Rep. Steve Harshman

Maddy summaryHB 204 establishes a standardized course numbering and transcript system for Wyoming's community colleges and the University of Wyoming. It requires common course numbers, electronic course catalogs, and shared transfer software to simplify credit transfers between institutions and support student program planning. The system mandates that all community colleges and UW use consistent course numbering to automatically transfer credits for students moving between schools, particularly for those with articulation agreements. This directly affects students transferring between institutions, faculty developing curricula, and administrators managing course equivalencies and data systems.

Maddy summaryHB 65 amends Wyoming's procurement rules to require school districts to follow the same competitive bidding processes as other public entities for professional services. It raises the threshold for mandatory competitive bidding from $25,000 to $50,000 for professional services like architecture or engineering, meaning school districts must now obtain bids for projects over this amount instead of $25,000. The bill also updates notification requirements for larger projects and clarifies when school boards must interview multiple firms for contracts. These changes directly affect school districts and public entities purchasing professional services, streamlining procurement for larger projects while maintaining competitive processes for significant contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 42 amends Wyoming's hunting license laws to establish a preference point system for resident and nonresident hunters seeking big game licenses (like moose, bighorn sheep, or elk). It allows the Game and Fish Commission to award points based on years of unsuccessful applications and adds a new provision (subsection j) granting one point to resident youth or first-time residents who complete a state-approved hunter safety course. The bill also authorizes nonresidents to pay a nonrefundable fee (up to $75 per species) to accumulate preference points for future license drawings. These changes apply specifically to licenses issued through preference point systems, not random drawings, and affect all hunters applying for limited-quota species in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryHB 41 changes the title of the University of Wyoming board president to "president chairman" and allows the board's executive committee to have more than three members. It amends specific Wyoming statutes (including those governing board appointments and financial reporting) to update references to this new title and committee structure. The bill directly affects the governance of the University of Wyoming by formalizing this title change and providing flexibility for the executive committee size. It took effect on July 1, 2019, with no new policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 133 creates the "Hathaway Expand Wyoming Scholarship" to provide financial aid to students from states bordering Wyoming (like Montana and Colorado) attending Wyoming colleges. To qualify, applicants must have a 3.75+ GPA, score in the top 4% nationally on standardized tests, and graduate from a rigorous high school curriculum in a contiguous state. The scholarship covers up to the cost of attendance (capped at University of Wyoming's trustee scholarship amount) but requires recipients to either work in Wyoming for one year per four semesters received or repay funds with interest (capped at 8%) if they don't meet academic requirements or leave Wyoming institutions. This expands eligibility beyond Wyoming residents while adding service and repayment conditions to ensure long-term benefits for the state.

Maddy summaryHB 219 allows alcohol manufacturers in Wyoming to obtain catering permits, which previously they could not hold under state law. This change directly affects alcohol manufacturers who want to sell beverages at off-site events like meetings, conventions, or private dinners. The bill amends existing laws to permit manufacturers with specific licenses to apply for these catering permits, while requiring sales to occur only at the event location (not off-premises) and excluding closed-container sales at nonprofit auctions. The key provision removes a prior restriction preventing manufacturers from holding catering permits, effective July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 220 creates a new income tax on businesses operating in Wyoming, requiring them to pay tax based on their income earned within the state. It uses a three-factor formula (property, payroll, and sales) to calculate how much tax a business owes, especially for companies operating across multiple states. The Wyoming Department of Revenue will administer the tax, with strict confidentiality rules protecting business tax returns. This bill directly affects businesses with operations in Wyoming, including out-of-state companies conducting business there.

Maddy summaryHB 52 requires state agencies and political subdivisions in Wyoming to procure furniture and movable equipment for capital construction projects through competitive bidding. It prioritizes products available from Wyoming resident suppliers when possible, or uses performance-based specifications if local products aren't available. Agencies may seek waivers for highly specialized items, but these require written justification and approval by designated officials. The law applies to all such procurements starting July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 131 amends Wyoming's Build Wyoming loan program to clarify it as a revolving, continuing fund administered by the state loan and investment board. It sets specific spending limits: a total cap of $400 million for all loans, with separate $200 million limits for infrastructure projects (like water systems) and road/street projects. The bill ensures local governments (counties, cities, etc.) can access these loans from the Wyoming mineral trust fund to finance public infrastructure improvements. It also specifies that the program operates under established rules for loan administration and becomes effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summarySF 91 would have required Wyoming's community college commission to create a single, common application system for all University of Wyoming and community college admissions. It would have mandated that both the University of Wyoming and community colleges accept applications exclusively through this system starting with the 2021-2022 academic year. The bill aimed to simplify the application process for students seeking admission as freshmen or transfer students across Wyoming's public postsecondary institutions. However, the bill died in committee in February 2019 and was never enacted into law.