Rep. Ember Oakley

Maddy summaryHB 249 allows Wyoming county treasurers to issue temporary 30-day registration certificates and electronic payment proof when vehicle owners pay registration fees online. This directly affects drivers who pay online, providing immediate proof of valid registration while awaiting official license plates and stickers. The bill amends state law to confirm county treasurers' authority to provide this temporary verification. It does not change registration fees or requirements, only streamlining the process for online payments. The change became effective July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 71 amends Wyoming law to increase penalties for driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license by including violations of similar laws in other states as "subsequent" offenses. It directly affects drivers who operate vehicles while their license is suspended, particularly those with prior suspensions in other jurisdictions. The key provision requires a minimum 7-day jail sentence (instead of probation) and a $200-$750 fine for such violations, with no eligibility for early release. This change expands the scope of prior offenses considered for enhanced penalties beyond Wyoming's own laws. The bill became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's local government self-insurance program to clarify liability payment limits for claims against participating local governments and their employees. It sets a $1 million cap for claims under W.S. 1-39-110(b) (related to healthcare provider liability) and a $500,000 cap for other claims under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act, with local governments responsible for costs exceeding these amounts. The changes apply to all claims occurring on or after July 1, 2022, directly affecting local governments and their public employees (excluding peace officers) facing lawsuits. The bill streamlines payment rules without altering the program's core structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new felony offense for intentionally or recklessly exposing an unborn child to a controlled substance without a valid prescription, if measurable drug levels are present in the umbilical cord, blood, or tissue at birth and cause bodily injury, disability, or disfigurement. It directly affects pregnant individuals using un-prescribed drugs and expands mandatory reporting requirements to include suspected prenatal drug exposure that could harm a newborn. The law requires anyone with knowledge or reasonable suspicion of such exposure to report it to child protective services or law enforcement, with penalties up to 10 years in prison for standard violations and up to 25 years for aggravated cases involving severe injury. It became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 88 removes the requirement for public notice publication when minors seek name changes in Wyoming. Previously, courts had to publish notices in local newspapers for minor name change petitions, but this bill eliminates that step. The change directly affects minors and their families seeking to legally change a child's name, streamlining the court process. The law took effect on July 1, 2022, and applies to all name change petitions for minors filed after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 85 creates a new felony offense for pregnant individuals who knowingly use methamphetamine or certain narcotics (like heroin or fentanyl) without a prescription from a healthcare provider. It directly affects pregnant people using these substances without medical authorization, imposing penalties of up to five years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The law specifically targets non-prescribed use of Schedule I/II controlled substances during pregnancy, framing it as endangering the unborn child, and takes effect July 1, 2022. The bill does not address medical treatment or addiction support, focusing solely on criminal penalties for non-prescribed substance use.

Maddy summarySF 99 allows Wyoming state agencies and local governments to deposit public funds into credit unions that meet state approval requirements, expanding options beyond traditional banks. The bill amends state law to explicitly include credit unions as "approved depositories" under the same rules as banks, requiring all deposits to be fully insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUA) or FDIC. It maintains existing requirements for security, withdrawal terms (including 30-day notice for some accounts), and approval by the state board of deposits. This change directly affects state treasurers, county governments, and other political subdivisions managing public funds, giving them access to credit unions as a deposit option. The law took effect July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits hunting, fishing, or trapping on private land without the owner's permission, including traveling across such land. It directly affects hunters, anglers, and trappers who enter private property without consent. The law expands existing penalties to include travel across private land, imposing fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or forfeiture of illegally taken game. It became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 134 clarifies who can file a petition to adopt a minor in Wyoming. It allows any single adult, a married couple living together, or one spouse (if the other is the child's parent) to file an adoption petition. The bill amends Wyoming statute W.S. 1-22-104(b) to remove ambiguity about eligible petitioners. It became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 1001 prohibits most employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment. It allows exceptions only for employers who document that vaccination is critical for workplace safety and provide medical/religious exemptions, along with reasonable alternatives like reassignment or testing. Employers violating the law face $100 daily penalties, and must offer severance pay if employees leave due to non-compliant mandates. The bill specifically addresses healthcare employers and creates a program for antibody testing, while citing staffing shortages as its legislative motivation.