Rep. Joel Guggenmos

Maddy summaryHB 328 sets a fixed 8.3% taxable value rate for owner-occupied primary residences in Wyoming, while maintaining a 9.5% rate for all other property types. It directly affects homeowners who live in their primary residence for at least six months annually, clarifying that this includes single-family homes, condos, mobile homes, and trailers used as primary homes. The bill defines "owner occupied primary residence" and "residential real property" (including up to 35 acres of associated land) to ensure consistent tax application. This change will take effect for property taxes beginning in 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 329 modifies Wyoming law to give the Office of Homeland Security discretion over whether to cooperate with other states' and federal homeland security agencies (previously required). It mandates that Wyoming's Division of Criminal Investigation must cooperate with the Office of Homeland Security. The bill also authorizes the Office to receive criminal identification and intelligence information from law enforcement for security purposes. These changes directly affect Wyoming's homeland security office, law enforcement agencies, and their coordination with state and federal partners. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 159 regulates chemical abortions in Wyoming by requiring healthcare providers to: (1) physically examine patients, be present during drug administration, schedule follow-up visits within 7 days, and provide labeled catch kits and medical waste bags for disposal. The bill defines "chemical abortion" as using drugs to intentionally terminate pregnancy or kill an unborn baby, with exceptions for medical emergencies like ectopic pregnancy. It also holds drug manufacturers strictly liable for environmental cleanup if abortion drugs enter wastewater or water supplies, requiring proper disposal of medical waste. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and drug manufacturers in Wyoming, with penalties including up to 3 years in prison or $10,000 fines for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 321 amends election laws to prioritize political party lists when appointing election judges and filling vacancies. County clerks must now give priority to registered electors from major and minor political parties (as submitted by county chairmen) over municipal clerk lists when appointing judges or filling vacancies before or during an election. This directly affects county clerks, election judges, and voters who may be appointed as judges. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, and apply to all county-level election judge appointments and vacancy fillings.

Maddy summaryHB 336 requires parents voluntarily giving up parental rights to sign a written acknowledgment stating that termination does not end their child support obligations. This acknowledgment must be signed by the parent and become part of the court record. The bill clarifies that courts retain full authority to modify, enforce, or terminate child support under existing law. It applies to all voluntary parental rights terminations in Wyoming and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "Residential Property Tax Reduction Account" to fund property tax refunds for Wyoming homeowners. It directly affects primary residence owners who paid property taxes in the prior year, capping refunds at $13,300 per household. Key mechanisms include funding the account from unappropriated general fund balances (exceeding 5% of projected receipts) and mineral trust earnings, with refunds paid proportionally if funds are insufficient. Refunds will begin for 2025 taxes in 2026, with even years capped at half the account balance and odd years using the full balance. The program defines "primary residence" as where a homeowner lived at least six months of the tax year.

Maddy summaryHB 203 ("By the People Act") requires Wyoming state agencies to provide live audio or video access to public meetings where possible and allow remote public participation. It mandates clear public comment periods (with timed options specified on agendas) and requires agencies to make meeting minutes and recordings available online within 24 hours. The bill applies directly to all state agencies holding public meetings and ensures transparency by prohibiting restrictions on public recording unless it would disrupt the meeting. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not change existing requirements for meeting notice or attendance rules.

Maddy summaryHB 338 requires the Wyoming Legislative Service Office to publish a daily list of email domains and IP addresses blocked from delivering messages to state legislators. It allows anyone whose emails to legislators have been blocked to request removal, and the office must process such requests within two days unless a security threat exists. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, aiming to increase transparency about email delivery issues and provide a clear resolution process for the public.

Maddy summaryHB 252 repeals a three-year tax exemption for new wind energy production in Wyoming, effective immediately upon enactment. It directly affects new wind energy projects by removing a tax break previously available for the first three years of operation. However, wind turbines that began generating electricity for sale before the bill's effective date will retain the exemption under the repealed provision. The bill makes no changes to existing wind energy operations but alters tax treatment for future projects.

Maddy summaryHB 163 prohibits employers in Wyoming from hiring individuals who are unlawfully present in the U.S. or not authorized to work under federal law. It imposes misdemeanor penalties of $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill exempts workers with valid visas or those lawfully renewing status under federal guidelines, and each violation counts as a separate offense. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.