Rep. Cyrus Western

Maddy summaryHB 171 requires anyone proposing to exchange state-owned land (including private individuals, governments, or agencies) to submit a formal application with land valuation documentation to Wyoming's Board of Land Commissioners. The board must then post online public notice about each proposed exchange, including how to comment, until a final decision is made. This applies to all land exchange proposals starting July 1, 2024, and mandates the board to create implementing rules. The bill increases transparency by ensuring public access to exchange details before any transaction occurs.

Maddy summarySF 104 amends Wyoming law to change how wind and solar energy facilities on state lands are permitted. It requires county commissioners to obtain written consent from grazing and agricultural leaseholders before approving such facilities, especially when projects are near residential structures (within specific distance limits). The bill mandates that leaseholders be notified about proposed projects and allows them to participate as formal parties in the permitting process. Additionally, it updates definitions to include leaseholders as "affected landowners" and sets clear setback requirements for facilities near homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a voluntary paid family and medical leave insurance program for Wyoming employees, providing up to 60% wage replacement for 12 weeks per year for qualifying events like childbirth, adoption, caring for a seriously ill family member, or the employee's own serious health condition. The program would roll out in phases: state employees would be offered coverage by March 2025, private employers with two or more employees could choose to offer it by March 2026, and self-employed individuals or small businesses (with one or fewer employees) could purchase individual coverage by March 2027. Employers may opt to cover premiums for their employees but are not required to, and premiums would be pre-tax where permitted by law.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 151 prohibits financial institutions from discriminating against firearm retailers by using or requiring special payment codes (like those for firearm sales) to distinguish them from other businesses. It bans financial institutions from keeping records of firearm purchases or owners, or disclosing payment information tied to these codes unless required by law. The bill also prevents banks from refusing payment transactions solely based on a firearm merchant code. Violations could lead to civil penalties up to $10,000 per incident, enforced through the Attorney General's office. The law takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes shed antlers and horns from big game animals found on Wyoming public lands the property of the state, not private individuals. It requires the Game and Fish Commission to establish specific collection seasons, with residents allowed to begin collecting three days before nonresidents. The rules must minimize disturbance to big game populations in areas west of I-90 (from Montana to Buffalo) and west of I-25 (from Buffalo to Colorado). This directly affects hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who collect shed antlers on public lands.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 169 creates a 12-member task force to plan a state shooting complex. The task force includes state agency directors, two firearm industry representatives, a shooting sports organization member, a hunting conservation group representative, and legislative members appointed by leadership. It must develop location criteria, review existing facilities, create a request for proposals, and make recommendations by October 1 each year until June 2026. The bill appropriates $8.125 million from existing state funds (including $5 million from American Rescue Plan funds) specifically for the complex's siting and construction, with all funds required to be spent by the 2026 deadline.

Maddy summarySF 107 establishes rules for Wyoming's Board of Land Commissioners to buy, sell, or exchange state trust lands. It limits net land increases to 10,000 acres above the 1999 total, requires balancing land distribution between counties as of 1999, and allows temporary exceptions with a 24-month correction period. The bill specifically enables farm loans for purchasing small "isolated parcels" (80 acres or less) that are surrounded by non-state land with no access. This directly affects landowners seeking to buy these parcels and the state's management of trust lands held for beneficiaries like schools and public institutions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 180 requires the state veterinarian to notify livestock owners within three days when an animal tests positive for brucellosis. It mandates the Wyoming Livestock Board to create a communication protocol sharing test results with affected livestock producers, veterinarians, and brand inspectors in the same county. The bill also specifies that adjacent landowners, local veterinarians, and owners of potentially exposed animals may receive limited information to manage disease outbreaks. These changes amend existing statutes to standardize reporting and notification procedures for brucellosis, directly affecting livestock owners and veterinarians in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 178 establishes designated "mountain lion pursuit seasons" during which hunters may use dogs to track mountain lions, but cannot kill or capture them. The bill directly affects hunters (both residents and non-residents) participating in these seasons, requiring them to obtain a special management permit. Key provisions include prohibiting killing during pursuit seasons (with penalties of $5,000-$10,000 fines or up to one year in jail for violations), and mandating the Game and Fish Commission to create implementing rules by July 1, 2023. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, with immediate implementation for rulemaking requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 270 caps fees, property taxes, and assessments that improvement and service districts can impose on landowners, limiting them to the maximum amount originally promised when the district was formed. Landowners within these districts are directly affected, as districts cannot exceed this pre-set limit without voter approval through mail ballot or concurrent election. The law allows districts to adjust the cap only with majority voter consent, while maintaining exceptions for bond payments. Violations can be challenged in court within 120 days by affected landowners. (HB 270, effective July 1, 2023)