Rep. Ann Lucas

Maddy summaryHB 130 creates a property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners, providing a 50% reduction on the first $200,000 of a primary residence's value (e.g., a $300,000 home would have $100,000 exempt). It applies to single-family homes where owners live at least 8 months yearly (including military members with service-related absences), directly affecting homeowners who qualify. The state will reimburse local governments for lost tax revenue using a $176 million appropriation from the general fund, with payments distributed to counties and school districts. The exemption expires after the 2026 tax year, ending January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 321 amends election laws to prioritize political party lists when appointing election judges and filling vacancies. County clerks must now give priority to registered electors from major and minor political parties (as submitted by county chairmen) over municipal clerk lists when appointing judges or filling vacancies before or during an election. This directly affects county clerks, election judges, and voters who may be appointed as judges. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, and apply to all county-level election judge appointments and vacancy fillings.

Maddy summaryHB 336 requires parents voluntarily giving up parental rights to sign a written acknowledgment stating that termination does not end their child support obligations. This acknowledgment must be signed by the parent and become part of the court record. The bill clarifies that courts retain full authority to modify, enforce, or terminate child support under existing law. It applies to all voluntary parental rights terminations in Wyoming and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "Residential Property Tax Reduction Account" to fund property tax refunds for Wyoming homeowners. It directly affects primary residence owners who paid property taxes in the prior year, capping refunds at $13,300 per household. Key mechanisms include funding the account from unappropriated general fund balances (exceeding 5% of projected receipts) and mineral trust earnings, with refunds paid proportionally if funds are insufficient. Refunds will begin for 2025 taxes in 2026, with even years capped at half the account balance and odd years using the full balance. The program defines "primary residence" as where a homeowner lived at least six months of the tax year.

Maddy summaryHB 216 prohibits animal control facilities in Wyoming from euthanizing pets using methods like gas chambers, carbon monoxide, or nonanesthetic gases. Instead, facilities must use injection methods (intravenous, intraperitoneal, or intracardiac after unconsciousness) for all pets, including dogs, cats, and other companion animals. The bill requires facilities to adopt training policies for staff performing euthanasia and maintain records of training, with violations classified as misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses. It applies specifically to animal control facilities handling stray, surrendered, or neglected household pets, excluding livestock. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a provision that allowed Wyoming's attorney general to void ballot initiatives if they were deemed substantially similar to existing laws. It directly affects citizens and groups submitting initiative petitions, ensuring their proposals cannot be blocked solely on this grounds. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, streamlining the process for placing initiatives on the ballot without the duplicate law review.

Maddy summaryHB 187 amends Wyoming's theft penalties to increase sentencing for certain offenses. It raises the felony threshold for most property theft from $500 to $1,000 (while keeping firearms/horses at $500), and increases misdemeanor penalties for lower-value thefts. Repeat offenders (fifth or subsequent theft convictions) face felony charges with up to 10 years in prison, $10,000 fines, or both. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of theft, shoplifting, or related property crimes under Wyoming law. It takes effect 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 163 prohibits employers in Wyoming from hiring individuals who are unlawfully present in the U.S. or not authorized to work under federal law. It imposes misdemeanor penalties of $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill exempts workers with valid visas or those lawfully renewing status under federal guidelines, and each violation counts as a separate offense. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Wyoming officials from enforcing any mask, vaccine, or testing requirements related to COVID-19 or its variants based on guidance from the CDC or WHO. It declares these federal and international health organizations have no jurisdiction in Wyoming for such mandates. The law directly affects Wyoming residents, healthcare providers, and state/local officials who might otherwise comply with CDC/WHO recommendations. It does not alter state public health authority or address health measures unrelated to COVID-19.