Rep. Bill Pownall

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 111 authorizes community colleges to offer applied bachelor's degree programs (called "baccalaureate of applied science" degrees) for the first time. It requires the Community College Commission to approve all new such programs before they can receive state funding. The bill also updates the Hathaway scholarship program to cover these new degrees, allowing students to use scholarships for up to eight semesters to complete them while maintaining a 2.25 GPA. This directly affects community college students pursuing applied bachelor's degrees and the colleges offering them.

Maddy summaryHB 125 increases filing fees for probate cases in Wyoming district courts from $50 to $75 and for civil cases from $85 to $110. It specifies that $25 of the civil filing fee funds court automation and $10 supports indigent civil legal services, with the remaining amounts covering court operations. This bill directly affects individuals and organizations filing probate or civil cases in Wyoming district courts. The fee changes took effect on July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 143 gives judges more discretion in sentencing by allowing them to skip or limit presentence investigation reports for felony defendants. The bill amends Wyoming law to state that courts may dispense with the report requirement or restrict its scope to factors relevant to sentencing, instead of mandating full reports in all felony cases. It specifically maintains the requirement for substance abuse assessments in certain felony cases (like third misdemeanors or felonies) and keeps the cost assessed to the offender. This directly affects felony defendants and courts by changing when detailed pre-sentence reports are needed before sentencing.

Maddy summaryHB 147 changes Wyoming law to make foreign language instruction for kindergarten through second grade optional for school districts, rather than mandatory. School districts may choose to offer such programs, but if they do, they must follow state board standards for instruction. This bill directly affects all Wyoming public school districts serving K-2 students. It became effective July 1, 2019, after passing the Education Committee unanimously.

Maddy summaryHB 94 prevents construction contracts in Wyoming from including clauses that require one party to cover the other for the contractor's own negligence or intentional mistakes. It allows contracts to require specific insurance (like project protection coverage) but voids provisions shifting liability for the contractor's own actions. This affects contractors and property owners signing construction agreements, making certain liability clauses unenforceable. The law took effect July 1, 2019, for new or renewed contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 159 expands Wyoming's state self-insurance program to cover liability claims against volunteer reserve peace officers. It directly affects part-time and reserve officers employed by entities like the Wyoming State Board of Outfitters, the University of Wyoming, or local governments. The bill adds a new provision requiring the state self-insurance account to cover up to $20,000 per claim for these officers, paid dollar-for-dollar with their employing organization. This change ensures volunteer reserve officers receive the same liability coverage as full-time officers under the state's existing self-insurance framework.

Maddy summaryHB 90 allows current Wyoming community college police officers to choose between two retirement plans. It amends the law to include them under the "law enforcement officer" definition, enabling them to switch to the law enforcement retirement plan starting July 1, 2019. Officers had until April 30, 2019, to elect this change in writing to the Wyoming Retirement Board, with no option to reverse the decision. Service credit from prior retirement plans would not count toward the new law enforcement plan.

Maddy summaryHB 76, the Wyoming Beer Freedom Act, allows microbreweries to obtain permits for 24-hour alcohol service. It amends licensing laws to permit microbreweries to hold both a microbrewery permit and a separate 24-hour malt beverage permit simultaneously. This directly affects small breweries seeking extended operating hours without losing other license types. The law, effective July 1, 2019, modifies existing statutes to enable this dual permitting structure.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 85, the Medicaid Fraud Control Act, creates a dedicated fraud unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse. The unit gains full access to all Medicaid records held by providers (such as hospitals and clinics) and can prosecute individuals who submit false claims or conceal material facts. It establishes criminal penalties: misdemeanor fines up to $750 or 6 months in jail for claims under $1,000, and felony penalties up to 10 years in prison or $10,000 fines for claims $1,000 or more. Providers must certify the accuracy of all Medicaid applications, reports, and invoices under penalty of perjury. This directly affects Medicaid providers, the Attorney General's office, and anyone submitting Medicaid claims.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 127) changes penalties for fleeing police by elevating certain cases to a felony. It makes fleeing a felony if the driver causes bodily injury, damages property over $5,000, or violates another specific traffic law (W.S. 31-5-229). Drivers convicted under these aggravated circumstances face up to 10 years in prison or a $10,000 fine, instead of the previous misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months or $750). The law directly affects drivers who flee police and cause serious harm or significant property damage. It took effect on July 1, 2019.