Rep. Ember Oakley

Maddy summaryHB 145 expands access to criminal identification and intelligence information to specific state agencies, including law enforcement, the state board of parole, department of corrections, the office of homeland security (for purposes under W.S. 19-13-105), designated agencies under W.S. 14-6-227, and the department of family services. Agencies holding this information must implement security precautions to prevent unauthorized access, with rules tailored to each agency's specific use and security practices. The bill amends existing law to formalize these access provisions and security requirements. It takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Wyoming's worker's compensation rates to be no higher than the lowest third of nationwide state rates. It directly affects all employers in Wyoming by capping their premiums based on national averages, rather than state-specific rates. The state department of workforce services would determine national rates by state and adjust Wyoming's rates annually. Employers could contest their rate classification through administrative procedures if they disagree with the department's determination.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Wyoming calculates the maximum duration of unemployment benefits. It bases the maximum benefit period (ranging from 12 to 23 weeks) on the state's average unemployment rate: 12 weeks if the rate is 5% or lower, plus one additional week for every 0.5% above 5%, capped at 23 weeks if the rate reaches 10.5% or higher. The change applies only to unemployment claims filed on or after July 1, 2023. It directly affects Wyoming residents who qualify for unemployment insurance by adjusting how long they can receive benefits based on statewide job market conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 230 establishes a 60-day deadline for Wyoming's Department of Transportation to impose driver's license penalties after a conviction for offenses like driving under the influence (DUI). Specifically, the department must initiate administrative actions - such as license revocation, suspension, or requiring an ignition interlock device - within 60 days of a court's conviction order or deferral of prosecution, or the penalty cannot take effect. This bill does not change the penalties themselves but ensures they are applied within a clear timeframe, directly affecting individuals convicted of traffic offenses and the department's enforcement process.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 126 creates new exemptions from barber and cosmetology licensing requirements for specific services. It exempts professionals performing "blow dry styling," "natural hair braiding," "eyelash extension application," "makeup application," and "threading" from standard licensing, as long as these services are provided for cosmetic purposes only (not medical treatment). The bill defines each exempt service clearly - like specifying blow dry styling cannot involve hair cutting or chemical treatments - and separates these from full cosmetology practice. This directly affects hair stylists, braiders, and makeup artists who can now offer these specific services without obtaining a full cosmetology or barber license.

Maddy summaryHB 242 would prevent Wyoming cities, towns, and counties from banning or charging fees for packaging used with consumer goods like food, household items, or retail products. It amends state law to override local ordinances that restrict packaging types or fees, defining "consumer merchandise" as items sold for personal, family, or household use (including containers for takeout or transport). Any existing local rules conflicting with this law would become void as of July 1, 2023. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 166 appropriates $3 million to Texas and $2 million to Arizona for constructing border walls along the U.S.-Mexico border and transporting non-citizens to sanctuary cities in other states. The bill specifies that up to $250,000 from each state's allocation may fund transportation to sanctuary cities, requiring detailed spending reports. It mandates these funds be used only for border wall construction and non-citizen transport, with all unspent funds reverting by June 30, 2026. The bill directly affects Wyoming (as the funding state), Texas and Arizona (as recipient states), and sanctuary cities receiving transported individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 130 creates a state grant program to fund county, city, and town law enforcement agencies in purchasing or training dogs to detect fentanyl. It allocates $4 million from the general fund for grants up to $300,000 per agency, with applications due by July 1, 2024. The Attorney General will administer the program, requiring agencies to apply and report on grant use by June 2025. The program expires December 31, 2024, with unspent funds reverting to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 187 prohibits male students from competing on teams designated for female students in Wyoming public and private schools that compete against public schools. It defines "sex" as biological sex at birth and requires schools to designate teams as male-only, female-only, or coed. The bill also establishes a process for the state board of education to determine eligibility exceptions for students seeking to participate on teams inconsistent with their sex assigned at birth, based on physical characteristics and other factors. This provision is contingent on court rulings invalidating prior related laws, as specified in the bill. The law directly affects K-12 students and school athletic programs across Wyoming.