Sen. Ogden Driskill

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits hunting, fishing, or trapping on private land without the owner's permission, including traveling across such land. It directly affects hunters, anglers, and trappers who enter private property without consent. The law expands existing penalties to include travel across private land, imposing fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or forfeiture of illegally taken game. It became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 74 would require runoff elections in Wyoming for statewide and legislative offices (including governor, state treasurer, and state legislature) if no candidate receives a majority (over 50%) of votes in the primary election. The top two vote-getters would advance to the runoff, with specific tie-breaking procedures for tied vote counts. The bill also changes primary election timing to the first Tuesday after the third Monday in August and standardizes runoff ballot formats to include clear voting instructions and write-in options. This bill was introduced in 2022 but was not considered for advancement by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill creates a new misdemeanor offense for unauthorized drone flights over private property. It prohibits drones from flying below 200 feet over someone's land or home without the owner's permission (or a court order), applying to small drones under 55 pounds. Violators face up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both. The law takes effect July 1, 2022, directly affecting property owners and residents concerned about drone privacy.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJ 3) proposes changing Wyoming's requirement for reapportioning the legislature after the federal census. It would move the deadline for reapportionment from "December 10" to allow primary elections to be held in May, with runoff elections possible afterward if needed. The amendment would require the legislature to call a special session (up to 10 working days) if reapportionment is needed to meet this new timeline. It directly affects how Wyoming's legislature schedules elections and reapportions seats following census data. The bill failed to advance after introduction in February 2022.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HJ 2 is a joint resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically asks for a convention limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and set term limits for federal officials and Congress members. The resolution includes strict conditions, such as prohibiting any consideration of changes to the Bill of Rights and requiring Congress to call the convention only if two-thirds of states request it for the same purpose. The bill failed to advance in the Wyoming legislature (21-37 vote) and remains a procedural request to Congress, not a binding law.

Maddy summaryHB 1002 prohibits Wyoming public entities from enforcing federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates for employers with 100+ employees or healthcare providers in Medicare/Medicaid programs. It creates a new state law (W.S. 9-14-103) making it a misdemeanor (up to 6 months jail or $750 fine) for public entities to comply with such federal rules until federal court challenges are resolved. The bill authorizes Wyoming’s attorney general to sue federal agencies over these mandates and appropriates $1 million for legal action. It directly affects Wyoming state agencies, local governments, and employers subject to federal vaccine requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Wyoming state government agencies from enforcing federal mandates requiring employers to ensure employees receive COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing. It specifically blocks enforcement until federal regulations are legally confirmed after all court challenges are resolved. The law also appropriates $1 million for the attorney general to challenge federal mandates in court, aiming to protect citizens' rights to make personal health decisions without government coercion. It directly affects Wyoming public entities (like state agencies) and employers subject to federal rules, but does not apply to private businesses.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 1001 prohibits most employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment. It allows exceptions only for employers who document that vaccination is critical for workplace safety and provide medical/religious exemptions, along with reasonable alternatives like reassignment or testing. Employers violating the law face $100 daily penalties, and must offer severance pay if employees leave due to non-compliant mandates. The bill specifically addresses healthcare employers and creates a program for antibody testing, while citing staffing shortages as its legislative motivation.

Maddy summaryHB 1003 prohibits discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccination status in health insurance and public services. It directly affects health insurers, businesses, and individuals by banning insurers from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or limiting benefits based on vaccination status (Section 26-20-901), and preventing businesses from denying services, employment, education, or health care access due to vaccination status or "immunity passports" (Section 35-4-140). Key mechanisms include criminal penalties (up to 6 months jail or $750 fine for violations) and civil remedies for affected individuals. The bill defines "COVID-19 vaccination status" and "immunity passport" to clarify prohibited actions. It was introduced in Wyoming in 2021 but did not advance beyond committee consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1001 prohibits Wyoming employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment, except in limited circumstances. It mandates employers to provide medical and religious exemptions, offer reasonable alternatives (like reassignment or testing), and pay severance to employees who leave due to non-compliant mandates. The law applies broadly but specifically addresses critical staffing shortages in healthcare, requiring employers to document workplace safety justifications for any exceptions. It also creates programs for employer-funded testing and adjusts worker's compensation to cover vaccine-related injuries.