Sen. Larry Hicks

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 148 clarifies that state firearm laws override local regulations, directly affecting cities and counties that might have attempted to enact stricter gun rules. The bill amends a definition in existing law to explicitly state that state statutes (W.S. 6-8-401 through 6-8-406) take precedence over local ordinances. This is a procedural clarification - no new restrictions or exceptions are added - and takes effect immediately upon enactment. It ensures local governments cannot impose additional firearm regulations beyond what the state already permits.

Maddy summaryHB 188 creates a program to compensate Wyoming livestock owners, lessees, or their agents for damages caused by gray wolves in areas where wolves are classified as predatory animals. The Wyoming Department of Agriculture will verify wolf-caused damage and determine compensation amounts based on department rules, using a $135,000 appropriation from the general fund. The program runs from July 2023 through June 2026, with funds dedicated solely to this purpose and expiring if unspent by the end of the period. It requires the department to contract with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and USDA for claims investigation and to promulgate necessary rules.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 128 modifies state law governing land exchanges between Wyoming and the federal government. It removes the previous requirement that exchanged federal and state lands must be equal in size, allowing for more flexible transactions. The bill also ensures all such exchanges follow existing orders, rules, and regulations related to land exchanges. This change directly affects how Wyoming manages land transactions with the federal government, streamlining the process without altering land use policies. The bill took effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 174 removes the $20,000 value limit on homestead exemptions for Wyoming homeowners. This bill directly affects residents who claim homestead exemptions, allowing properties of any value to be protected from creditors. The key provision amends Wyoming's civil procedure code (W.S. 1-20-101) to eliminate the previous cap, meaning homeowners can now shield the full value of their primary residence. The change takes effect July 1, 2023. This is a straightforward policy update to the homestead exemption law, with no additional provisions or complex mechanisms.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 176 allows two or more existing solid waste disposal districts to merge into a single district. It outlines specific procedures for consolidation, including initiation via county commissioner resolution (without elections for districts in the same county) or through existing statutory processes. The bill prevents changes to district boundaries, requires county commissioner approval for multi-county consolidations, and sets rules for appointing directors based on population. It also maintains existing tax limits for the consolidated district and applies standard special district consolidation rules. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 97 amends Wyoming law to allow chancery courts to handle certain government contract disputes when the contract itself designates chancery court as the venue for resolving disagreements. This change applies only to lawsuits filed after July 1, 2023, and affects government entities and contractors who include this specific venue choice in their agreements. The bill does not alter existing jurisdiction rules but adds chancery court as an option under these limited, contract-specified conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 70 modifies Wyoming's legal definition of a "home-based educational program" under W.S. 21-4-101(a)(v). It specifies that such a program must be provided by a parent, legal guardian, or their designated person to a single child, and explicitly excludes programs serving more than one family unit. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023, and does not create new requirements or funding but clarifies what qualifies as a home-based program for regulatory purposes. This directly affects parents or guardians providing home education to their own child, excluding multi-family educational arrangements from this definition.

Maddy summaryWyoming's Senate Joint Resolution 7 (SJ 7) is a symbolic resolution expressing legislative support for the relationship between Wyoming and Taiwan. It reaffirms Wyoming's commitment to strengthening economic ties, educational cooperation, and Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO. The resolution directs Wyoming's Secretary of State to send copies to U.S. officials, Wyoming's congressional delegation, Taiwan's leadership, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter policy but formally states Wyoming's position.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 210 creates a "restricted financial institution list" for banks that discriminate against energy companies without a valid business reason. It requires the state treasurer to maintain this list after board approval, providing 45 days' notice to institutions before listing them and allowing removal if they stop discriminatory practices. The state must then refuse to enter into banking contracts with institutions on the list, affecting state and local government financial relationships. This bill directly impacts financial institutions that target fossil fuel companies, with definitions clarifying "discrimination" includes refusing service based on energy sector activities. The policy change focuses on state contracting practices, not altering banking regulations for institutions.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would limit annual spending from Wyoming's "rainy day" fund (the legislative stabilization reserve account) to 25% of its balance at the start of each budget period. It requires a three-fourths vote in both legislative chambers to exceed this limit during a fiscal emergency. The fund currently holds approximately $2 billion. If approved by voters, this would establish clear spending rules for the state's budget stabilization fund.