Rep. Reuben Tarver

Maddy summaryHB 45 creates a property tax exemption for single-family homes in Wyoming, directly affecting homeowners with residential structures. The exemption covers increases in a home's value above 5% of the previous year's assessed value, meaning homeowners pay tax only on growth exceeding that threshold. However, the exemption doesn't apply if the value increase comes from new construction, additions, or if the property was purchased in the prior year. The law requires tax assessment notices to include exemption details and applies to tax years starting January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 80 amends definitions in solid waste management law to clarify what constitutes solid waste and recycling facilities. It excludes certain materials (like post-use polymers processed through advanced recycling) from "solid waste" definitions and creates new terms for "advanced recycling" (using processes like pyrolysis) and "advanced recycling facilities." This change specifically affects recycling operations that convert plastic waste into raw materials, removing them from standard solid waste management regulations. The bill requires the Environmental Quality Council to create implementing rules, with most provisions effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 116 requires the Wyoming Sage Grouse Implementation Team to provide written notice to affected surface landowners at least 45 days before making recommendations to the governor that could impact their property rights. It also mandates a public comment opportunity in the impacted community at least 30 days prior to such recommendations. The bill directly affects landowners whose surface interests may be affected by sage grouse management decisions. These notice and comment requirements apply to all recommendations under the team's duties, ensuring landowners and the public have time to review and respond before decisions are submitted to the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 93 increases Wyoming's reimbursement limit for livestock quarantine costs from $25,000 to $50,000 per single quarantine event under the state's animal reimbursement program. The bill directly affects livestock owners and the Wyoming Livestock Board, which administers these payments. It also establishes that payments will stop when the unexpended account balance reaches $100,000 or less, resuming once the balance exceeds that amount. The changes apply to quarantine efforts starting July 1, 2024, and adjust existing provisions in Wyoming Statute 11-19-118(d).

Maddy summaryHJ 3 is a Wyoming joint resolution expressing support for state and local government involvement in federal rulemaking. It does not create new laws but formally commits the Wyoming Legislature to oppose specific federal rules and plans (like the BLM's Rock Springs resource management plan) that the resolution claims negatively impact Wyoming's agriculture, energy, mineral, and recreation industries. The resolution requires the Wyoming Secretary of State to send this position to federal officials, including Congress and the White House. As a procedural resolution, it focuses on expressing legislative opposition rather than changing federal policy.

Maddy summarySF 102 prohibits foreign entities designated as "foreign adversaries" (including governments or companies from specified countries) from owning or acquiring real property within 10 miles of critical infrastructure or military installations in Wyoming. It requires such entities to divest property within 8 months of notice, with court-ordered sales and forfeiture of proceeds to the state if they fail to comply. The law mandates registration of foreign ownership with the Secretary of State, requires inclusion of ownership prohibitions in tax documents, and defines key terms like "critical infrastructure" and "significant interest" (25%+ ownership). These provisions apply directly to foreign governments, their entities, or U.S. entities controlled by them, aiming to protect infrastructure security through enforceable ownership restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes amending Wyoming's constitution to prohibit foreign adversaries of the U.S. and foreign entities deemed a national security threat by the legislature from owning, using, or inheriting property in Wyoming. It would block these entities from holding any real estate, mineral rights, or other property interests, including surface and subsurface rights. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect as part of the state constitution. (Note: This is a constitutional amendment proposal, not a law, and has not yet been enacted.)

Maddy summaryHB 202 requires individuals receiving Wyoming unemployment benefits to undergo weekly rapid drug testing under the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act. It disqualifies recipients from benefits if they fail a test and fall into specific categories: those recently employed by companies with approved drug-testing programs, those seeking jobs requiring drug tests (e.g., licensed occupations), or those targeting "extrahazardous" work. Employers may receive credits or refunds for unemployment contributions paid for disqualified employees. The bill mandates rulemaking by the Department of Workforce Services and takes effect July 1, 2024, with immediate implementation for certain sections.

Maddy summaryHB 107 requires Wyoming's Department of Transportation to downgrade a commercial driver's license (CDL) if a driver fails to provide a current federal medical certificate within 60 days after it expires. The bill mandates that the department must reinstate the CDL without requiring the driver to retake knowledge or driving tests once they provide a valid medical certificate before the original CDL's expiration date. This applies directly to commercial drivers who temporarily lack medical certification. The law takes effect July 1, 2024, and requires the department to create necessary implementing rules.

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).