Maddy summaryHB 160, the "Protect Firearms Rights Act," prohibits Wyoming state and local governments from implementing or enforcing extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), which are court orders restricting firearm access for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. The bill directly affects Wyoming residents who might otherwise be subject to such orders, while explicitly excluding existing protection orders (e.g., domestic violence orders) and mental health hospitalization orders from this prohibition. Key provisions include preempting conflicting local laws, banning state/local use of funds or personnel to enforce ERPOs, and defining ERPOs to exclude specific existing legal mechanisms. The law takes effect July 1, 2024, and is currently in the introduction stage (received February 12, 2024).
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 194 is a proposed bill that would repeal Wyoming's current statewide student assessment system and the Wyoming Accountability in Education Act. It would remove requirements for school districts to maintain assessment systems aligned with state standards and eliminate related data collection obligations for the state education department. The bill would affect school districts, the state superintendent, and the state board of education by ending their current roles in administering and enforcing the assessment system. This is a procedural repeal bill, not a new policy, and it remains pending as of February 2024.
Maddy summaryHB 217 directs how Wyoming can use leftover federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPD) to address pandemic-related needs. It specifies funding allocations for state agencies, including $10 million for workforce programs, $22 million for outdoor recreation grants, $35 million for transportation communications systems, and $13 million for health department staffing. The bill sets conditions for spending these funds, requires reporting on their use, and ensures unspent ARPD funds revert to the federal government. It primarily affects Wyoming state agencies and local governments receiving these funds for pandemic recovery efforts.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a specific exception in Wyoming law (W.S. 6-4-302(c)(ii)) that previously allowed educational institutions to possess obscene materials for "bona fide educational purposes" without facing charges for promoting obscenity. It removes this legal exemption, meaning possessing such materials for educational use would no longer be exempt from obscenity laws. The change takes effect on July 1, 2025, directly affecting schools, libraries, and other educational entities that may handle materials previously covered by this exception.
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 155 provides $300,000 in state funding to help safe haven providers (like hospitals or shelters) purchase newborn safety devices. These devices alert staff when a newborn is placed inside, ensuring immediate attention. The bill creates a temporary grant program managed by Wyoming's Department of Family Services, open to eligible providers until March 1, 2025, with all funding required to be spent by June 30, 2025. The program specifically funds device purchases, not administrative costs, and expires after the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 137 would require healthcare providers to show a pregnant person an ultrasound (including the heartbeat if audible) at least 48 hours before providing medication for a chemical abortion. The law mandates providers document the ultrasound details (date, time, physician, and fetal age) and verify the ultrasound occurred before dispensing abortion drugs. Violations could result in felony charges with fines up to $20,000 or up to five years in prison, though pregnant people would not face criminal penalties. This bill directly affects medical providers and individuals seeking medication-based abortions in Wyoming.
Maddy summaryHB 201 requires Wyoming's State Auditor to publish detailed vendor payment information on the auditor's public website. It mandates posting, within 30 days of payment, the date, vendor name, state agency, total amount, and payment description for all payments made over the previous five fiscal years. This applies to all state payments made on or after July 1, 2024, directly affecting state agencies and vendors receiving public funds. The bill aims to increase transparency by making vendor payment data accessible for public inspection and download.
Maddy summaryHJ 8 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not yet enacted) that would prohibit Wyoming's state government and all local entities (counties, cities, towns) from imposing any "carbon tax." The bill defines a carbon tax broadly as any tax, fee, or penalty based on the carbon content of products, electricity, fuels, or emissions from their use. If approved by voters, it would prevent the state or local governments from levying taxes tied to carbon usage or emissions. This is a procedural resolution seeking constitutional change, not a current law, and is still in early legislative stages (received for introduction in February 2024).
Maddy summaryHB 156 establishes a legal presumption in Wyoming court decisions about children's best interests: it is conclusively not in a child's best interest to undergo gender transition or reassignment procedures. The bill defines prohibited procedures to include certain surgeries (like hysterectomy or orchiectomy), mastectomies, and specific hormone treatments (such as puberty blockers or supraphysiologic hormone doses), while excluding care for children with medically verified conditions like disorders of sex development or central precocious puberty. This presumption applies to family court cases involving custody, adoption, visitation, and protection orders. The bill amends multiple Wyoming statutes to incorporate this standard, affecting court rulings on minors' care.