Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 138 creates the Hope Scholarship Program, providing state-funded scholarships to eligible Wyoming K-12 students. It directly affects Wyoming residents enrolled in public schools who qualify (e.g., attending public school for 45+ days annually), with funds usable at participating private schools. The program establishes a scholarship account funded through state education appropriations (2% of public school funding or per-student amounts), administered by a nine-member board including state education officials. Funds cover qualifying education expenses, with annual transfers from the state education budget to the scholarship program fund. The bill defines key terms like "eligible recipient" and "participating schools" but does not specify implementation timelines beyond the 2023 fiscal year.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 58 requires all public high school students to pass a civics exam to graduate, using the same test used for U.S. citizenship (minimum 60% score). The bill mandates that schools teach the U.S. Constitution (including the Bill of Rights), Wyoming's constitution, and American ideals from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students graduating in 2022-2023 or later must pass this specific exam as a graduation requirement. The law affects all Wyoming public high school students and takes effect July 1, 2022.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 133, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act-2," prohibits state officials from enforcing federal laws or actions that the state deems unconstitutional restrictions on firearm ownership within Wyoming. It directly affects Wyoming residents (defined as legally present citizens without certain disqualifications) and state officials who might otherwise comply with federal gun regulations. Key provisions include allowing citizens to sue officials for enforcing such federal actions and establishing that Wyoming retains authority to regulate firearms under state law and the Second Amendment. The bill asserts state sovereignty by declaring federal actions that infringe on firearm rights - like data collection or possession restrictions - unconstitutional within Wyoming's borders.
Maddy summaryHB 118 prohibits businesses, schools, and other public accommodations from denying services or access based on whether someone wears a face covering for COVID-19 prevention. It bans refusing service to customers or posting advertisements requiring masks as a condition for receiving goods, services, or educational access. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties of up to six months in jail or a $750 fine. The law applies to all public accommodations, including schools and colleges, and took effect July 1, 2022.
Maddy summaryHB 66, the Working Animal Protection Act, prohibits Wyoming cities, towns, and counties from creating or enforcing local ordinances that ban or restrict the use of "working animals" in lawful commerce or animal enterprises. It directly affects local governments and businesses using animals for work (such as ranching, transportation, or tourism), while exempting zoning laws and public health/safety regulations. The bill defines "working animals" broadly to include animals used for specific duties (e.g., service, agriculture, or tourism), but explicitly excludes food/fiber animals like cattle, sheep, or poultry. It became effective July 1, 2022, and overrides conflicting local policies enacted before that date.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 112) limits how Wyoming cities and towns can collect past-due payments for trash, recycling, water, or sewer services. It states that municipalities may only recover such payments if a property owner has a specific written contract for that service. The law does not change existing contracts signed before the bill's effective date (July 1, 2022). It directly affects property owners who use municipal services and the cities/towns providing those services.
Maddy summaryHB 26 restricts individuals from holding both a paid public job and an elected public office if the two positions involve governmental entities that fund or receive funding from each other. It requires anyone who holds one public office or employment to resign from it before accepting a new elected position or job that creates such a funding relationship. The law applies broadly to all state and local government units, including counties, cities, school districts, and special districts. This bill aims to prevent conflicts of interest by ensuring public officials don't simultaneously serve in roles where their employment and elected duties could conflict due to funding ties. The law takes effect January 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 88 prohibits employers, government entities, and healthcare providers from denying services, employment, education, or healthcare based on a person's COVID-19 or mRNA vaccination status. The bill also bans asking about vaccination status to access public services or facilities. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by up to $5,000 fines or five years in prison, and affected individuals can pursue civil lawsuits for damages. The law specifically overrides existing immunity protections for healthcare providers under certain circumstances. It applies to all claims accruing after its effective date.
Maddy summarySF 94 prohibits Wyoming public officials and government agencies from enforcing federal mandates requiring COVID-19 vaccinations or restricting alternative treatments (such as nasal sprays or pills). It bans public schools, services, and programs from making vaccination a condition for participation or employment. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties, termination from public jobs, and loss of retirement benefits for officials. Corporations enforcing such mandates would forfeit their right to operate in Wyoming. The bill failed to pass in 2022.
Maddy summaryHB 132 creates a new standing committee called the "Federal Review Committee" within Wyoming's legislature. This committee would review all federal laws, regulations, and actions to determine if they infringe on Wyoming's sovereignty or violate the U.S. Constitution as defined during ratification debates. The committee must disregard U.S. Supreme Court interpretations when making these determinations and would sponsor legislation based on its findings. The bill directly affects the Wyoming legislature by establishing this new committee with specific constitutional review powers.