Rep. Bill Allemand

Maddy summaryHB 146 prohibits former Wyoming state legislators from engaging in lobbying for two years after leaving office, with exceptions for lobbying on their own behalf. The bill increases penalties for failing to register as a lobbyist, raising fines from $200 to $5,000 for violations. It applies to legislators leaving office on or after July 1, 2023, and requires registration for any lobbying activity covered under existing rules. The law aims to limit post-office lobbying by former legislators while strengthening registration requirements for all lobbyists.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 116 restricts land ownership by specific foreign entities, including governments of Russia, China, or countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism, as well as foreign businesses and individuals from those countries. It prohibits ownership of land (except for personal residences under one acre) and requires existing foreign owners to sell their property within two years of the law's effective date. Owners must register their land with the Secretary of State annually, face a $5,000 daily penalty for non-compliance, and county tax notices must now include warnings about the ownership restrictions. The bill also mandates that tax assessment schedules inform property owners about the registration requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 156 modifies Wyoming's voter ID requirements by adding a new rule: if a voter's primary ID (like a driver's license) doesn't show their current Wyoming address, they must provide two additional documents verifying residence. Acceptable documents include utility bills, rent receipts, or tax documents. The bill repeals three previously accepted ID types and directly affects voters who cannot present address-verified ID at polling places. It takes effect July 1, 2023, with the Secretary of State to specify acceptable verification documents.

Maddy summaryHB 155 changes Wyoming's election rules to require independent candidates and minor party candidates to file petitions 81 days before the major party primary election, aligning their deadline with the existing requirement for minor party candidates. This affects candidates running without major party affiliation in statewide and local elections. The bill amends Wyoming Statutes 22-4-304(c) (minor party candidates) and 22-5-307 (independent candidates) to standardize the filing timeline. The change takes effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 251 requires absentee ballots in Wyoming to include an official envelope inside the inner ballot envelope, where voters must provide identification information. Voters must submit either their Wyoming driver's license number, Wyoming ID card number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number in this envelope. This bill directly affects all Wyoming voters who cast absentee ballots by mail, as it standardizes the identification requirements for returning ballots. The requirement takes effect July 1, 2023, and applies to all absentee ballots processed after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 266 requires Wyoming's legislature to approve any refugee resettlement plan before it takes effect, replacing the previous process of submitting plans directly to federal authorities. The governor must submit detailed plans by April 1, 2023, outlining how the state will support refugees' self-sufficiency, provide language/employment services, handle unaccompanied minors, address medical needs, and detail funding sources. A legislative committee will review the plans, hold public hearings, and recommend actions to the full legislature. This bill directly affects state agencies and the governor's office by adding legislative oversight to federal refugee resettlement programs.

Maddy summaryHB 205 prohibits K-12 public school educators and state employees from using public funds to teach or require training on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans instruction claiming any group is inherently superior/inferior, that individuals should be discriminated against based on identity, or that people are inherently racist due to their background. Exceptions allow teaching historical oppression or using primary sources in approved curricula. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident, private lawsuits for damages, or disciplinary action against educators. The bill is pending in Wyoming's legislature (introduced January 2023, not yet considered for debate).

Maddy summaryHB 66 prohibits businesses and organizations from refusing service, goods, or facilities to the public based on a person's vaccination status, use of face coverings (masks), or medical testing results related to infectious diseases like COVID-19. It also bans advertisements or communications requiring masks, vaccines, or testing as a condition for public services. Violations are punishable by a misdemeanor fine of up to $5,000 or one year in jail. The law applies to all public-facing businesses and services, such as restaurants, stores, and venues. It repeals prior immunization requirement laws and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 179, the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits state and local governments from enforcing any law or order that allows firearm confiscation without a criminal conviction. It directly affects Wyoming residents by blocking the state from implementing "red flag" gun seizure orders, which typically require surrendering firearms based on alleged threats before a court conviction. The bill bans using state funds or personnel to enforce such orders and preempts conflicting local laws. Violations could trigger civil lawsuits for damages, with courts authorized to impose penalties up to $50,000 per violation. The law aims to prevent gun seizures that bypass due process, as defined by the bill.