Rep. Forrest Chadwick

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 111) creates a new felony offense for intentionally administering medical procedures, drugs, or agents to change the sex of a child under 18. It directly affects minors under 18, their medical providers, and parents/guardians regarding certain medical treatments. Key exceptions include medical care for intersex conditions diagnosed before age 4, treatment for ambiguous genitalia at birth, and care for traumatic injuries or life-threatening conditions - excluding psychological or emotional issues. Consent from the child, parents, or guardians is not a valid defense against this offense. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 142 requires public utilities to offer coal-fired power plants for sale specifically for carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) projects. The bill establishes rules for selling carbon dioxide streams (e.g., for enhanced oil recovery), mandates bonding to cover future decommissioning and cleanup costs, and sets definitions for key terms like "carbon capture customer" (oil/gas companies using CO2 streams). It aims to make captured carbon dioxide available for industrial use while preventing rate hikes for electricity customers. The law also requires studies and reports on implementation, targeting coal plant operators and oil/gas industry stakeholders directly affected by the new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 178 authorizes Wyoming's Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources to host revenue-generating events (like weddings, concerts, or corporate gatherings) on specific state land parcels in Teton County, subject to approval by the Board of Land Commissioners. The bill limits each parcel to five event sites, requires temporary structures to be dismantled after use, and mandates that all event revenues be deposited into the common school account within the permanent land income fund. It appropriates $3 million for implementation, including site assessments, business planning, and securing concessionaires, with funds usable through June 2026. The law also requires the department and state lands office to develop implementing rules.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 133 requires that all electrical generation equipment - including solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric generators, power inverters, and power optimizers - must be installed by licensed electricians. This applies directly to electricians, contractors, and installers working with these systems. The bill clarifies existing law to explicitly include renewable energy equipment under the requirement for licensed installation, waiving the requirement only for specific exemptions listed in the law. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 114 amends Wyoming's state land leasing rules to make them more flexible and clear. It increases the amount lessees can spend on improvements without permission from $2,000 to $4,000 per land section, extends maximum lease terms from 75 to 99 years, and explicitly allows residential leases for the first time. The bill also requires all leases to follow minimum state standards for safety and land use, and clarifies that lessees must get approval for improvements exceeding $4,000. This directly affects individuals and businesses leasing Wyoming state lands for farming, ranching, or residential development.

Maddy summaryHB 179 modifies Wyoming's medical education programs to prioritize training for rural healthcare needs. It requires universities to emphasize rural health care in medical curricula, create a Medical School Student Fund (using student payments and investments), and use fund income for relocation costs, rural training, and scholarships for students committing to practice in underserved areas. The bill directly affects medical students, Wyoming's higher education institutions, and rural communities facing healthcare shortages. Universities must report annual fund usage and program modifications to legislative committees by October 1 each year.

Maddy summaryHB 248 clarifies and updates Wyoming's vital records system by defining key terms (like "vital records" to explicitly include related books and "local official" to cover county clerks/coroners) and setting specific requirements. It mandates medical coroners certify deaths within 72 hours of notification, requires marriage certificates registered over one year late to be marked "Delayed," and directs the Department of Health to create implementing rules. The bill directly affects county officials handling birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, ensuring clearer procedures for registration, certification, and preservation. It removes outdated language but does not create new benefits or penalties, focusing solely on procedural clarity for existing record-keeping processes.

Maddy summaryHB 261 creates a new misdemeanor offense for disturbing peace in health care facilities, applying to individuals who cause unreasonably loud noise, use threatening or abusive language, or engage in violent actions with knowledge they will disturb others. The law specifically covers facilities including hospitals, clinics, and offices of licensed health care providers like doctors, dentists, and nurses. Violations carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail, a $750 fine, or both. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023, and defines "health care facility" per existing Wyoming law to include all licensed provider settings.

Maddy summaryHB 149 creates new criminal offenses for assault, threats of violence, and battery against healthcare workers while requiring healthcare facilities to implement safety measures. It establishes misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine) for first offenses and felony penalties (up to 3 years jail or $1,000 fine) for repeat offenses against workers performing their duties. Healthcare facilities must post clear anti-violence signs (18x18 inches, English, visible locations) and develop workplace violence prevention plans including staff training. The law directly affects healthcare workers, facilities, and anyone committing violence against them during work duties. The Wyoming Department of Health must also create public resources on prevention strategies and best practices.