Sen. Larry Hicks

Maddy summaryHB 292 requires the governor to recommend setting aside 10% of estimated general fund revenue for the next two-year budget period into a dedicated budget reserve account. At the end of each biennium, any unspent general fund money (after covering expenses) is automatically transferred to this reserve. The reserve funds are invested by the state treasurer, with earnings returned to the general fund, and cannot expire. Spending from the reserve requires a new legislative appropriation, ensuring the state maintains a financial buffer for future budget needs.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 150 creates a property tax exemption for real estate and equipment (like buildings and training tools) used exclusively by for-profit trade schools for educational purposes in the state. To qualify, schools must be registered in Wyoming, located within the state, offer career-focused training aligned with workforce needs, and maintain national accreditation. The exemption applies only to property used for teaching - commercial uses like retail space don't qualify - and requires annual reporting to the state. Schools must apply for the exemption, which lasts five years and requires renewal before expiration. This policy aims to support workforce development by reducing operating costs for qualifying institutions.

Maddy summaryHB 303, the "Second Amendment Protection Act-amendments," creates legal liability for Wyoming government entities or peace officers who enforce federal firearm regulations. It establishes a civil cause of action allowing individuals harmed by such enforcement to seek damages, including penalties up to $50,000 per violation, plus attorney fees. The bill specifically prohibits state officers from implementing federal rules on firearms, accessories, magazines, or ammunition, while clarifying that it does not block Wyoming from accepting federal law enforcement funding. This bill directly affects Wyoming peace officers, local governments, and state agencies that might enforce federal firearm laws. It is pending legislative action and would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.

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 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.

Maddy summarySF 86 creates a dedicated "firearms on school property account" to reimburse Wyoming school districts for specific safety-related costs. It authorizes $100,000 from the school foundation program to cover expenses like staff training (per W.S. 21-3-132) and implementing district security rules. School districts must apply within one year of incurring costs, submitting receipts and training documentation to receive reimbursement. Unspent funds roll over annually, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill requires the state game and fish department to relocate bighorn sheep from the Sweetwater Rocks herd unit if federal actions threaten domestic sheep grazing on public lands. It mandates relocation within six months of such federal action and reimburses costs using $100,000 from a wildlife research fund. The law authorizes the attorney general to challenge federal policies in court that conflict with Wyoming's existing livestock-grazing plan. The bill directly affects grazing permittees and federal land management decisions involving livestock and bighorn sheep.

Maddy summaryHB 93 increases Wyoming's reimbursement limit for livestock quarantine costs from $25,000 to $50,000 per single quarantine event under the state's animal reimbursement program. The bill directly affects livestock owners and the Wyoming Livestock Board, which administers these payments. It also establishes that payments will stop when the unexpended account balance reaches $100,000 or less, resuming once the balance exceeds that amount. The changes apply to quarantine efforts starting July 1, 2024, and adjust existing provisions in Wyoming Statute 11-19-118(d).

Maddy summaryThis bill continues Wyoming's Regulatory Reduction Task Force through 2025. The task force includes 3 House members, 3 Senate members, 3 jointly appointed members, and 6 public representatives (from oil/gas, mining, agriculture, business, local governments, and construction industries). Its main duty is to identify regulatory burdens on Wyoming industries and propose legislative changes to reduce them, with annual reports due to the governor and legislature by October 1. The bill appropriates $55,000 for legislative members' expenses and $55,000 for other members' expenses through June 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for minors to file lawsuits against providers of gender transition services from age 18 to their 21st birthday. It applies to medical procedures like puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries (including genital and nongenital procedures) performed for gender transition. The law defines "gender transition services" broadly to include all medical care related to changing physical characteristics tied to gender identity. The change takes effect July 1, 2024, for cases arising after that date.