Rep. Reuben Tarver

Maddy summaryHB 217 directs how Wyoming can use leftover federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPD) to address pandemic-related needs. It specifies funding allocations for state agencies, including $10 million for workforce programs, $22 million for outdoor recreation grants, $35 million for transportation communications systems, and $13 million for health department staffing. The bill sets conditions for spending these funds, requires reporting on their use, and ensures unspent ARPD funds revert to the federal government. It primarily affects Wyoming state agencies and local governments receiving these funds for pandemic recovery efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 214 allows owners of commercial trailers to permanently register their trailers for a one-time $350 fee instead of paying annual registration fees. This applies to trailers qualifying as commercial vehicles under existing law (defined in W.S. 31-1-101(a)(i)). The bill repeals previous weight restrictions on permanent trailer registrations and exempts permanently registered trailers from annual fees, with the $350 fee split 50/50 between county treasurers and the highway fund. It affects commercial trailer owners who choose this registration option, requiring them to display a distinct permanent license plate and prohibiting transfer of the registration to new owners upon sale.

Maddy summaryHB 172 designates Wyoming State Highway 24 in Crook County as the "Purple Heart Memorial Trail." The bill requires the Wyoming Department of Transportation to install appropriate signage identifying this highway segment, in compliance with federal and state laws. This ceremonial bill has no policy changes or financial impact - it simply establishes a named route for commemorative purposes and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 219 requires Wyoming corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) to file annual reports with the Secretary of State by the first day of their registration month each year. These reports must include current details on the business's Wyoming capital, property, and assets, certified under penalty of perjury, and include a license fee of either $60 or 0.0002% of reported value (whichever is greater). The bill affects all Wyoming-organized corporations, foreign corporations operating in Wyoming (excluding banks/insurance), and all Wyoming LLCs. It takes effect for reports filed on or after July 1, 2024, with the Secretary of State tasked with creating implementing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 183 prohibits foreign governments, businesses, or individuals (defined as citizens of Russia, China, state sponsors of terrorism, or countries under specific arms regulations) from owning most land in Wyoming, allowing only personal residences under one acre. It requires existing foreign owners to sell their land by July 2026 (unless for a qualifying personal residence) and mandates annual registration with the Secretary of State for all foreign land ownership, including personal residences. Owners who fail to register face daily civil penalties of $5,000, and county clerks must report violations to the Attorney General for enforcement, which may include court-ordered forfeiture and sale of the land. The bill also requires tax assessment notices to inform owners about the foreign ownership restrictions and registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 185 exempts qualifying oil and gas producers from specific severance taxes when using enhanced recovery techniques with Wyoming-sourced carbon dioxide. It provides a 50% exemption on one tax portion and a 100% exemption on another tax portion for production meeting strict criteria, including use of carbon capture technology and Wyoming-origin CO2. Producers must apply for the exemption, and the state must report annual revenue impacts to legislative committees. The exemption expires on July 1, 2032, applying only to production completed before that date. This directly affects oil and gas companies using enhanced recovery methods with in-state CO2.

Maddy summaryHB 182 prohibits payment processors from assigning special merchant category codes to firearm or ammunition retailers, requiring them to be classified as general merchandise or sporting goods retailers instead. This directly affects payment entities (like banks and credit card networks) and firearm retailers who must use standard retail codes. Violations carry a $1,000 fine per violation. The bill does not change gun laws or purchase requirements but modifies payment processing rules, effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Wyoming minors aged 14-16 to obtain restricted class C or M driver's licenses with expanded driving permissions. It increases the permitted driving radius from 50 to 150 miles from their home and adds two new qualifying circumstances for "extreme inconvenience": needing to commute more than 5 miles to school or working in a parent's business. The bill maintains existing restrictions, including driving only between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. and requiring parental/guardian consent. The Department of Transportation must create implementing rules, and the changes would take effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill would repeal Wyoming's existing low-carbon energy standards for public utilities. It requires utilities to refund customers for rates collected under those repealed standards (with an exception for costs already spent on carbon capture technology before the bill's effective date). The Public Service Commission would establish rules to implement these changes. The bill directly affects all public utilities operating in Wyoming and their customers who paid the now-repealed rates.