Maddy summaryHB 167 reauthorizes Wyoming's teacher shortage loan repayment program, targeting educators in high-demand subjects like special education, math, science, world languages, reading, and English as a second language. The bill allows teachers to repay student loans without cash payments by teaching at least 50% of their time in these specific areas within Wyoming public schools, with repayment required within the loan amount's repayment period plus two years after graduation. It appropriates $500,000 from the legislative stabilization reserve for the program during fiscal 2023-2024, with up to 5% allocated for administrative costs. The program requires annual reporting to the legislature on its impact in addressing teacher shortages and funding needs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 194, the Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act, creates education savings accounts (ESAs) providing eligible Wyoming students with $6,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) to cover approved educational expenses. It directly affects K-12 students who are Wyoming residents and not yet graduated, allowing parents to use funds for tuition at qualified schools, online programs, tutoring, textbooks, technology, and other approved educational services. The state treasurer administers the program, prohibits using local tax revenues for funding, and requires parents to sign agreements outlining permitted uses. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and was never enacted.
Maddy summaryHB 277 allows Wyoming county treasurers to issue vehicle registration certificates electronically instead of on paper. It extends the grace period for displaying license plates from the current requirement to 30 days after registration, meaning vehicle owners have up to 30 days to display physical plates after receiving their registration. The bill directly affects all Wyoming vehicle owners who register their vehicles, updating how registration documentation is provided and displayed. These changes take effect July 1, 2023, and amend specific sections of Wyoming law regarding registration issuance and plate display requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 201 creates the Hathaway Fallen First Responder Scholarship, providing financial aid to children of Wyoming first responders who died while on duty. It directly affects students whose custodial parent or guardian was a Wyoming resident first responder (as defined by Wyoming law) killed in the line of duty, and who graduated from an accredited high school (in Wyoming or out-of-state). To qualify, students must have a minimum 2.50 high school GPA and score at or above the 43rd percentile on a national college entrance exam. The scholarship offers $1,680 per semester for full-time enrollment (12+ hours), prorated for fewer hours, and is funded through Wyoming's existing Hathaway scholarship program.
Maddy summaryHB 84 would authorize Wyoming's Game and Fish Commission to set daily limits on commercially guided fishing boats launching on specific rivers to protect fish resources. The bill requires public hearings in affected communities before new limits are set and mandates tracking systems to monitor boat launches. It directly affects outfitters and professional fishing guides operating for hire on major river drainages (including the Snake, Green, and North Platte Rivers). Key provisions include daily boat caps, public input requirements, and standardized tracking rules for river access.
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 149 creates an "enhanced concealed carry permit" that requires applicants to show proof of recent firearm safety training (within one year), such as completion of a certified course (NRA or Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy) or active peace officer employment. This permit, available to residents 21 or older, includes specific training requirements covering firearm fundamentals, live-shooting qualification, and legal aspects of firearm use. The bill mandates that Wyoming's Attorney General notify other states by July 1, 2023, to seek reciprocity for this enhanced permit. It does not change existing concealed carry rules but aims to improve interstate recognition of Wyoming's enhanced permits. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023, with rulemaking required by the same date.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes Wyoming's wildlife terminology by replacing "trophy game animal" with "large carnivore game animal" in statutes. It specifically designates two geographic areas (in northwest Wyoming) where gray wolves will be classified as "trophy large carnivore game animals," allowing them to be hunted under regulated conditions. The change applies after gray wolves are removed from federal endangered species protections. The bill requires the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to establish implementing rules and affects how wolves are managed for hunting in designated zones. This redefinition clarifies wildlife management jurisdiction without altering existing hunting seasons or quotas.
Maddy summaryHB 54 creates a property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners, reducing taxes on the first $100,000 of value for primary residences. To qualify, owners must claim the exemption annually by May 4th with the county assessor, proving the property is their main home (where they live most of the year). The exemption expires December 31, 2029, and the state will reimburse counties $31 million for lost tax revenue through 2025. This directly affects homeowners with primary residences valued under $100,000, lowering their annual property tax bills.
Maddy summaryHB 249 allows Wyoming county treasurers to issue temporary 30-day registration certificates and electronic payment proof when vehicle owners pay registration fees online. This directly affects drivers who pay online, providing immediate proof of valid registration while awaiting official license plates and stickers. The bill amends state law to confirm county treasurers' authority to provide this temporary verification. It does not change registration fees or requirements, only streamlining the process for online payments. The change became effective July 1, 2023.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health and disability insurance plans in Wyoming to cover hearing aids and related fitting, evaluation, and maintenance services when medically necessary. It mandates coverage for one hearing aid per ear (with associated professional services) and limits coverage to $2,000 per ear every three years, unless a hearing professional determines additional devices are medically needed. Insurance plans must apply the same deductibles and co-pays for hearing aid coverage as for other health services. The law applies to all covered individuals and aims to ensure equitable access to hearing aid care under existing health insurance plans. It takes effect July 1, 2024.