Rep. Jayme Lien

Maddy summaryHB 218 requires Wyoming's Public Service Commission to pause all pending rate cases, applications, and related proceedings when a public utility files a lawsuit challenging the commission's rules, regulations, or decisions. This pause continues until the lawsuit is fully resolved, affecting utilities, the commission, and any parties involved in those pending matters. The law does not apply to lawsuits focused on factual disputes (like evidence or witness testimony) or enforcement actions for commission violations. It directly changes how the commission handles active cases during utility litigation.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 282 establishes that for certain properties (like recently purchased residential real estate), the purchase price (acquisition value) is presumed correct for property tax assessment, unless proven otherwise. This directly affects property owners who recently bought land or buildings, as it shifts the burden to tax assessors to justify using a different value. The bill clarifies that sworn statements about acquisition value must remain confidential but can be used by county assessors and the state board of equalization to determine tax value, while maintaining privacy protections. It amends Wyoming's property tax code to formalize this presumption and update related definitions and procedures. The bill does not change tax rates but changes how property value is initially determined for tax purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 173 modifies requirements for independent candidates running for partisan offices in Wyoming. It requires candidates to swear they are unaffiliated with major parties or not registered with one, increases the signature requirement from 2% to 5% of votes cast for the relevant office in the last general election, and extends the petition filing deadline from 70 to 81 days before the primary election. These changes directly affect independent candidates seeking statewide, county, or district offices. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 190 requires local governments (like cities or counties) to submit proposed bond election questions to Wyoming's Secretary of State for review and approval at least 130 days before a vote. The Secretary must approve or modify the wording to ensure it clearly states the bond's purpose, maximum amount, repayment term, and interest rate at least 120 days before the election. This change aims to standardize how bond questions are worded for voters, ensuring transparency about what projects or funding are being voted on. The bill does not change funding levels or create new bonds, only the process for how election questions are written and approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts natural hair braiding from Wyoming's cosmetology licensing requirements. It defines "practice of natural hair braiding" to include hand-twisting, weaving, and extending hair with tools or accessories (but excludes dyeing, chemical treatments, or altering hair structure). Salon owners may still require private certification for braiders working at their locations. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to braiders not otherwise regulated under cosmetology law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends deadlines for reviewing industrial, wind, and solar project permit applications in Wyoming. It extends the timeframe for county commissioners to hold public hearings on applications from 45-60 days to 45-90 days after an application is deemed complete, and increases the deadline for applicants to fix incomplete applications from 30 to 60 days. For wind and solar projects, counties must now hold hearings and make decisions within 120 days (up from 90 days) after receiving an application. The changes apply to all permit applications submitted under relevant laws on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 42 requires all surgical abortion facilities in Wyoming to obtain a separate license as an ambulatory surgical center, with facilities performing three or more first-trimester abortions monthly or one or more second/third-trimester abortions annually subject to this rule. It mandates that physicians performing surgical abortions must be state-licensed, have hospital admitting privileges within 10 miles of the facility, and report each procedure to the health department. Violations carry penalties: misdemeanor fines up to $1,000 per day for unlicensed facilities, and felony charges (1-14 years imprisonment) for unlicensed providers performing abortions. The bill defines "surgical abortion" as procedures using instruments or devices to terminate pregnancy with intent to cause fetal death, excluding exceptions like ectopic pregnancy treatment or miscarriage care.

Maddy summaryHB 172 repeals restrictions on concealed weapons in specific public spaces, allowing permit holders to carry guns in government meetings, school athletic events on public property, and school facilities (like classrooms and offices). It also strengthens Wyoming’s state law by preventing local governments from regulating firearms, declaring that only the state legislature can set rules for guns, ammunition, and weapons. The bill includes exceptions for health facilities, explosive materials, and private property rules, and adds penalties for blocking someone from entering permitted areas. School districts must establish training rules for employees carrying concealed weapons, requiring 16 hours of initial training and annual 12-hour recertification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming law enforcement agencies to accept all reasonable reports of missing persons without delay, unless specific exceptions apply (such as knowing the person's location, confirming their safety, or verifying they are not a Wyoming resident). It mandates that reports be entered into state and national databases within 8 hours and requires agencies to compile detailed records - including photos - after 30 days, forwarding them to the attorney general and criminal investigation division. The law affects all Wyoming law enforcement agencies and ensures consistent handling of missing persons cases, improving data sharing for investigations. It also updates a related law to allow public sharing of missing person information to aid recovery efforts.