Rep. Bob Nicholas

Maddy summaryHB 136 redirects 1% of total wagered amounts from historic pari-mutuel events and simulcasting (e.g., horse racing betting) to the state highway fund instead of distributing it to local counties or cities. This affects racetracks and pari-mutuel venues that pay these fees, changing how those funds are allocated. Previously, 1% went to local governments for the state fair account; this bill eliminates that local distribution and channels all such funds directly to highway funding. The bill failed to pass in the Wyoming House on February 11, 2026, with a vote of 17-44-1.

Maddy summaryHB 81, the "Less is More Plate Act," would have removed the requirement for Wyoming vehicle owners to display a license plate on the front of their vehicles, while keeping the rear plate requirement. This bill directly affected all drivers who currently display front plates under Wyoming law (W.S. 31-2-205(a)(i)). The key provision repealed front plate mandates in multiple sections of the vehicle code, including those governing registration and display rules. The bill failed to pass in the Wyoming House (38-23) in February 2026 and never became law.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Wyoming's threshold for simplified probate procedures from $200,000 to $500,000 for estates. It directly affects residents and nonresidents with smaller estates (valued under $500,000 after debts) who qualify for streamlined distribution without full court supervision. Key provisions raise the value limit for summary procedures under W.S. 2-1-205, simplify nonresident estate processing under W.S. 2-11-201 and 2-11-202, and clarify disclaimer rules under W.S. 2-1-403. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, reducing administrative burdens for smaller estates.

Maddy summaryHB 279 clarifies the order in which multiple property tax exemptions apply to a single property in Wyoming. It requires the Department of Revenue to apply exemptions sequentially: percentage-based exemptions (like senior citizen discounts) must be applied from smallest to largest percentage, while non-percentage exemptions (like homestead exclusions) come after. This affects property owners who qualify for more than one exemption, ensuring consistent application without conflicting reductions. The bill does not change existing exemptions but mandates a specific, transparent process for their combined use. It takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 36 amends Wyoming's Hathaway scholarship program to clarify that "certificate" includes trade programs (like welder or commercial driver training). It requires students receiving the scholarship after July 1, 2025, to either work in Wyoming for one year or attend graduate school at the University of Wyoming for one year for every four academic semesters of scholarship funding. The bill also mandates the Wyoming Department of Education to adopt implementing rules by July 2025. This directly affects new scholarship recipients pursuing certificates or degrees at eligible Wyoming institutions. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, for new awards.

Maddy summaryHB 300 imposes a 3.5% tax on electricity producers in Wyoming, effective January 1, 2026, based on their annual gross energy earnings from electricity generated within the state. It directly affects utility companies and power generators, while exempting electricity produced by the federal or state government and small personal use (under 500 kWh daily). Producers must report annual revenue by February 1 and pay the tax by the same deadline, with penalties of 5% per 30 days for late filing. The tax revenue will be collected by the Wyoming Department of Revenue and distributed per the bill’s provisions.

Maddy summarySF 89 repeals Wyoming's bed expansion limitations for hospitals and nursing care facilities, removing the requirement for state approval before adding beds. It modifies health facility regulations so the Department of Health can only review plans for health and life safety compliance, not bed count increases. The bill requires the Department of Health to report to the legislature by September 2029 on how the change affects facility construction and operations. This law takes effect July 1, 2025. (Bill SF 89, Certificate of Need Repeal-2)

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the High Plains Research Station and Arboretum in Laramie County as a state historic site, requiring the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources to manage it. It mandates the department to create a strategic management plan within one year, authorize site-specific fees (above standard park rates) to fund operations, and report progress to a legislative committee by October 2026. The bill appropriates $3.3 million from existing 2024 funds specifically for the site's preservation, development, and maintenance through June 2026. This primarily affects the department’s management responsibilities and the site’s operational funding, with no direct impact on residents or businesses beyond standard visitor fees.

Maddy summaryHB 231 appropriates $2.176 million from Wyoming's general fund to the University of Wyoming for medical education expansion. It authorizes the university to partner with the University of Utah School of Medicine to offer a new program, providing training for up to five Wyoming resident students annually over four years starting in 2025-2026. The bill requires student agreements under state law and limits administrative costs to $53,081. The funding is set to expire June 30, 2029, with the legislature intending to double this amount in future budgets.

Maddy summaryHB 229 designates the High Plains Research Station and Arboretum in Laramie County as a state historic site managed by Wyoming's Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. The bill requires the department to create a strategic master plan for preservation and operations within one year, including partnerships with local entities, and authorizes fees to fund site maintenance, development, and staff. These fees must be deposited into the state parks account, with annual financial reports submitted to the legislature. The bill also specifies $3.3 million in existing funds for site operations, effective immediately upon enactment.