Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts natural hair braiding from Wyoming's cosmetology licensing requirements. It defines "practice of natural hair braiding" to include hand-twisting, weaving, and extending hair with tools or accessories (but excludes dyeing, chemical treatments, or altering hair structure). Salon owners may still require private certification for braiders working at their locations. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to braiders not otherwise regulated under cosmetology law.

Maddy summaryHB 42 requires all surgical abortion facilities in Wyoming to obtain a separate license as an ambulatory surgical center, with facilities performing three or more first-trimester abortions monthly or one or more second/third-trimester abortions annually subject to this rule. It mandates that physicians performing surgical abortions must be state-licensed, have hospital admitting privileges within 10 miles of the facility, and report each procedure to the health department. Violations carry penalties: misdemeanor fines up to $1,000 per day for unlicensed facilities, and felony charges (1-14 years imprisonment) for unlicensed providers performing abortions. The bill defines "surgical abortion" as procedures using instruments or devices to terminate pregnancy with intent to cause fetal death, excluding exceptions like ectopic pregnancy treatment or miscarriage care.

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 summaryHB 46, the "Homeschool Freedom Act," removes a requirement for homeschooling families in Wyoming to submit their annual curriculum to local school boards. It eliminates the provision that treated failure to submit a curriculum as proof the program didn't meet state educational standards. The bill directly affects homeschooling parents and guardians by reducing administrative burdens related to curriculum reporting. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter the requirement that homeschool programs meet basic academic standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the required minimum school year from 175 to 165 days for Wyoming public schools and mandates that the school year begin after Labor Day and end before Memorial Day, unless an alternative schedule is approved by the state board. School districts seeking alternative calendars must hold two public meetings before submitting proposals and annually evaluate their effectiveness. The bill also adjusts funding eligibility criteria, requiring districts to operate for at least 170 days (instead of 185) to qualify for full foundation account distribution. It applies to all Wyoming public school districts and takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 274 prohibits students assigned male at birth from competing on women's sports teams at Wyoming schools and colleges, affecting high school and higher education athletic programs. It expands existing rules to include institutions of higher education, creates liability for government entities that violate the prohibition through negligent or intentional acts, and establishes private lawsuits for harmed students or schools. The bill adds whistleblower protections for employees reporting violations and removes immunity for entities that retaliate against those who report or pursue legal action under the law. It also sets a three-year statute of limitations for filing lawsuits related to violations. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 130 creates a property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners, providing a 50% reduction on the first $200,000 of a primary residence's value (e.g., a $300,000 home would have $100,000 exempt). It applies to single-family homes where owners live at least 8 months yearly (including military members with service-related absences), directly affecting homeowners who qualify. The state will reimburse local governments for lost tax revenue using a $176 million appropriation from the general fund, with payments distributed to counties and school districts. The exemption expires after the 2026 tax year, ending January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 159 regulates chemical abortions in Wyoming by requiring healthcare providers to: (1) physically examine patients, be present during drug administration, schedule follow-up visits within 7 days, and provide labeled catch kits and medical waste bags for disposal. The bill defines "chemical abortion" as using drugs to intentionally terminate pregnancy or kill an unborn baby, with exceptions for medical emergencies like ectopic pregnancy. It also holds drug manufacturers strictly liable for environmental cleanup if abortion drugs enter wastewater or water supplies, requiring proper disposal of medical waste. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and drug manufacturers in Wyoming, with penalties including up to 3 years in prison or $10,000 fines for noncompliance.

Maddy summarySF 133 (Wyoming) creates a legal right for parents to challenge government actions that infringe on parental rights in court. It amends state law to allow parents to assert violations of parental rights as a defense or claim in any judicial or administrative proceeding, regardless of whether the government is a party. The bill specifies that parents may seek remedies like court orders, compensation, and attorney fees if their rights are violated. This directly affects parents and government entities in Wyoming, making government liability possible for such violations starting July 1, 2025. The law does not change parental rights themselves but provides new legal tools to enforce them.

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.