Rep. Bob Wharff

Maddy summaryHB 288 allows cities, towns, counties, or school districts in Wyoming to directly serve as the governing board for public recreation systems (like parks and facilities) instead of appointing a separate board. If a local government acts as the board, it is exempt from certain appointment rules under existing law. The bill also requires joint recreation systems (managed by multiple governments) to include at least one representative from each participating entity. It takes effect on July 1, 2025. (Bill: HB 288)

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Wyoming property owners from selling or transferring real property to the federal government without prior consent from the Wyoming legislature. It requires sellers to submit a notice and evidence that the federal government's acquisition would be based on a constitutional power (like eminent domain) before signing any binding agreement. Failure to comply results in a civil penalty equal to the sale's net proceeds. The law applies to all such transactions occurring on or after July 1, 2025, directly affecting property owners and federal agencies seeking land acquisitions in Wyoming.

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 Wyoming constitutional amendment (SJ 10) clarifies that taxation and spending authority belongs solely to the state legislature and governor (executive branch), not the courts. It allows the legislature to delegate local taxing power to counties/cities (with elected officials serving ≤4-year terms) and delegate routine debt payments to the executive branch, with courts enforcing these tasks. For public school funding, it requires the legislature to create a judicially reviewable funding formula, but the appropriation amount itself cannot be challenged in court. If funding falls short, school spending would be reduced uniformly across all districts. The amendment must be approved by voters to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 185) requires Wyoming public entities (like cities, counties, school districts, and the state) to sell government-owned property not used for "governmental purposes" after 10 consecutive years of non-use, with a deadline of January 1, 2027. It defines "governmental purpose" to include health/safety facilities, education, infrastructure, and administrative buildings, but explicitly excludes recreational properties (like campgrounds and movie theaters), leased commercial spaces, and idle land. Property required by law (such as state lands managed by the Board of Land Commissioners) is exempt from this requirement. The law aims to ensure government assets are used for public services or sold, reducing unused public holdings.

Maddy summaryHB 186 requires Wyoming's Game and Fish Commission to issue "bear coupons" with certain resident elk hunting licenses, allowing the holder to harvest one brown or black bear (not grizzly) in areas where elk hunting is permitted. The bill mandates the Commission to provide evidence of grizzly bear population recovery to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by July 1, 2025, to support delisting grizzlies from the endangered species list. It prohibits taking grizzly bears within the Yellowstone recovery zone and specifies that bear coupons do not require additional fees or count toward hunting license limits. The law takes effect upon delisting confirmation or January 1, 2026, whichever comes first.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 85 requires the state Attorney General to investigate local government actions (counties, cities, towns) that allegedly violate state law or the Wyoming Constitution, following a legislator's written request. If violations are confirmed, the Attorney General must give local governments 30 days to fix the issue before the state treasurer withholds their share of state funds distributed under existing revenue laws. The bill creates a specific process: legislators notify local officials first, the Attorney General investigates within 30 days, and funds are withheld until violations are resolved. This directly affects local governments that fail to comply with state law, using withheld state revenue as an enforcement tool.

Maddy summaryHB 19 requires social media companies to obtain explicit parental or guardian permission before allowing Wyoming minors under 18 to create accounts on their platforms. The bill mandates that companies verify this consent, establish processes for parents to revoke consent, and comply with rules created by the state Attorney General. This law directly affects Wyoming minors and social media companies operating within the state, taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 340 prohibits all Wyoming state entities - including agencies, departments, community colleges, and the University of Wyoming - from accepting, spending, or using any federal funds. It requires state entities to return any federal funds already received by June 30 of each year and to fully transfer unspent federal funds to the state auditor by July 1, 2026, for return to the federal government. The bill repeals existing laws that allowed accepting federal funds and mandates state entities to report on federal funds by October 1, 2025. It applies to all federal funds received after July 1, 2026, but does not affect contracts or funds already spent before that date.

Maddy summaryHB 338 requires the Wyoming Legislative Service Office to publish a daily list of email domains and IP addresses blocked from delivering messages to state legislators. It allows anyone whose emails to legislators have been blocked to request removal, and the office must process such requests within two days unless a security threat exists. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, aiming to increase transparency about email delivery issues and provide a clear resolution process for the public.