Rep. Jeremy Haroldson

Maddy summaryHB 91 prohibits Wyoming from enforcing health mandates or requirements from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) related to mask-wearing, vaccines, or medical testing for COVID-19 or its variants. The bill explicitly states these federal and international health organizations have "no jurisdiction" in Wyoming, meaning their guidance cannot be used to justify such requirements within the state. It directly affects Wyoming residents, businesses, and local officials who would otherwise be subject to CDC or WHO directives. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, and applies specifically to pandemic-related health measures.

Maddy summaryHB 159 prohibits unauthorized fees for advising on veterans benefits, directly affecting veterans seeking benefits and third-party advisors (like claim assistants). The bill requires written fee agreements meeting federal standards, mandates clear disclosures that free government services exist (including Wyoming Military Department and county agencies), and bans guarantees of specific benefit outcomes or pre-disagreement fees. It also prohibits excessive fees and requires advertising disclosures about free alternatives. Violations are treated as deceptive trade practices under Wyoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 161 amends Wyoming law to change how vacancies in county commissioner seats, other county elected offices, and state legislature positions are filled. If a county board fails to appoint a replacement within the required timeframe, a qualified voter can petition the district judge to fill the vacancy. The judge must appoint one of three qualified candidates submitted by the county central committee, or, if the committee fails to provide names, a person from the same political party as the previous officeholder (or any qualified person if no party was represented). This process applies to all affected offices starting July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 123 repeals mandatory immunization requirements for children attending child care facilities (such as daycares and preschools) in Wyoming. The bill removes existing laws requiring immunizations for enrollment at these facilities, effective July 1, 2024. Current requirements will remain in place until that date, after which child care facilities cannot enforce immunization mandates. This change specifically applies to child care settings and does not affect immunization rules for public schools or other health regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 217 directs how Wyoming can use leftover federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPD) to address pandemic-related needs. It specifies funding allocations for state agencies, including $10 million for workforce programs, $22 million for outdoor recreation grants, $35 million for transportation communications systems, and $13 million for health department staffing. The bill sets conditions for spending these funds, requires reporting on their use, and ensures unspent ARPD funds revert to the federal government. It primarily affects Wyoming state agencies and local governments receiving these funds for pandemic recovery efforts.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 167 proposes a legal process for the state to declare federal laws unconstitutional and "nullify" them, based on the bill's argument that such actions violate the U.S. Constitution's separation of powers and Tenth Amendment. It creates new statutes (W.S. 9-14-301-305) requiring the state to issue formal "orders of nullification" after a legislative petition and review process, with duties assigned to the Secretary of State and legislative leaders. The bill directly affects Wyoming's state government by establishing procedures for challenging federal actions it deems unconstitutional, though it does not change federal law or impact citizens directly. Currently inactive (last action: "H Did not Consider for Introduction" on 2024-02-17), it remains a procedural framework without enacted policy effects.

Maddy summaryHB 176 automatically restores the right to possess firearms and other civil rights for nonviolent felons in Wyoming five years after completing their sentence (including probation or parole), provided they haven’t been convicted of another felony (except for related offenses). It repeals a misdemeanor charge for nonviolent felons possessing firearms, as the penalty is no longer applicable once rights are restored under this law. The bill also requires the Department of Corrections to notify federal authorities when firearm rights are restored. These changes take effect July 1, 2024, directly affecting nonviolent felons who have served their sentences and meet eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 99 prohibits Wyoming state agencies and recipients of state funds from using public money to purchase products or services made with child labor or slave labor. The bill defines "child labor" as work by anyone under 18 violating U.S. or state labor laws (including foreign labor that would violate U.S. law) and "slave labor" as forced work under threat of penalty. Exceptions include juvenile justice programs, correctional industry programs, and specific statutes. The state budget department must create implementing rules, with the law taking effect July 1, 2024, for most provisions.

Maddy summaryWyoming HB 110 exempts certain routine agricultural activities from the state's underground facilities notification requirements. It directly affects farmers and ranchers performing specific on-farm tasks without needing to notify utility companies first. The bill lists four key exemptions: routine farm operations, land clearing without deep root removal, irrigation maintenance done within the past 24 months, and routine fence line upkeep. This change takes effect on July 1, 2024, streamlining operations for agricultural landowners.

Maddy summaryHB 124 repeals Wyoming's law (W.S. 35-4-106) that authorized the Department of Health to require smallpox vaccinations. It removes the state's legal authority to mandate such vaccinations, effective July 1, 2024, while allowing existing requirements to remain valid until that date. This is a procedural repeal of an outdated provision, as smallpox has been eradicated globally and no longer poses a public health threat in Wyoming.