Sen. Ogden Driskill

Maddy summaryWyoming's SJ 5 is a state resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention to propose term limits for U.S. Congress members. It seeks to limit representatives to a set number of terms in both the House and Senate, following Wyoming's joining of 21 other states that previously passed similar state-level term limit laws (overturned by the Supreme Court). The resolution specifies that any convention would be limited to this single topic, operate on a one-state-one-vote basis, and exclude changes to the Bill of Rights. As a procedural state application under Article V of the Constitution, it does not impose term limits itself but aims to initiate the constitutional amendment process.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 170 prohibits the state Game and Fish Commission and Department from taking any management actions for grizzly bears unless required by state law or necessary for public safety. The bill restricts agency activities until grizzly bears are federally delisted and management responsibility returns to Wyoming. It requires the commission to create implementing rules and takes effect immediately upon enactment. This procedural bill directly limits state agency authority over grizzly bear management without changing current federal or state protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal process for electric utilities to gain a prescriptive easement (a legal right to use land) for power lines after five years of continuous, uninterrupted use without landowner permission. It directly affects landowners whose property is used for power lines and electric utilities that maintain delivery systems. Key provisions require utilities to provide 30 days' written notice to landowners before recording the easement, maintain the system while minimizing disruption (including 72-hour notice for temporary infrastructure removal), and compensate landowners for direct damages. The easement width must match industry standards for safe operation, and the law explicitly states it doesn’t override existing easements or property rights.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 186 establishes rules for storing spent nuclear fuel used in reactors manufactured and deployed within the state. It requires advanced nuclear reactor manufacturers (companies operating in Wyoming) to use temporary dry cask storage (special containers designed for safe storage), submit detailed applications to the state environmental department, and provide binding timeframes for moving fuel to permanent storage or reprocessing. The bill mandates reporting to state and local emergency authorities, exempts these facilities from other siting laws, and allows fees to be charged if fuel remains stored beyond agreed timelines. This directly affects Wyoming-based reactor manufacturers and their fuel storage operations, with no broader public impact specified.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the state sales tax on firearms and ammunition purchased in Wyoming. It creates a new tax exemption for these items under existing sales and use tax laws, effective July 1, 2025. The exemption applies to all buyers purchasing firearms or ammunition subject to Wyoming's tax code, directly affecting consumers and retailers selling these products. The change removes a financial cost at the point of sale but does not alter firearm ownership laws or definitions.

Maddy summarySF 90 requires Wyoming public school districts to adopt policies by the 2025-2026 school year allowing "patriotic organizations" (defined as youth groups under 21 with educational purposes promoting patriotism, like 4-H or specific federally listed groups) to participate in schools. The policy must permit organization representatives to speak to students during school hours about their activities, distribute materials, and display information - subject to parental notification and consent for student participation. School districts must allow displays outside school hours without unreasonable restrictions but are not required to provide equal access to non-patriotic groups. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 184 requires electricity sellers to obtain a written agreement (a "customer allocation agreement") with both the customer and the utility that serves the customer's specific service area (certificated territory) before selling power for use within that utility's territory. This applies when electricity is delivered to a point outside the seller's service area but consumed inside another utility's territory. The bill allows the affected utility to sue for lost income, attorney fees, and other costs if this requirement is violated. It takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 260 establishes a grant program to help Wyoming cities and towns cover costs linked to specific criminal activities. It provides up to $5 million in initial funding (for fiscal year 2025-26) to qualifying local governments that meet criteria like increased jail costs from higher incarceration rates, reported violent crimes using national data systems, fentanyl-related cases, or prosecutions against nonresidents. Grants are limited to 10 jurisdictions annually, must be used solely for documented criminal activity costs, and require annual reports on fund usage. The program requires cities/towns to use national incident reporting systems to qualify and mandates the attorney general to administer applications and oversee spending.

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.

Maddy summarySF 155, the "Expanding Physician Access Act," creates a pathway for international physicians to obtain provisional medical licenses in Wyoming. It directly affects physicians licensed outside the U.S. who have completed required training, passed USMLE steps 1-3, and hold a job offer from a Wyoming health care provider (like hospitals or clinics). Key provisions include requiring background checks, proof of English fluency, and federal work authorization before practicing, with provisional licenses automatically converting to full licenses after three years of active practice without disciplinary action. The bill also mandates annual continuing education compliance for provisional license holders.