Maddy summaryHB 76 amends various Wyoming licensing board statutes by removing outdated language, obsolete dates, and redundant requirements. It specifically eliminates the state board's requirement to conduct cosmetology exams, updates continuing education rules for occupational therapists, and removes references to an accreditation committee for respiratory care practitioners. The bill affects multiple licensed professions, including cosmetology, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and real estate, by modernizing administrative procedures without creating new obligations. Key changes streamline existing rules by deleting expired provisions while maintaining current licensing processes. The bill takes effect upon enactment, with no new financial or operational impacts on licensees.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 100 requires Wyoming's Department of Revenue to hire a consultant to study converting the state's residential property tax system from current assessed value to one based on a property's original purchase price (acquisition value). The study must analyze revenue impacts across Wyoming, develop at least three implementation options - including one using 2017 values with annual 2% inflation - and address technical details like agricultural properties, new construction, and sales exclusions. The consultant must report findings to the Joint Revenue Committee by September 1, 2023, with the committee then determining if legislative action is needed. The bill appropriates $10,000 for this study, which is a preliminary step toward potential future tax system changes, not an immediate policy shift. This study directly affects how Wyoming might eventually calculate property taxes for homeowners.
Maddy summaryHB 169 requires Wyoming school districts to ensure high school students in grades 9-12 have access to at least 12 college credits through partnerships with accredited institutions like the University of Wyoming or community colleges. School boards must make these post-secondary options "reasonably accessible" to eligible students, working with higher education providers. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, directly impacting Wyoming public high school students and school district obligations. It modifies existing requirements for school-district collaboration with post-secondary institutions to guarantee credit access.
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 143, the Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act, creates education savings accounts (ESAs) providing $6,000 annually per eligible student (adjusted for inflation) to cover qualifying education expenses. It directly affects Wyoming residents who are K-12 students not yet graduated, allowing parents or guardians to use ESA funds for private school tuition, online learning, tutoring, textbooks, technology, and other approved educational costs. The state treasurer administers the program, disbursements occur monthly, and funds come from a dedicated state account - not local taxes - with excess funds transferred to the school foundation program if balances exceed $30 million. Qualified schools (non-governmental, non-discriminatory) are explicitly not considered state or federal agents under this program.
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 132 requires the state superintendent of public instruction to study the state's K-12 education standards and graduation requirements. The study examines whether current standards adequately prepare students for college, careers, and civic participation, reviews alignment with assessments, and considers adjustments to the number or structure of standards. It allocates $72,000 specifically for this study, to be completed by August 2023 and reported to the legislature. The bill does not change existing standards but aims to inform potential future updates to education policy.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 154 creates a permanent vehicle registration option for non-commercial vehicles that are 11 years old or older. Owners pay a one-time fee (including an $87.50 state administration charge plus five times the standard annual registration fee) instead of renewing annually. The permanent registration cannot be transferred to a new owner; if sold, the new owner must pay full standard registration fees. This change took effect July 1, 2023, and applies only to qualifying non-commercial vehicles.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming school districts to separately account for and spend all funds allocated for teachers under the education resource block grant model exclusively on teacher salaries, health insurance, and benefits starting in the 2023-2024 school year. It exempts charter schools, certain alternative schools, and very small districts (under 49 students or 243 total students). School districts must report annual spending data to the Department of Education, which then reports to the education committee by October 1 each year. The bill also mandates a study by June 2024 to refine how these funds are allocated.
Maddy summaryHB 174 removes the $20,000 value limit on homestead exemptions for Wyoming homeowners. This bill directly affects residents who claim homestead exemptions, allowing properties of any value to be protected from creditors. The key provision amends Wyoming's civil procedure code (W.S. 1-20-101) to eliminate the previous cap, meaning homeowners can now shield the full value of their primary residence. The change takes effect July 1, 2023. This is a straightforward policy update to the homestead exemption law, with no additional provisions or complex mechanisms.
Maddy summaryHB 56 designates Wyoming public schools as "Purple Star Schools" if they meet specific requirements to support military-connected students - defined as children of active or former military members (including National Guard/Reserve) or those who lost a parent in service. To qualify, schools must appoint a military liaison to identify these students and coordinate services, maintain a dedicated website with relocation, academic, and support resources, implement student transition programs, and provide staff training. Schools must also complete at least one community action, such as hosting military family events or partnering with local military installations. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, and applies to all qualifying Wyoming public schools seeking the designation.
Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 84) requires the state superintendent of public instruction to develop model definitions for "unexcused absence," "habitual truant," and "willful absenteeism" for public schools. School districts are not required to adopt these model rules but must define these terms themselves under existing law. The bill specifies that absences due to illness, family health issues, mental health needs, or approved activities (like the state fair) should not count as unexcused. The superintendent must complete the model rules and report them to the education committee by July 1, 2023. The bill directly affects public school districts and their student attendance policies across Wyoming.