Rep. Ocean Andrew

Maddy summarySF 95 removes automatic job protection ("tenure") for Wyoming teachers after three years of service. It replaces the previous system with annual performance evaluations until a teacher is rated "effective" for two consecutive years, after which evaluations occur every three years. The bill also modifies hearing procedures for teacher suspensions or dismissals and clarifies definitions like "probationary teacher" (less than three years of service). These changes directly affect all public school teachers in Wyoming by altering job security and evaluation requirements. The bill does not change salary structures or other employment benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 180 amends Wyoming's Controlled Substances Act to clarify and streamline property forfeiture procedures related to drug violations. It specifies that property subject to forfeiture includes controlled substances, equipment used in drug manufacturing, vehicles transporting drugs, buildings used for drug activity, and money traceable to drug offenses. The bill requires courts to issue notices to potential owners or lienholders before final forfeiture, giving them 30-60 days to contest the seizure, and mandates that property used without the owner's knowledge cannot be forfeited. This directly affects property owners involved in drug-related cases by altering the legal process for government seizure of assets.

Maddy summaryHB 202 requires individuals receiving Wyoming unemployment benefits to undergo weekly rapid drug testing under the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act. It disqualifies recipients from benefits if they fail a test and fall into specific categories: those recently employed by companies with approved drug-testing programs, those seeking jobs requiring drug tests (e.g., licensed occupations), or those targeting "extrahazardous" work. Employers may receive credits or refunds for unemployment contributions paid for disqualified employees. The bill mandates rulemaking by the Department of Workforce Services and takes effect July 1, 2024, with immediate implementation for certain sections.

Maddy summaryHB 107 requires Wyoming's Department of Transportation to downgrade a commercial driver's license (CDL) if a driver fails to provide a current federal medical certificate within 60 days after it expires. The bill mandates that the department must reinstate the CDL without requiring the driver to retake knowledge or driving tests once they provide a valid medical certificate before the original CDL's expiration date. This applies directly to commercial drivers who temporarily lack medical certification. The law takes effect July 1, 2024, and requires the department to create necessary implementing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 195, the "Defend the Guard Act," prohibits the Wyoming National Guard from being deployed into active duty combat unless the U.S. Congress has officially declared war or taken specific constitutional action under Article I, Section 8. It defines "active duty combat" as participating in armed conflicts, hazardous services related to conflicts abroad, or duties involving war instruments. The bill requires the governor to prevent such deployments without these congressional actions, while allowing Title 32 deployments for domestic missions within the U.S. and its territories. This law directly affects Wyoming National Guard members and their deployment authority, taking effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 178, the Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act, would prevent state government from restricting religious practices unless it proves the restriction is necessary for a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive option. It applies to individuals, businesses, and religious groups whose religious exercise is burdened by government actions like denying permits, benefits, or access to facilities. Those affected could sue in court to challenge such restrictions. The bill explicitly states it does not override laws protecting public health, safety, or order.

Maddy summaryHB 194 is a proposed bill that would repeal Wyoming's current statewide student assessment system and the Wyoming Accountability in Education Act. It would remove requirements for school districts to maintain assessment systems aligned with state standards and eliminate related data collection obligations for the state education department. The bill would affect school districts, the state superintendent, and the state board of education by ending their current roles in administering and enforcing the assessment system. This is a procedural repeal bill, not a new policy, and it remains pending as of February 2024.

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 summaryHB 212 requires all Wyoming state entities (including agencies, schools, counties, and cities) to include the current federal poverty level's exact dollar amount in any public or legislative report that references it. Instead of using vague terms like "below 100% of poverty level," reports must state the actual numeric value (e.g., "$14,570 for a single adult in 2024"). This applies to all reports published on or after July 1, 2024, ensuring transparency about the specific income threshold being discussed. The bill focuses solely on clarifying reporting standards, not altering poverty definitions or benefits.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 190 requires schools to notify parents about student health changes, name/pronoun adjustments, and well-being questionnaires, while prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for K-12 students. The bill mandates parental consent for school health services and prohibits schools from restricting parental access to student records or discouraging parent involvement in student welfare decisions. School staff violating these provisions face disciplinary action, and schools may be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. The law directly affects K-12 students, parents/guardians, and school staff, with implementation set for the 2024-2025 school year. It also establishes legal remedies for parents alleging violations by schools or staff.