Sen. Laura Pearson

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 64 is a state policy resolution opposing a federal rule requiring electronic ear tags for livestock. It states Wyoming's position that the state will continue using traditional identification methods (like brands, ear tags, and tattoos) under existing law, rather than adopting mandatory electronic devices. The bill requires state and local veterinarians to inform livestock producers about these traditional options and clarifies that Wyoming livestock buyers in other states would be responsible for electronic tagging if required there. This bill does not change Wyoming's current identification rules but formally rejects the federal mandate as unnecessary and costly.

Maddy summaryHB 172 repeals restrictions on concealed weapons in specific public spaces, allowing permit holders to carry guns in government meetings, school athletic events on public property, and school facilities (like classrooms and offices). It also strengthens Wyoming’s state law by preventing local governments from regulating firearms, declaring that only the state legislature can set rules for guns, ammunition, and weapons. The bill includes exceptions for health facilities, explosive materials, and private property rules, and adds penalties for blocking someone from entering permitted areas. School districts must establish training rules for employees carrying concealed weapons, requiring 16 hours of initial training and annual 12-hour recertification.

Maddy summaryHB 61 amends Wyoming's state land leasing rules to give current leaseholders a preferred right to renew their leases. It directly affects individuals or entities holding state land leases who have paid rent on time and not violated lease terms. The bill requires these lessees to meet the highest bid from other qualified applicants, but the bid cannot be below the minimum fair market value (determined by the board) and must not exceed 120% of the previous year's local fair market value. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 120 (the Wyoming PRIME Act) allows small-scale producers to sell meat from their own livestock (cattle, sheep, swine, or goats) directly to consumers in Wyoming, provided the animals were raised, slaughtered on the producer's property or at a custom slaughter facility, and processed within the state. Producers must provide a clear written warning stating the meat hasn't been inspected, prohibit resale or donation by consumers, and avoid implying state approval. The law won't take effect until the governor certifies that federal law permits such sales, with a planned effective date of July 1, 2025, pending this federal action. This directly affects Wyoming producers of small-batch meat and their local end consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 189 prohibits adults (18+) from engaging in a "pattern of communication" with minors (under 18) that includes obscene content defined as explicit sexual descriptions, requests for sexual images, or attempts to normalize adult-minor sexual contact. It specifically targets communications intended for personal sexual gratification, requiring two or more instances across any communication method (written, electronic, or verbal). Violations are felonies with penalties up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $20,000, plus social media restrictions and device forfeiture for convicted individuals. The law exempts school, college, or university activities involving sexual education. It directly affects adults communicating with minors in non-educational contexts and provides victims a civil lawsuit option.

Maddy summaryHB 234 prohibits state and local governments from collecting or maintaining lists of privately owned firearms or their owners using specific merchant codes (like "firearms codes") in payment processing. It also bans payment processors from requiring such codes for firearm retailers or discriminating against them by charging higher fees or refusing transactions based on firearm sales. The bill directly affects firearm retailers, payment processors, and state agencies by restricting how firearm-related transaction data can be handled. Violations could lead to civil actions or criminal penalties, including misdemeanor charges for knowingly violating these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 102 changes Wyoming's Attorney General from a governor-appointed position to a statewide elected office starting in the 2026 general election. It establishes a four-year term, sets the salary, and creates rules for filling vacancies, making the Attorney General a state-elected official like the governor and other top state officers. The bill also updates ethics laws and other statutes to apply to the elected Attorney General, requiring them to be a licensed attorney with four years of practice. This directly affects Wyoming voters, who will elect the Attorney General beginning in 2026, and the Attorney General’s office, which will now operate under elected official rules.

Maddy summaryHB 130 creates a property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners, providing a 50% reduction on the first $200,000 of a primary residence's value (e.g., a $300,000 home would have $100,000 exempt). It applies to single-family homes where owners live at least 8 months yearly (including military members with service-related absences), directly affecting homeowners who qualify. The state will reimburse local governments for lost tax revenue using a $176 million appropriation from the general fund, with payments distributed to counties and school districts. The exemption expires after the 2026 tax year, ending January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 159 regulates chemical abortions in Wyoming by requiring healthcare providers to: (1) physically examine patients, be present during drug administration, schedule follow-up visits within 7 days, and provide labeled catch kits and medical waste bags for disposal. The bill defines "chemical abortion" as using drugs to intentionally terminate pregnancy or kill an unborn baby, with exceptions for medical emergencies like ectopic pregnancy. It also holds drug manufacturers strictly liable for environmental cleanup if abortion drugs enter wastewater or water supplies, requiring proper disposal of medical waste. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and drug manufacturers in Wyoming, with penalties including up to 3 years in prison or $10,000 fines for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Wyoming property owners from selling or transferring real property to the federal government without prior consent from the Wyoming legislature. It requires sellers to submit a notice and evidence that the federal government's acquisition would be based on a constitutional power (like eminent domain) before signing any binding agreement. Failure to comply results in a civil penalty equal to the sale's net proceeds. The law applies to all such transactions occurring on or after July 1, 2025, directly affecting property owners and federal agencies seeking land acquisitions in Wyoming.