Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 167 proposes a legal process for the state to declare federal laws unconstitutional and "nullify" them, based on the bill's argument that such actions violate the U.S. Constitution's separation of powers and Tenth Amendment. It creates new statutes (W.S. 9-14-301-305) requiring the state to issue formal "orders of nullification" after a legislative petition and review process, with duties assigned to the Secretary of State and legislative leaders. The bill directly affects Wyoming's state government by establishing procedures for challenging federal actions it deems unconstitutional, though it does not change federal law or impact citizens directly. Currently inactive (last action: "H Did not Consider for Introduction" on 2024-02-17), it remains a procedural framework without enacted policy effects.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 136 would repeal a specific definition of "gender identity" in Wyoming education law that previously determined student eligibility for interscholastic activities (like school sports). This change would directly affect student-athletes in Wyoming public schools by removing the requirement to use that definition for participation eligibility. The bill's key provision is simply removing the referenced statutory definition (W.S. 21-25-201(a)(v)), with no new rules added. It is currently pending in the Wyoming legislature (last action: received for introduction on February 9, 2024) and would take effect July 1, 2024, if enacted. The bill does not create new eligibility rules; it only eliminates the existing definition.
Maddy summaryHB 150 requires that during a public health emergency in Wyoming, any order exempting businesses from closure must also exempt religious assemblies, including places of worship (like churches and 501(c)(3) organizations) and gatherings in private homes or public spaces. It mandates that religious institutions be treated equally to other exempt businesses during such emergencies. The bill allows individuals to sue for violations, seeking remedies like damages, injunctions, and attorney fees, and amends state law to permit punitive damages in these cases. This directly affects religious organizations and public health enforcement during emergencies in Wyoming.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 190 requires schools to notify parents about student health changes, name/pronoun adjustments, and well-being questionnaires, while prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for K-12 students. The bill mandates parental consent for school health services and prohibits schools from restricting parental access to student records or discouraging parent involvement in student welfare decisions. School staff violating these provisions face disciplinary action, and schools may be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. The law directly affects K-12 students, parents/guardians, and school staff, with implementation set for the 2024-2025 school year. It also establishes legal remedies for parents alleging violations by schools or staff.
Maddy summaryHB 183 prohibits foreign governments, businesses, or individuals (defined as citizens of Russia, China, state sponsors of terrorism, or countries under specific arms regulations) from owning most land in Wyoming, allowing only personal residences under one acre. It requires existing foreign owners to sell their land by July 2026 (unless for a qualifying personal residence) and mandates annual registration with the Secretary of State for all foreign land ownership, including personal residences. Owners who fail to register face daily civil penalties of $5,000, and county clerks must report violations to the Attorney General for enforcement, which may include court-ordered forfeiture and sale of the land. The bill also requires tax assessment notices to inform owners about the foreign ownership restrictions and registration requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 49, the "By the People Act," requires state agencies in Wyoming to provide live remote audio or video access to public meetings where practicable. It mandates that agencies make meeting recordings and minutes available online for at least five years, sets clear rules for public comment periods (including timed or reasonable time limits), and prohibits restrictions on public broadcasting of meetings unless disruption is reasonably expected. This bill directly affects all state agencies holding public meetings by standardizing digital access and documentation. It takes effect July 1, 2024, with no current legislative action beyond initial introduction.
Maddy summaryHB 182 prohibits payment processors from assigning special merchant category codes to firearm or ammunition retailers, requiring them to be classified as general merchandise or sporting goods retailers instead. This directly affects payment entities (like banks and credit card networks) and firearm retailers who must use standard retail codes. Violations carry a $1,000 fine per violation. The bill does not change gun laws or purchase requirements but modifies payment processing rules, effective July 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill lowers Wyoming's minimum age requirement for obtaining a concealed firearm permit from 21 to 18 years old. It amends Section 6-8-104(b)(ii) of the Wyoming Statutes to allow 18-year-olds to apply for permits, directly affecting young adults seeking concealed carry authorization. The bill repeals a conflicting provision (W.S. 6-8-104(j)) and takes effect July 1, 2024. It makes no changes to permit issuance procedures or other eligibility criteria beyond the age adjustment.
Maddy summaryHB 158 requires Wyoming's governor to rescind all existing refugee resettlement plans by July 1, 2024, and submit new plans to the legislature for approval before they take effect. The bill mandates that proposed plans include specific details on promoting refugee economic self-sufficiency, language training, employment services, coordination of resources, care for unaccompanied minors, medical needs, and detailed funding projections. A legislative committee must review these plans, hold public hearings, and report recommendations to the legislature. This bill directly affects state agencies and the governor's office by shifting authority for refugee resettlement oversight from executive action to legislative approval and public input.
Maddy summaryWyoming HB 128, the Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act, creates education savings accounts (ESAs) providing eligible students with $6,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) to cover qualified educational expenses. It directly affects Wyoming residents who are public school-eligible but haven’t graduated high school, allowing parents to use ESA funds for tuition at qualified schools (including private or online programs), textbooks, tutoring, technology, and other approved educational costs. The state treasurer administers the accounts, which are funded by state appropriations - not local tax revenues - and require parental agreements specifying eligible uses. The bill explicitly states qualified schools are not considered state or federal agents and establishes oversight mechanisms for the program.