21), health warnings about potential addiction and medication interactions, and precise dosage information. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, with repeat offenses risking business injunctions. The bill directly affects kratom retailers and consumers, particularly minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows hunters who have shot a black bear to use one leashed blood-trailing dog to track and recover the animal within 72 hours of the shot. It directly affects hunters who harvest black bears in Wyoming, permitting this specific tracking method under defined conditions. The key provision requires the dog to remain leashed and limits tracking to wounded or killed bears within the 72-hour window. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the expiration date (sunset) for Wyoming's property tax exemption that benefits long-term homeowners, making the exemption permanent. It directly affects homeowners who have owned their primary residence in Wyoming for a specified period, typically 10 or more years under existing law. The key provision removes the scheduled end date for this tax break, ensuring eligible homeowners continue to receive the exemption without needing future legislative action. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies statewide to qualifying properties.