Rep. Tom Walters

Maddy summaryHB 221 authorizes Wyoming's state treasurer to invest up to $60 million from the permanent Wyoming mineral trust fund reserve account in bonds issued by the Wyoming Community Development Authority. These bonds finance loans for first-time homebuyers at a maximum 3.5% interest rate. The investment authority expires July 1, 2029, and does not affect existing investment policies for the mineral trust fund. The bill directly affects the Community Development Authority and first-time homebuyers seeking affordable housing financing.

Maddy summaryHB 200 imposes a new excise tax on electricity generation within Wyoming, collected by electric utilities from customers based on the "purchaser sales price" (the full price paid for electricity, including fees and taxes). It specifically repeals existing taxes on wind and nuclear energy generation while creating new tax rules for all other electricity sources. The bill requires utilities to collect and remit the tax, with detailed provisions for tax calculation points (e.g., at transmission interconnection or customer meters) and strict confidentiality protections for tax data. This directly affects Wyoming's electric public utilities and their customers who pay for electricity.

Maddy summaryHB 147 would impose a 3.5% tax on the annual revenue from electricity produced in Wyoming, paid directly by power generators (not consumers). It exempts electricity from federal/state government facilities and personal use under 500 kilowatt-hours daily. Generators must report annual revenue by February 1st and pay the tax by the same deadline. The tax would take effect January 1, 2025, with penalties for late reporting or payment.

Maddy summaryHB 121 authorizes Wyoming to lease, sell, or exchange a specific 640-acre parcel (the "Kelly parcel" in Teton County) under strict conditions. It requires leases to be for conservation only, with minimum $6 million annual payments and no development allowed, while allowing up to 10 years of renewal. For sales, the bill mandates a minimum $750 million price, with proceeds deposited into the common school fund, and permits exchanges for mineral interests valued at least $1 billion (e.g., coal or trona in Wyoming). The bill directly affects the state lands department, potential lessees, and purchasers of the parcel, with all transactions requiring board approval.

Maddy summaryHB 120 would establish a regulatory framework for online gambling (interactive gaming) in Wyoming, authorizing and overseeing internet-based casino-style games like poker or slots through the Wyoming Gaming Commission. The bill defines key terms, requires operators to verify players' physical presence in Wyoming via geolocation technology (except under reciprocal agreements), and mandates rules for security, wagering procedures, and revenue collection. It explicitly excludes fantasy sports, tribal gaming on Indian lands, and traditional lotteries from this definition. This legislation would directly affect online gambling companies, their service providers (like payment processors), and Wyoming residents who participate in interactive gaming.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "boutique hotel liquor license" for hotels meeting specific criteria. To qualify, a hotel must be valued at $10 million or more (including land), include a restaurant, have at least 35 short-term guest rooms, provide 12-hour daily dining, and offer meeting space for 50+ people. The license allows on-premises alcohol sales only (with exceptions for catering) and requires an annual fee of $500-$3,000. It is intended for upscale hotels and exempts them from population-based liquor license limits.

Maddy summarySF 83 modifies how Wyoming school districts and charter schools manage leased K-12 facilities. It requires lease agreements to separately track and report funds dedicated to major facility maintenance, ensuring these funds are used only for that purpose and not diverted elsewhere. Districts must get approval before spending maintenance funds, and they can be reimbursed if leased space isn't counted in square footage calculations for maintenance funding. The bill applies to all districts leasing facilities and takes effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 190 creates a select committee to coordinate Wyoming's energy and industrial development projects, directly affecting state government (legislature and governor) and future project developers seeking state support. The bill establishes a committee with 6 members (3 from each chamber, including committee chairs) to review project proposals and task force recommendations, requiring a November 2023 report to relevant committees. Key provisions include authorizing task forces to study specific projects like natural gas export facilities, manufacturing plants, and market access strategies for Wyoming's energy resources. The committee may also draft new legislation to advance these projects, focusing on maximizing public benefits through coordinated state efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 284 amends Wyoming law to classify debt buyers as collection agencies, bringing them under existing regulatory requirements. It defines "debt buyer" as any person regularly purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection (whether collecting directly, hiring third parties, or using attorneys). This means debt buyers operating in Wyoming must now comply with the same rules as traditional collection agencies when collecting debts from consumers. The law applies to all debt buyers conducting business in the state, effective July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 148 clarifies that state firearm laws override local regulations, directly affecting cities and counties that might have attempted to enact stricter gun rules. The bill amends a definition in existing law to explicitly state that state statutes (W.S. 6-8-401 through 6-8-406) take precedence over local ordinances. This is a procedural clarification - no new restrictions or exceptions are added - and takes effect immediately upon enactment. It ensures local governments cannot impose additional firearm regulations beyond what the state already permits.