Sen. Wendy Schuler

Maddy summaryHB 287 creates designated "gaming districts" in Wyoming where casino-style gambling may occur, directly affecting gaming operators and counties meeting population requirements. The bill requires operators to have operated two or more gaming facilities in Wyoming for at least 10 years, limits districts to counties with a metropolitan area of 250,000+ people within 100 miles, and caps total districts at two statewide (one per county). It mandates that gaming revenue be remitted to the state, with specific rules for how funds are distributed, while prohibiting online wagering except for regulated sports betting. The law also defines key terms like "gaming activities" (excluding skill-based games and pari-mutuel events) and establishes licensing requirements for operators.

Maddy summaryHB 223 establishes a grant program using Wyoming Education Trust Fund revenues to provide financial assistance to preschool providers serving economically disadvantaged and at-risk students. The program offers grants of up to $50,000 annually for specific expenses like teacher salaries, facility leases, insurance, and parent training materials, with applications due by May 15 and funds distributed by October 1. Eligible providers include school districts, private non-profits, and for-profit organizations that meet federal TANF program criteria. The initiative is funded by a $50 million transfer from the public school foundation program to the trust fund, replacing an existing grant program.

Maddy summaryHB 114 amends Wyoming's state land leasing rules to make them more flexible and clear. It increases the amount lessees can spend on improvements without permission from $2,000 to $4,000 per land section, extends maximum lease terms from 75 to 99 years, and explicitly allows residential leases for the first time. The bill also requires all leases to follow minimum state standards for safety and land use, and clarifies that lessees must get approval for improvements exceeding $4,000. This directly affects individuals and businesses leasing Wyoming state lands for farming, ranching, or residential development.

Maddy summaryHB 150 authorizes the creation of local early childhood development special districts in Wyoming counties to provide services for children birth through age 8. These districts, formed through voter approval (requiring 15% of qualified voters' signatures or a county commission resolution), can levy up to 2 mills annually on property taxes to fund services like childcare, education, health, and developmental support. Each district must create and publish a public plan detailing eligible recipients, service providers, and funding options before offering services. The bill establishes governance rules, including requirements for public transparency and regular voter referendums on continued mill levies.

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 summaryHB 149 creates new criminal offenses for assault, threats of violence, and battery against healthcare workers while requiring healthcare facilities to implement safety measures. It establishes misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine) for first offenses and felony penalties (up to 3 years jail or $1,000 fine) for repeat offenses against workers performing their duties. Healthcare facilities must post clear anti-violence signs (18x18 inches, English, visible locations) and develop workplace violence prevention plans including staff training. The law directly affects healthcare workers, facilities, and anyone committing violence against them during work duties. The Wyoming Department of Health must also create public resources on prevention strategies and best practices.

Maddy summaryHB 187 prohibits male students from competing on teams designated for female students in Wyoming public and private schools that compete against public schools. It defines "sex" as biological sex at birth and requires schools to designate teams as male-only, female-only, or coed. The bill also establishes a process for the state board of education to determine eligibility exceptions for students seeking to participate on teams inconsistent with their sex assigned at birth, based on physical characteristics and other factors. This provision is contingent on court rulings invalidating prior related laws, as specified in the bill. The law directly affects K-12 students and school athletic programs across Wyoming.

Maddy summaryHB 71 creates an annual sales tax holiday during the first weekend in August (Friday 12:01 a.m. to Sunday 11:59 p.m.) when specific items are exempt from Wyoming's sales tax. It directly affects consumers purchasing eligible school-related items, including clothing, computers, school supplies (like pens, notebooks, and backpacks), and school sports equipment. The exemption excludes high-priced items (e.g., clothing over $100, computers over $1,500) and non-eligible goods like jewelry, cosmetics, or items bought for resale. The bill specifies these rules to provide temporary tax relief for back-to-school shopping, effective July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 100) amends the state's stalking law to explicitly prohibit using electronic devices to surveil others without permission. It directly affects individuals who might use GPS, digital tools, or internet tracking to monitor someone's location or online activity without their authorization. The key provision adds a new section banning unauthorized surveillance via electronic devices, including tracking internet/wireless activity, to the existing stalking statute. The law became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Wyoming's "seal of biliteracy" and "advanced distinction seal of biliteracy" for high school graduates. It allows school districts to award these seals to students who demonstrate proficiency in English plus one or more world languages (including American Sign Language, classical languages, and indigenous languages). The state superintendent designs the program, sets assessment standards, and requires districts to report annually on the number of seals issued, languages used, and seal types. The program applies to all Wyoming high school students meeting the proficiency criteria, with implementation beginning July 1, 2022.