Rep. Ryan Berger

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 summaryWyoming's SF 142 requires public utilities to offer coal-fired power plants for sale specifically for carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) projects. The bill establishes rules for selling carbon dioxide streams (e.g., for enhanced oil recovery), mandates bonding to cover future decommissioning and cleanup costs, and sets definitions for key terms like "carbon capture customer" (oil/gas companies using CO2 streams). It aims to make captured carbon dioxide available for industrial use while preventing rate hikes for electricity customers. The law also requires studies and reports on implementation, targeting coal plant operators and oil/gas industry stakeholders directly affected by the new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 160 allows Wyoming veterans with a "veteran designation" on their driver's license to use it as proof of service instead of the military form DD 214. This directly affects Wyoming veterans who have the designation on their license when interacting with local government entities (like city offices or county services). The bill requires these entities to accept the designated driver's license as valid proof, though they may still request the DD 214 if additional documentation is needed. The law took effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 122 extends temporary vehicle registration options for nonresident workers employed in the state. It allows nonresident employees to purchase a temporary permit ($50 per month, max 180 days) instead of full registration, provided their vehicle already displays valid out-of-state plates and insurance. The permit must be visibly displayed and replaces the need for standard registration fees, with collected funds going to county general funds. This directly affects nonresident workers driving vehicles registered in other states.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 120 prohibits police from asking drivers or passengers to exit a vehicle during a traffic stop unless they have reasonable suspicion of a serious crime (punishable by jail), a search warrant, notification of an out-of-state crime, or immediate danger of bodily harm. The law directly affects drivers, passengers, and law enforcement officers during routine traffic stops. If officers violate this rule, any evidence found as a result cannot be used in court. The bill, which died in committee in 2023, would have taken effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 178 authorizes Wyoming's Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources to host revenue-generating events (like weddings, concerts, or corporate gatherings) on specific state land parcels in Teton County, subject to approval by the Board of Land Commissioners. The bill limits each parcel to five event sites, requires temporary structures to be dismantled after use, and mandates that all event revenues be deposited into the common school account within the permanent land income fund. It appropriates $3 million for implementation, including site assessments, business planning, and securing concessionaires, with funds usable through June 2026. The law also requires the department and state lands office to develop implementing rules.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 253, the "Credit Card Defense Act," requires merchants selling firearms or ammunition in the state to use a "sporting goods" merchant category code for all transactions, instead of codes specifying firearms. Financial institutions, credit cards, and payment processors must not collect or generate personally identifying information beyond this category code for such purchases. The law directly affects firearm retailers, banks, and payment processors handling these transactions in Wyoming. It mandates that all relevant financial institutions adopt this coding standard by July 1, 2023, to limit transaction data collection related to firearm purchases.

Maddy summaryHB 122 establishes a licensing system for anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) in Wyoming, directly affecting AAs seeking to practice and supervising anesthesiologists. The bill requires AAs to graduate from approved programs, pass national certification exams, and work under the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist who must be physically present during procedures. Key provisions define the AA's scope of practice - including performing preoperative evaluations, airway management, administering anesthesia, and managing medications - all while working within the supervising anesthesiologist's approved scope and requiring their co-signature within 24 hours. This creates formal requirements for licensure, supervision, and practice boundaries, replacing the previous unregulated status for AAs in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 278 requires Wyoming's game and fish department, state lands office, and state parks department to update digital maps showing public access points (like trails, roads, and fishing/hunting water access) on state-owned lands. The maps must include boundaries, seasonal restrictions, and vehicle type limits for all relevant easements, excluding pipelines, short-term (≤3-year) easements, and transportation department easements. These updated maps must be publicly available by January 1, 2025, and refreshed annually. The bill directly affects state agencies managing public access and outdoor recreation resources.

Maddy summaryHB 264 appropriates $520,000 from the general fund to create a mining-themed mural in the Wyoming State Capitol's House chamber, specifically depicting the history of mining in Wyoming. The bill requires the mural to match the style of existing Allen True murals in the chamber and mandates that funds be used solely for planning, design, and painting the artwork. It establishes a selection committee (including House members and non-legislative experts) to choose an artist and requires approval from the state building commission before installation. The bill is procedural, not a policy change, and funds cannot be diverted or expired before mural completion.