Sen. Wendy Schuler

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 summaryThis Wyoming bill allows property owners to mark private land boundaries using fluorescent orange or pink paint (50+ square inches) instead of traditional signs to indicate trespassing restrictions. It requires the Game and Fish Commission and State Parks to include trespassing rules in hunting/fishing permits and park materials, and to develop signs at public road entrances to private land clarifying visitors shouldn’t leave the road. The law directly affects landowners seeking to define property lines and recreational users like hunters or hikers who may encounter marked boundaries. It takes effect July 1, 2022, and does not change existing trespassing penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 76 simplifies licensing for Wyoming real estate brokers who operate as sole proprietors with only one office. It eliminates the requirement for these brokers to obtain a separate license for their single office, allowing them to use one license for their sole business location. This change applies to licenses issued on or after July 1, 2022, and directly affects sole proprietor real estate brokers with a single office location. The bill does not alter licensing rules for brokers with multiple offices or other license types.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," requires public schools and colleges in Wyoming to designate athletic teams based on students' biological sex at birth, as recorded on their birth certificates. It prohibits biological males from participating on teams designated for females, women, or girls, and mandates that schools must clearly label teams as male, female, or coed. The law also allows students denied athletic opportunities due to violations, or those facing retaliation for reporting issues, to pursue legal action for damages, attorney fees, and other remedies. Schools must implement specific rules by August 15, 2022, and the law takes effect on July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 109 prohibits members and staff of the state gaming commission from engaging in, investing in, or pursuing any business regulated by the commission, including horse racing betting or other gaming activities. It requires immediate disclosure and divestment of any such interests if they exist, and mandates that affected individuals recuse themselves from related commission decisions. This applies directly to commission members and staff who own or have family interests in regulated businesses, such as racetracks or casinos. The law, effective July 1, 2022, strengthens ethics safeguards by preventing conflicts of interest in gaming regulation. It amends existing rules to clarify prohibitions and repeals a duplicate provision.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 54 establishes the "Interstate Compact for Licensed Professional Counselors," allowing counselors licensed in Wyoming to practice across other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill directly affects licensed professional counselors and their clients, enabling multistate practice where the client is located at the time of service. Key provisions include preserving each state's authority to license counselors, supporting military spouses through streamlined licensure, and creating a data system for sharing disciplinary information. The compact aims to improve public access to counseling services while maintaining state regulatory oversight.

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.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 91, the "Massage Therapy Practice Act," proposes creating a regulatory framework for massage therapists in the state. It establishes a five-member Board of Massage Therapy within the Department of Health to oversee licensing, set professional standards, conduct background checks for applicants, and enforce rules. The bill defines "massage therapy" as manual soft tissue manipulation for therapeutic purposes (excluding medical diagnosis) and authorizes the board to collect fees to fund its operations. This bill directly affects massage therapists seeking or renewing licenses in Wyoming and would create new licensing requirements and oversight mechanisms. (Note: This is a proposed bill introduced in 2022 but not advanced beyond initial filing.)

Maddy summaryHB 50 would allow Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to apply for state and federal education grants as if they were local school districts, directly affecting BOCES and participating school districts. It requires approval from at least two school districts' boards before BOCES can apply for grants on their behalf, and participating districts would not be eligible to apply for the same grants individually. The bill also requires the state education department to treat BOCES as local education agencies for grant purposes and to create rules for the application process. This change aims to streamline grant access for rural or collaborative school systems without preventing non-participating districts from applying separately.