Rep. Bob Wharff

Maddy summaryHB 63, the "Working Animal Protection Act," prevents Wyoming counties and cities from banning or unduly restricting the use of "working animals" in lawful commerce or animal enterprises. It directly affects local governments by overriding conflicting ordinances, though it allows zoning, health, and safety rules to remain in place. The bill defines "working animals" as non-food animals used for duties like ranching, transportation, or tourism (excluding cattle, chickens, or other food/fiber animals). It becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 282 establishes that for certain properties (like recently purchased residential real estate), the purchase price (acquisition value) is presumed correct for property tax assessment, unless proven otherwise. This directly affects property owners who recently bought land or buildings, as it shifts the burden to tax assessors to justify using a different value. The bill clarifies that sworn statements about acquisition value must remain confidential but can be used by county assessors and the state board of equalization to determine tax value, while maintaining privacy protections. It amends Wyoming's property tax code to formalize this presumption and update related definitions and procedures. The bill does not change tax rates but changes how property value is initially determined for tax purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 173 modifies requirements for independent candidates running for partisan offices in Wyoming. It requires candidates to swear they are unaffiliated with major parties or not registered with one, increases the signature requirement from 2% to 5% of votes cast for the relevant office in the last general election, and extends the petition filing deadline from 70 to 81 days before the primary election. These changes directly affect independent candidates seeking statewide, county, or district offices. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming joint resolution (SJ 8) requests Congress to propose a constitutional amendment allowing states and Congress to establish reasonable limits on money spent to influence elections. It specifically seeks authority to distinguish between natural persons (individuals) and artificial entities like corporations, unions, or AI when setting these limits. The resolution argues that current Supreme Court interpretations equating unlimited spending with free speech undermine political equality, election integrity, and local representation. It does not create new laws but formally asks Congress to initiate a constitutional amendment process to address these concerns.

Maddy summaryHB 172 repeals restrictions on concealed weapons in specific public spaces, allowing permit holders to carry guns in government meetings, school athletic events on public property, and school facilities (like classrooms and offices). It also strengthens Wyoming’s state law by preventing local governments from regulating firearms, declaring that only the state legislature can set rules for guns, ammunition, and weapons. The bill includes exceptions for health facilities, explosive materials, and private property rules, and adds penalties for blocking someone from entering permitted areas. School districts must establish training rules for employees carrying concealed weapons, requiring 16 hours of initial training and annual 12-hour recertification.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 120 (the Wyoming PRIME Act) allows small-scale producers to sell meat from their own livestock (cattle, sheep, swine, or goats) directly to consumers in Wyoming, provided the animals were raised, slaughtered on the producer's property or at a custom slaughter facility, and processed within the state. Producers must provide a clear written warning stating the meat hasn't been inspected, prohibit resale or donation by consumers, and avoid implying state approval. The law won't take effect until the governor certifies that federal law permits such sales, with a planned effective date of July 1, 2025, pending this federal action. This directly affects Wyoming producers of small-batch meat and their local end consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 73 adds "rock climbing" to the list of recreation activities covered under Wyoming's Recreation Safety Act. This change directly affects landowners who allow rock climbing on their property, clarifying that liability protections for landowners apply to this activity. The bill amends existing definitions in two statutes to include rock climbing within the scope of "sport or recreational opportunity" and "recreational purpose." It takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not create new safety requirements - only updates the legal definition.

Maddy summaryHB 234 prohibits state and local governments from collecting or maintaining lists of privately owned firearms or their owners using specific merchant codes (like "firearms codes") in payment processing. It also bans payment processors from requiring such codes for firearm retailers or discriminating against them by charging higher fees or refusing transactions based on firearm sales. The bill directly affects firearm retailers, payment processors, and state agencies by restricting how firearm-related transaction data can be handled. Violations could lead to civil actions or criminal penalties, including misdemeanor charges for knowingly violating these provisions.

Maddy summarySF 156 prohibits Wyoming school districts from using state foundation program funds for capital construction or major facility repairs/replacements. The bill specifically blocks these funds from covering costs for educational buildings, offices, portable classrooms, or "enhancements" (non-essential upgrades), and restricts special reserve funds from being spent on similar projects. It affects all Wyoming public school districts receiving foundation program funds, requiring them to separate these funds from capital improvement budgets. The law amends existing statutes to clarify these spending restrictions and requires districts to report compliance in annual financial reports.

Maddy summaryHB 339 prevents homeowners' associations (HOAs) in Wyoming from banning campaign signs on members' property, directly affecting HOAs and homeowners. The bill allows HOAs to set limited rules - such as restricting sign size (max 4x6 feet), limiting one sign per candidate, and setting timing (90 days before primaries to 30 days after general elections) - but prohibits outright bans on campaign signs. It defines "homeowners' association" broadly to cover most residential property groups and adds penalties for violations, making noncompliance a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.