Rep. Steve Harshman

Maddy summaryHB 175 authorizes the renovation of Wyoming's Veterans Memorial Museum, directly affecting the museum's operations and the state's cultural resources. The bill creates a task force with legislative members, state agency representatives (including the state construction department and military department), and a veteran representative to oversee the project. It appropriates $5 million from the tourism account for the renovation, requiring the task force to monitor progress, provide annual reports to the legislature, and make recommendations to state agencies. The project must be completed by June 30 of the year following its completion, with unspent funds reverting to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 35 standardizes procedures for filling vacancies in Wyoming's elected offices, directly affecting governors, U.S. Congress members, state legislators, and other state officials. The bill requires special elections to fill vacancies occurring more than 60 days before a general election for governor, 3 months for state executive offices (like secretary of state), and 6 months for Congress, instead of temporary appointments. It specifies that vacancies within these timeframes must be filled at the next general election. The bill also clarifies election procedures and voting time-off requirements for special elections to fill congressional vacancies.

Maddy summaryWyoming HB 272 creates a state housing investment program to address the critical shortage of affordable housing. It establishes a dedicated account funded by annual transfers, allocating 50% of funds to nonprofit organizations for new construction, rehabilitation, transitional housing, homebuyer assistance, and rental vouchers. Another 45% is reserved for loans to Wyoming residents or businesses for similar housing projects, with zero percent interest for nonprofits and capped interest rates for businesses. The program includes reporting requirements, a 1% administrative cost limit, and expires after a set period. It directly affects housing providers and residents seeking affordable housing options in Wyoming.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 252 repeals a three-year tax exemption for new wind energy production in Wyoming, effective immediately upon enactment. It directly affects new wind energy projects by removing a tax break previously available for the first three years of operation. However, wind turbines that began generating electricity for sale before the bill's effective date will retain the exemption under the repealed provision. The bill makes no changes to existing wind energy operations but alters tax treatment for future projects.

Maddy summaryHB 155 requires hospitals, health care clinics, and long-term care facilities receiving state funds to report monthly workplace violence incidents starting August 2025. Facilities must track specific details including the perpetrator's identity (e.g., patient, staff, or visitor), contributing factors (like mental health issues or long wait times), incident types (physical assault, threats, or discrimination), victim job roles, and exact locations. The Department of Workforce Services will compile these reports and submit an annual summary to a legislative committee by October 2026. This bill creates a standardized data collection system to identify patterns and inform future safety measures, without mandating new workplace safety standards.

Maddy summaryHB 58 requires the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners to provide written notice to county commissioners at least 60 days before approving new mineral leases or lease extensions on state lands or state school lands. County commissioners must then be given an opportunity to submit public comments on the proposed lease in writing or at a meeting. The bill applies only to new leases and extensions starting on its effective date, leaving existing leases unaffected. This change aims to increase local government involvement in mineral leasing decisions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 230 creates a task force to study interstate highway traffic and authorizes up to $250 million from the state mineral trust fund to provide loans for highway construction projects. It requires annual $50 million transfers from the legislative stabilization reserve fund starting in 2026 to repay these loans, with interest rates set by the state treasurer. The bill specifically directs funding for adding passing lanes on segments of U.S. Highway 20 (between Casper and Thermopolis) and expanding U.S. Highway 287 near Laramie to four lanes. These provisions directly affect Wyoming's transportation infrastructure and the state's budget allocation for highway projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 69) increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospice care in Wyoming to match annual Medicare rates, directly affecting hospice providers serving Medicaid patients. It also limits room and board reimbursement for hospice facilities to no more than 100% of the statewide Medicaid nursing home rate. The bill appropriates $450,000 from the general fund to the Department of Health for these reimbursements, effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026. The changes aim to align state hospice funding with federal Medicare standards for eligible patients.

Maddy summaryHB 45 creates a property tax exemption for single-family homes in Wyoming, directly affecting homeowners with residential structures. The exemption covers increases in a home's value above 5% of the previous year's assessed value, meaning homeowners pay tax only on growth exceeding that threshold. However, the exemption doesn't apply if the value increase comes from new construction, additions, or if the property was purchased in the prior year. The law requires tax assessment notices to include exemption details and applies to tax years starting January 1, 2024.