Sen. Laura Pearson

Maddy summaryHB 129 changes the schedule for distributing school funds in Wyoming counties. It removes the requirement for county treasurers to distribute funds on June 20 (or the last business day before) each year, leaving only the regular monthly distributions. This directly affects county treasurers and school districts, as they will no longer process this specific annual transfer. The bill amends existing law to streamline fund transfers, with immediate effective date upon enactment.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 313 modifies how counties can lower speed limits on non-interstate highways and local streets. It requires county commissioners to submit proposed speed limit decreases to the Transportation Commission within 60 days, giving the Commission 60 days to override the proposal with a majority vote. The bill applies to state highways and county roads (excluding interstates) and takes effect July 1, 2025. This change streamlines the approval process by centralizing authority with the Transportation Commission for speed limit adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 147) expands Wyoming's protections for service and assistance animals by explicitly including animals currently in training under the legal definitions of these animals. It increases criminal penalties for injuring or killing such animals, making it a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $5,000 fine. The law applies directly to individuals who harm or kill service animals (including those in training) or assistance animals, and affects all Wyoming residents and businesses serving people with disabilities. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 199, titled the "Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act" (not "Steamboat Legacy," which appears to be a misreference), creates a state-funded scholarship program for K-12 students in Wyoming. It increases the maximum annual scholarship from $6,000 to $7,000 for students at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, with annual inflation adjustments, and funds it through a new "Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Program Account" using state education revenues. The bill eliminates mandatory certification for private schools and providers but adds voluntary registration, while prohibiting funding from local taxes. It directly affects low-income Wyoming families seeking to use scholarships for public, private, or online education options.

Maddy summaryHB 222 (Medical Ethics Defense Act-2) protects healthcare workers, hospitals, insurers, and other healthcare entities in Wyoming from being forced to provide or pay for specific health services that conflict with their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. It allows them to refuse participation in or payment for such services without facing discrimination, job loss, license penalties, or other adverse actions. The law explicitly states this protection does not override duties to provide emergency care or other non-conflicting services, and it defines key terms like "conscience" and "health care service" to clarify coverage. The bill creates new legal safeguards for conscience-based decisions within healthcare delivery.

Maddy summarySF 83 requires legislative approval before state funds can be used for large energy projects exceeding $400,000. It mandates that state agencies, universities, cities, and counties (awarding entities) report annual project details to the legislature and seek new approval for any project funding beyond $200,000 after initial authorization. The bill defines "large energy projects" broadly to include carbon capture, hydrogen production, solar, wind, and other energy infrastructure. It applies to all state-funded projects starting July 1, 2025, shifting approval authority from agencies to the legislature for significant energy investments.

Maddy summaryHB 96 prohibits discrimination in public services based on a person's vaccination status, face covering use, or COVID-19 testing results. It applies to businesses and entities receiving state or federal subsidies, banning them from refusing services, goods, or facilities based on these factors. The bill also prohibits advertising or publishing requirements for masks, vaccines, or testing as conditions for accessing public services. Individuals harmed by violations can seek up to $5,000 in civil damages through a lawsuit.

Maddy summaryHB 200 requires Wyoming public schools to notify parents about student health changes and obtain written parental permission before instruction on gender identity, sexual orientation, or diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. It prohibits schools from requiring staff or students to use pronouns inconsistent with biological sex and allows school personnel to opt out of related trainings. Schools must publish curriculum materials online and report complaints to the state education department. The bill directly affects parents' rights to information, student privacy, and school staff obligations in Wyoming public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 150 allows Wyoming meat processors licensed by federal or state authorities to sell compost made from non-edible animal parts (excluding certain high-risk materials like brain, spinal cord, or specific intestines from older cattle) as fertilizer, soil amendment, or soil conditioner. Processors must register this compost with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and follow existing commercial fertilizer regulations. The bill defines "specified risk materials" to exclude parts posing potential health risks and takes effect July 1, 2025. It directly affects licensed meat processing facilities seeking to repurpose waste materials.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 84) requires retailers and wholesalers to label beef derived entirely from cattle born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States as "product of the United States of America." It directly affects businesses selling beef within Wyoming by mandating this specific country-of-origin labeling. The bill amends existing meat labeling laws to add this requirement, defining "beef" as meat from cattle including veal. The rule takes effect July 1, 2025.