Rep. Bob Wharff

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 103 amends education law to require constitutional instruction in public schools and colleges, mandating at least three years of study in K-8 and one year in secondary/college. The bill explicitly excludes concepts described as "critical race theory" or "critical theory" from the required curriculum, defining "American institutions and ideals" to not include ideas that "inflame divisions" based on race, ethnicity, or other characteristics. This directly affects all public schools and colleges in Wyoming receiving state funding. The law took effect July 1, 2022.

Maddy summarySF 93 requires Wyoming's Legislative Service Office to publish each legislator's detailed roll call voting records on the official legislative website. This includes specific data for every vote: year, bill number, catch title, sponsor, amendment number, vote type, result, and date. The bill directly affects all Wyoming legislators by mandating this transparency on their official profile pages. It became effective July 1, 2022, and does not alter voting procedures or policy outcomes - only the public accessibility of voting history.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 87, the Second Amendment Preservation Act, declares that certain federal gun regulations within the state are unconstitutional and prohibits state officials from enforcing them. It defines "law abiding citizen" (excluding undocumented individuals) and allows civil lawsuits against officials who enforce federal gun laws deemed beyond federal authority. The bill asserts that federal actions restricting firearm possession, sale, or ownership within Wyoming exceed constitutional limits, except for regulations related to the military or active militia. This procedural bill, which failed to advance in 2022, does not change state gun laws but aims to block federal enforcement of gun regulations it deems invalid.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 133, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act-2," prohibits state officials from enforcing federal laws or actions that the state deems unconstitutional restrictions on firearm ownership within Wyoming. It directly affects Wyoming residents (defined as legally present citizens without certain disqualifications) and state officials who might otherwise comply with federal gun regulations. Key provisions include allowing citizens to sue officials for enforcing such federal actions and establishing that Wyoming retains authority to regulate firearms under state law and the Second Amendment. The bill asserts state sovereignty by declaring federal actions that infringe on firearm rights - like data collection or possession restrictions - unconstitutional within Wyoming's borders.

Maddy summaryHB 143, the "Wyoming Patient Cannabis Act of 2022," proposes a legal framework for medical cannabis in Wyoming. It would allow patients with qualifying conditions (like chronic pain, cancer, or multiple sclerosis) to access cannabis products through licensed dispensaries, with caregivers permitted to assist them. The bill establishes licensing for cultivation facilities, testing labs, and dispensaries under the Wyoming Department of Revenue Liquor Division, prohibits local governments from banning such operations, and defines medical cannabis products while banning synthetic marijuana prescriptions. This would be the first state-regulated medical cannabis program in Wyoming, affecting patients, caregivers, and licensed businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 115 allows licensed hunters in Wyoming to legally sell trimmings (the parts left after processing big game animals or wild bison, excluding landfill-required portions) instead of disposing of them. The bill defines "trimmings" as all parts destined for disposal after processing and grants the wildlife commission authority to further specify which parts qualify. It directly affects licensed hunters who process game and businesses that may purchase these trimmings. The law amends existing regulations to permit this sale while maintaining disposal requirements for certain parts, effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 88 prohibits employers, government entities, and healthcare providers from denying services, employment, education, or healthcare based on a person's COVID-19 or mRNA vaccination status. The bill also bans asking about vaccination status to access public services or facilities. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by up to $5,000 fines or five years in prison, and affected individuals can pursue civil lawsuits for damages. The law specifically overrides existing immunity protections for healthcare providers under certain circumstances. It applies to all claims accruing after its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 132 creates a new standing committee called the "Federal Review Committee" within Wyoming's legislature. This committee would review all federal laws, regulations, and actions to determine if they infringe on Wyoming's sovereignty or violate the U.S. Constitution as defined during ratification debates. The committee must disregard U.S. Supreme Court interpretations when making these determinations and would sponsor legislation based on its findings. The bill directly affects the Wyoming legislature by establishing this new committee with specific constitutional review powers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming state agencies to obtain both written governor approval and explicit legislative approval before accepting or spending federal funds that exceed amounts previously approved by the legislature. It mandates written notice to all legislators for any request involving over $1 million in such funds, with the legislature having 10 days to decide. The law applies to all federal funds accepted after its effective date and prevents state payments if approval isn't secured, ensuring no disbursement occurs without legislative consent. This directly affects state agencies managing federal grants and requires transparency in budget decisions involving federal revenue.

2021/Summaries/HB0036.pdf