Sen. Fred Baldwin

Maddy summaryHB 137 requires the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners to post public notice online for any proposed exchange of state-owned land. It applies to anyone - including government agencies - seeking to swap state land, mandating the Board post notice within 30 days of receiving an application and keep it visible until a final decision is made. The notice must include how the public can access details and submit comments. The law took effect July 1, 2022, with rules to be established by the Board by that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts emergency wildfire suppression activities from Wyoming's Underground Facilities Notification Act, which normally requires utility companies to notify before digging. It directly affects utility workers and emergency responders who need to quickly access underground infrastructure during wildfires. The key provision adds a specific exemption (subsection (k)) to the existing law, removing the notification requirement for wildfire suppression efforts. The exemption took effect on July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 41) updates Wyoming's 911 emergency communication system by expanding the Public Safety Communications Commission's role. It adds two new members to the commission (representing emergency communications officials and homeland security) and directs the commission to develop guidelines for next-generation 911 systems that integrate current infrastructure. The bill also allows existing 911 tax funds to cover costs for next-generation systems, including equipment, maintenance, and personnel supporting system integration. These changes directly affect public safety agencies operating 911 call centers and emergency response systems across Wyoming.

Maddy summaryHB 71 amends Wyoming law to increase penalties for driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license by including violations of similar laws in other states as "subsequent" offenses. It directly affects drivers who operate vehicles while their license is suspended, particularly those with prior suspensions in other jurisdictions. The key provision requires a minimum 7-day jail sentence (instead of probation) and a $200-$750 fine for such violations, with no eligibility for early release. This change expands the scope of prior offenses considered for enhanced penalties beyond Wyoming's own laws. The bill became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 117 creates Wyoming's participation in an occupational therapy licensure compact, allowing licensed occupational therapists and assistants from participating states to practice in Wyoming without obtaining a separate Wyoming license. This directly affects licensed therapists seeking to work across state lines, military spouses relocating with service members, and patients needing therapy in different states. The bill establishes mutual recognition of licenses between member states, requires practice to follow the regulations of the state where the patient is located, and includes provisions for sharing disciplinary information and handling adverse actions. It preserves each state's authority to license practitioners while aiming to improve access to occupational therapy services.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 15 allows local governments (like counties or cities) that own golf courses with liquor licenses to contract out golf course operations to private companies without transferring the liquor license. The bill amends state law to clarify that political subdivisions may subcontract food and beverage services at these courses while retaining their existing liquor licenses, maintaining the limit of two such licenses per local government. This change directly affects local governments operating golf courses with club liquor licenses, ensuring they can partner with private operators without losing their license rights. The law took effect on July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 110 establishes a licensing system for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts in Wyoming. To obtain a license, applicants must hold a current certification from a recognized certifying entity (like a Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and meet board requirements, with exemptions for certain professionals like licensed psychologists or students under supervision. The bill also defines "behavior technicians" who must work under a licensed behavior analyst's supervision and cannot represent themselves as licensed. It directly affects behavior analysts, technicians, and related professionals practicing in Wyoming, ensuring standardized qualifications and oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 85 creates a new felony offense for pregnant individuals who knowingly use methamphetamine or certain narcotics (like heroin or fentanyl) without a prescription from a healthcare provider. It directly affects pregnant people using these substances without medical authorization, imposing penalties of up to five years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The law specifically targets non-prescribed use of Schedule I/II controlled substances during pregnancy, framing it as endangering the unborn child, and takes effect July 1, 2022. The bill does not address medical treatment or addiction support, focusing solely on criminal penalties for non-prescribed substance use.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 52 creates special license plates for residents to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. It allows owners of non-commercial vehicles to apply for these plates, with applicants able to register as anatomical gift donors and optionally donate $1 or more to support awareness programs. The funds collected go into a dedicated account managed by the Department of Health to promote donation education. The plates must display a distinctive symbol but match standard size and color, and production will end if fewer than 1,000 plates are issued by December 2031.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 113) extends a property tax exemption to private, nonprofit community housing development organizations that receive funding from Wyoming's Community Development Authority (WCDA). It directly affects these affordable housing providers by exempting their owned property from local property taxes. The key provision adds a new exemption under Wyoming law (W.S. 39-11-105(a)(xviii)(B)), which terminates if the organization sells or leases the property. The exemption became effective July 1, 2022.