Rep. Reuben Tarver

Maddy summaryHB 162 would authorize and regulate online casino-style games (like poker or blackjack) in Wyoming, allowing licensed operators to offer these games via mobile apps or websites. It requires operators to verify players are physically in Wyoming (or a permitted state) using geolocation technology and sets rules for revenue collection, distribution, and security. The bill explicitly excludes tribal gaming on reservations, fantasy sports, and lotteries from its regulations. The Wyoming Gaming Commission would enforce these rules and impose criminal penalties for violations. (Note: This bill died in committee in March 2025 and is not law.)

Maddy summaryHB 182 clarifies that for voting purposes in Wyoming, "residence" refers only to a person's primary home where they actually live and intend to return, excluding secondary or commercial addresses not used for habitation. The bill amends election code definitions to prevent voters from registering using vacation homes, rental properties, or business locations as their official residence. It directly affects Wyoming voters who might attempt to register at non-primary addresses. The bill died in committee in March 2025 and never became law, with no effective date implemented.

Maddy summaryHB 227 sets a 30-day expiration limit for Wyoming governors' executive orders after the issuing governor leaves office, or at the end of their term - whichever comes first. It directly affects governors and state agencies implementing executive orders, requiring them to renew or replace orders before the 30-day window ends. The bill specifies that no executive order can remain effective beyond 30 days after a governor's departure from office. This applies to all executive orders issued on or after July 1, 2025, and takes effect on that date. The legislation aims to prevent long-term executive actions without legislative oversight.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 224 restricts land ownership by "foreign adversaries" (defined as entities or individuals linked to Russia, China, terrorism-designated countries, or specific international sanctions lists) in all Wyoming real property, except for personal residences under one acre. Owners must register with the Homeland Security office within 60 days of acquisition or July 1, 2025 (whichever is later), and update annually. Failure to register incurs a $5,000 daily civil penalty, and county clerks must report violations to Homeland Security. The law also requires tax assessment notices to inform property owners about the ownership restrictions and registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 282 establishes that for certain properties (like recently purchased residential real estate), the purchase price (acquisition value) is presumed correct for property tax assessment, unless proven otherwise. This directly affects property owners who recently bought land or buildings, as it shifts the burden to tax assessors to justify using a different value. The bill clarifies that sworn statements about acquisition value must remain confidential but can be used by county assessors and the state board of equalization to determine tax value, while maintaining privacy protections. It amends Wyoming's property tax code to formalize this presumption and update related definitions and procedures. The bill does not change tax rates but changes how property value is initially determined for tax purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (HB 118) prohibits the state from transferring land to the federal government in a way that increases the federal government's total land holdings in Wyoming. It applies to all sales, exchanges, or conveyances of state-owned land, requiring that no transaction result in a net gain of land (including surface rights, minerals, or water rights) for the federal government. The law amends existing state statutes to enforce this "no net gain" rule for all future land transfers involving the federal government.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 80 requires state investment managers and fiduciaries to consider **only financial factors** when managing state funds, explicitly prohibiting consideration of social, political, or ideological goals. It bans actions like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting diversity policies, or divesting from gun manufacturers as part of investment decisions. The bill mandates that all proxy votes on state-held stocks must align solely with financial interests and requires annual public reporting of voting records. This directly affects entities managing Wyoming’s retirement funds, permanent funds, and state treasurer investments.

Maddy summaryHB 242 requires motor vehicle dealers selling new trailers (excluding house trailers and semitrailers) to obtain a "sales authorization" document from the trailer manufacturer or distributor. This authorization confirms the dealer is permitted to sell specific trailer makes, replacing previous requirements for some dealers. The bill also exempts manufacturers and dealers of non-house-trailer, non-semitrailer new trailers from certain existing regulations (like W.S. 31-16-109 through 31-16-111). The changes apply to all new trailer dealers and manufacturers in Wyoming starting July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 146) amends Wyoming's Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act to modernize rules for agreements where consumers rent property (like furniture or electronics) with an option to purchase. It directly affects consumers entering these agreements and merchants offering them in Wyoming, including those using digital platforms. Key provisions require clear written disclosures about termination rights and mandatory liability damage waiver disclaimers (printed in bold 10-point type or equivalent digital format), allow agreements to be signed digitally with consumer consent, and define terms like "online presence" and "independent third-party retailer location." The bill also specifies how notices must be delivered (e.g., email with consent) and prohibits misleading terms in waiver contracts. It is currently proposed legislation (introduced January 2025), not yet enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 226 creates special "Search and Rescue" license plates for Wyoming residents registering non-commercial vehicles. Owners pay a $100 one-time eligibility fee (waiving the first year's $25 annual fee) and can donate additional voluntary amounts. All fees and donations go directly to the state's Search and Rescue Account under Homeland Security, managed per existing law. The plates must feature Wyoming's bucking horse and rider symbol and will stop production if fewer than 1,000 sets are issued by 2032. This program directly affects vehicle owners who choose to participate in funding search and rescue services.