Sen. Wendy Schuler

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 167) allows individuals seeking domestic violence protection orders in Wyoming to request remote participation in court hearings via video or audio technology. It directly affects petitioners and respondents in domestic violence cases who may face barriers to in-person attendance. Courts may approve remote hearings if they have the necessary technology, but retain full discretion to deny requests. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summarySF 181 amends Wyoming's drug-induced homicide law to specifically criminalize unlawfully delivering certain drugs that cause a death. It targets two scenarios: (1) delivering any controlled substance to a minor (who is at least four years younger) resulting in the minor's death, and (2) unlawfully delivering fentanyl, heroin, or methamphetamine to any person causing their death. The law imposes criminal penalties for these acts, defining them as drug-induced homicide under Wyoming statute. This law took effect July 1, 2023, directly affecting individuals who unlawfully provide these drugs when a death occurs.

Maddy summaryHB 140 requires health insurers in Wyoming to reimburse mental health and substance use disorder benefits delivered through the American Medical Association's defined Collaborative Care Model. This model mandates that care must be provided by a team including a primary care provider, a care manager, and a psychiatric consultant. The law applies to individual and group health insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after July 1, 2023, but excludes state-funded plans. Insurers must cover these services as specified, while retaining standard medical management authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the dollar threshold requiring legislative approval for projects funded by Wyoming's wildlife and natural resource trust. It raises the "large project" definition from $200,000 to $400,000 for total grants sought or awarded under the trust. Projects under $400,000 no longer need specific legislative authorization, streamlining approvals for smaller initiatives. The trust board must still notify the legislature within 30 days for any additional grants exceeding $200,000 on a single project. The change applies to all projects approved on or after July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 38 creates special license plates for motor vehicles (non-commercial) to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. Residents can apply for these plates through county treasurers, with an optional $1 donation to fund public education on donation awareness. The plates feature a distinctive symbol, match standard size/color, and require registration fees like regular plates. If fewer than 1,000 plates are issued by December 31, 2031, production will end by January 2033.

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 summaryThis bill creates a certificate of completion for high school students with disabilities in Wyoming, as defined under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It requires the state education board to establish rules ensuring these certificates align with each student's individualized education program (IEP). School districts must report annually by November 1 to the state education department to confirm compliance with these requirements. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows people with disabilities in Wyoming to receive special license plates for multipurpose vehicles (like SUVs or vans commonly used for mobility needs). It requires these plates to display the international symbol of access and include a distinctive symbol or letters indicating the vehicle type (e.g., "MPV"). The change directly affects disabled vehicle owners who currently cannot get plates specifically designated for multipurpose vehicles. The bill amends existing license plate rules to add this vehicle-type identifier while maintaining size requirements for the plates. It takes effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 111) creates a new felony offense for intentionally administering medical procedures, drugs, or agents to change the sex of a child under 18. It directly affects minors under 18, their medical providers, and parents/guardians regarding certain medical treatments. Key exceptions include medical care for intersex conditions diagnosed before age 4, treatment for ambiguous genitalia at birth, and care for traumatic injuries or life-threatening conditions - excluding psychological or emotional issues. Consent from the child, parents, or guardians is not a valid defense against this offense. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 165, "Living organ donor protection," prohibits Wyoming insurance companies from discriminating against individuals who have donated an organ while alive. The bill makes it illegal for insurers to deny, cancel, or increase premiums for life or long-term care insurance solely based on a person's status as a living organ donor, or to reduce coverage benefits without proven additional health risks. It also prevents insurers from requiring donors to forgo future donations as a condition of coverage. The law applies to all such insurance policies issued in Wyoming on or after July 1, 2023.