Rep. Kevin O'Hearn

Maddy summarySF 113 creates a new misdemeanor offense for drivers who ignore road closures specifically designed for light and high profile vehicles (such as large trucks or buses). Violators face a $2,500 fine paid immediately upon conviction, and the offense is classified as reckless driving for commercial driver's license purposes. This violation can lead to a 90-day license suspension for a first offense, six months for a second within five years, or permanent license revocation after two prior violations in that period. The bill applies to all drivers of such vehicles who disregard closure signs and takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 81 removes mandatory fiscal training requirements for state public officers in Wyoming, effective July 1, 2024. It specifically eliminates the requirement that public officers complete minimum fiscal training within one year of taking office and excludes members of governing bodies (like city councils or school boards) from the definition of "public officer" under this law. The bill repeals existing provisions that required the state auditor to establish training rules and monitor compliance. This change directly affects state-level officials handling public funds, removing a compliance obligation that previously applied to them.

Maddy summaryHB 66 requires Wyoming's workers' compensation program to provide annual cancer screenings for firefighters who have worked at least 10 years, including paid, volunteer, and municipal firefighters. It mandates specific screenings: annual mammograms for female firefighters, colon cancer screenings (including stool tests or colonoscopies), and prostate screenings for male firefighters, plus other screenings for cancers more common among firefighters. These screenings are considered work-related injuries under workers' compensation, covering up to 10 years after retirement. The bill creates a new "Aaron Booker Firefighter Cancer Screening Act" and amends existing statutes to implement these benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 54 designates the third Tuesday in May as "Wyoming Reads Day" to recognize efforts supporting early childhood literacy, primarily honoring John and Sue Jorgensen. The bill requires public schools, state/local governments, and organizations to appropriately observe the day through celebrations that promote reading. It mandates the governor issue an annual proclamation for the observance but explicitly states the day does not authorize school or business closures, nor affect legal agreements or court proceedings. This is a ceremonial measure with no new funding or regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryHB 203 creates a property tax exemption for single-family residential properties in Wyoming, covering the first $200,000 of value in 2024 and $1 million annually thereafter. To offset lost local revenue, it adds a 2% sales tax (raising the total rate to 6%) effective July 2024. Funds from this tax are distributed to counties based on their lost property tax revenue from the exemption, with any remaining funds used for sales tax refunds to businesses paying severance and sales taxes. The bill directly affects homeowners with qualifying properties and local governments reliant on property tax revenue.

Maddy summaryHB 178, the Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act, would prevent state government from restricting religious practices unless it proves the restriction is necessary for a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive option. It applies to individuals, businesses, and religious groups whose religious exercise is burdened by government actions like denying permits, benefits, or access to facilities. Those affected could sue in court to challenge such restrictions. The bill explicitly states it does not override laws protecting public health, safety, or order.

Maddy summaryHB 188 creates a centralized online system for government notices in Wyoming, replacing newspaper publication for most public and legal notices. It requires all governmental entities (including state agencies, counties, cities, school districts, and special districts) to post required notices on this system starting January 1, 2030, instead of in newspapers. The system must preserve notices for seven years, allow public subscriptions for alerts, and charge a $10 fee per notice to cover operational costs. This change eliminates the need for government entities to designate newspapers for notice publication after 2030.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 190 requires schools to notify parents about student health changes, name/pronoun adjustments, and well-being questionnaires, while prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity for K-12 students. The bill mandates parental consent for school health services and prohibits schools from restricting parental access to student records or discouraging parent involvement in student welfare decisions. School staff violating these provisions face disciplinary action, and schools may be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. The law directly affects K-12 students, parents/guardians, and school staff, with implementation set for the 2024-2025 school year. It also establishes legal remedies for parents alleging violations by schools or staff.

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 95 requires healthcare providers to submit insurance claims directly to insurers instead of shifting this responsibility to patients. It prohibits providers from including terms in patient agreements that force patients to handle claim submissions. If a provider fails to submit a claim properly, they bear the risk of nonpayment and cannot blame the patient. The law applies to all provider-patient agreements for insurance claims starting July 1, 2024. This changes the process for claim handling under Wyoming's insurance code.