Rep. Tomi Strock

Maddy summaryHB 205 creates the Wyoming State Fair Department, transferring all state fair operations - including staff, funding, equipment, and responsibilities - from the Department of Agriculture. The new department will be led by a director appointed by the State Fair Board (with Senate approval), who will manage the annual fair held in Douglas and oversee fairgrounds maintenance. Existing state fair functions, including budgeting for the fair and its grounds, will now fall under this standalone department instead of Agriculture. The bill formalizes this structural change while maintaining the fair's current purpose of celebrating Wyoming's agricultural heritage through competitions and exhibits.

Maddy summaryHB 212 amends Wyoming's local sales and use tax procedures to require approval from at least 50% of incorporated municipalities (down from two-thirds) for tax propositions, instead of the previous 2/3 requirement. It shortens the tax term from four years to two years for new taxes, and repeals the optional municipal sales tax provision. The bill also modifies election timing and ballot language requirements for county-level tax votes. These changes directly affect Wyoming counties and municipalities seeking to implement or renew local sales taxes. The bill focuses on procedural adjustments to tax approval processes without altering tax rates or revenue distribution.

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 57 prohibits Wyoming counties and municipalities from banning or restricting fireworks use or possession between noon and midnight on July 4, except during an open fire ban. It also explicitly allows fireworks in state parks, campgrounds, and similar public areas during that same time window, unless an open fire ban is active. The bill amends existing state laws to remove local restrictions specifically for July 4, while maintaining other fireworks regulations outside this timeframe. It does not alter rules for fireworks displays outside July 4 or for other public safety concerns.

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 287 requires Wyoming counties to reimburse individuals for legal costs (including attorney fees and bail) when they successfully use self-defense in criminal cases and are found not guilty, have charges dismissed, or are released from prosecution. It also mandates courts to automatically expunge all related criminal records in these cases, removing arrest and prosecution history from public records. The bill directly affects people facing criminal charges who defend themselves, streamlining access to reimbursement and record removal through simplified court petitions with no filing fees.

Maddy summaryHB 185 requires Wyoming's Legislative Service Office to provide live video broadcasts of specific public legislative meetings, including committee sessions like the joint appropriations committee, and make recordings available on the legislature's website. This applies to meetings staffed by the Legislative Service Office but excludes executive sessions and situations where broadcasting isn't reasonably possible. The bill clarifies that video recordings won't replace official written minutes and won't delay meetings or invalidate actions if broadcasting fails. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 125 repeals specific restrictions on concealed weapons in schools and public facilities while clarifying that only the Wyoming state legislature can regulate firearms, not local governments. It allows lawfully carrying concealed weapons in government meetings, legislative sessions, and public schools (excluding facilities where students are enrolled under existing law), and prohibits local entities from banning such carry in these locations. The bill also creates a misdemeanor penalty for blocking someone with a valid concealed carry permit from entering authorized areas. It explicitly preserves private property owners' rights to ban firearms on their land and requires the state building commission to issue necessary rules within 30 days of the law's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 90 amends Wyoming's safe haven law to change the age limit for newborns that can be left at designated safe haven locations (like hospitals or emergency services). The bill reduces the allowable age from 60 days to 14 days or younger, meaning only infants under two weeks old can be relinquished under this provision. This directly affects parents seeking to safely surrender newborns and the safe haven providers who accept them. The change takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 99 prohibits physicians and health care providers in Wyoming from performing specific medical procedures related to gender transition for children under 18. This includes surgeries like sterilization (e.g., hysterectomy, orchiectomy), mastectomies, puberty-blocking drugs, and hormone therapies that induce infertility. Exceptions apply for medically verified conditions, such as disorders of sex development or central precocious puberty, with parental consent. Violations could lead to suspension or revocation of a provider’s license, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2024.