Rep. Bill Henderson

Maddy summaryHB 261 creates a new misdemeanor offense for disturbing peace in health care facilities, applying to individuals who cause unreasonably loud noise, use threatening or abusive language, or engage in violent actions with knowledge they will disturb others. The law specifically covers facilities including hospitals, clinics, and offices of licensed health care providers like doctors, dentists, and nurses. Violations carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail, a $750 fine, or both. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023, and defines "health care facility" per existing Wyoming law to include all licensed provider settings.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 196, the Wyoming Infrastructure Protection Act, requires the state's homeland security office to create a reporting system for suspicious activity involving foreign countries designated as threats to critical infrastructure. The governor can designate countries (including those labeled state sponsors of terrorism or deemed risky) and mandate reports on real estate deals, contracts, or other activities near infrastructure like power plants, water systems, or communications networks. The bill authorizes two new state positions (critical infrastructure analyst and energy analyst) and allocates $203,000 for implementation, effective July 1, 2023. It directly affects Wyoming government entities, businesses operating near critical infrastructure, and foreign entities engaging in contracts or property transactions in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 63 updates salary structures for Wyoming's district attorneys and county/prosecuting attorneys. Starting in 2023, district attorneys will earn the same as district court judges, while county attorneys must receive at least $35,000 annually but no more than the district court judge's salary. The bill also increases state funding for county attorneys, covering up to $50,000 per year (or 50% of salary, whichever is less) for the main attorney and $30,000 for each assistant. These changes take effect July 1, 2022, with the new salary levels applying from January 2, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 65 clarifies that property tax protest appeals mailed by Wyoming taxpayers are considered timely filed if postmarked by the deadline date (within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice), rather than requiring physical receipt by the county by that date. This directly affects property owners challenging their tax assessments who use mail to submit appeals. The key provision replaces the previous uncertainty about mailing deadlines with a clear, objective standard based on the postmark date. The law became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 113) extends a property tax exemption to private, nonprofit community housing development organizations that receive funding from Wyoming's Community Development Authority (WCDA). It directly affects these affordable housing providers by exempting their owned property from local property taxes. The key provision adds a new exemption under Wyoming law (W.S. 39-11-105(a)(xviii)(B)), which terminates if the organization sells or leases the property. The exemption became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 135 creates Wyoming's "General Regulatory Sandbox Program," allowing businesses to temporarily test new products or services without full compliance with certain state regulations. It directly affects businesses seeking to innovate in Wyoming by requiring them to apply to the state council for limited, time-bound waivers of licensing or regulatory requirements. Key provisions include mandatory consumer safety assessments, requirements for businesses to maintain operations and records within Wyoming, and council oversight to ensure waivers don't violate federal law or endanger public health. The program aims to support business development while protecting consumers through structured testing protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 116, "The People's House Endowment Act," creates a permanent trust fund for Wyoming's capitol complex. It establishes the "People's House Endowment Account," which can receive donations and federal grants, with 75% of investment earnings remaining in the endowment and 25% annually distributed to the Capitol Square Preservation Account. The bill appropriates $15 million from the general fund to the endowment, $10 million to the preservation account, and $200,000 specifically for matching private gifts to the endowment if requested. This act directly affects state treasury operations and Capitol Square maintenance funding.

Maddy summaryHB 130 requires biennial salary adjustments for most full-time state employees in Wyoming, including those working for state agencies, the University of Wyoming, and community colleges, but excluding elected officials. The adjustments are based on a three-year average of Wyoming's cost-of-living index, applying to salaries up to $80,000, with a minimum of 0% and maximum of 3% per adjustment. The first adjustment takes effect July 1, 2024, and will occur every even-numbered year after. The bill also directs school districts to consider these same cost-of-living adjustments when calculating external cost adjustments for school funding.

Maddy summaryHB 113 imposes an annual tax on Wyoming businesses providing digital asset custodial services. It requires corporations, LLCs, statutory trusts, and statutory foundations (excluding banks) to pay $0.0002 for every $1 of digital assets they hold in custody, based on annual reports to the Secretary of State. The tax applies to entities engaging in "custodial services" as defined in Wyoming law, with banks subject to similar requirements under separate provisions. The tax revenue must be deposited into the Financial Institutions Administration account and becomes effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 143, the "Wyoming Patient Cannabis Act of 2022," proposes a legal framework for medical cannabis in Wyoming. It would allow patients with qualifying conditions (like chronic pain, cancer, or multiple sclerosis) to access cannabis products through licensed dispensaries, with caregivers permitted to assist them. The bill establishes licensing for cultivation facilities, testing labs, and dispensaries under the Wyoming Department of Revenue Liquor Division, prohibits local governments from banning such operations, and defines medical cannabis products while banning synthetic marijuana prescriptions. This would be the first state-regulated medical cannabis program in Wyoming, affecting patients, caregivers, and licensed businesses.