Sen. Dan Dockstader

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 83 authorizes the governor to negotiate written agreements with tribes regarding hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering rights based on treaty or federal rights on state lands. The bill requires tribes to adopt enforceable game codes, align seasons with state regulations (except for ceremonial purposes), share harvest data, and comply with state conservation rules. It ensures tribal members without valid licenses follow state laws outside the Wind River Reservation and clarifies that agreements do not override private property rights without owner permission. The law mandates a report to the legislature after each agreement is finalized and grants state agencies rulemaking authority for implementation.

Maddy summarySF 8 authorizes Wyoming's Department of Health to provide essential subsidy payments to behavioral health centers and other eligible service providers. These payments help cover operating costs for services to priority populations, but providers must demonstrate a need for operational cost assistance as determined by department rules. Payment amounts are based on the geographic area's population served and the number of service needs within a 35-mile radius, subject to available funding. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 35 amends Wyoming law to create a certification exception for certain part-time preschool facilities. It directly affects small preschools enrolling fewer than eight children over 36 months old or fewer than ten children over 48 months old, provided they meet five specific conditions: no medication administration, no food preparation, children must be toilet-trained (no diapers), limited to 10 weekly hours of attendance, and compliance with local health/safety/fire codes. The bill requires the Department of Family Services to create implementing rules and takes effect July 1, 2023, with some provisions effective immediately upon enactment. This changes certification requirements for qualifying facilities without altering broader childcare regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.2 million from Wyoming's general fund to fund lawsuits defending the state's coal export operations and coal-fired power plants. The funds, available from 2021 through June 2030, specifically cover legal costs to challenge federal or state laws that impede coal exports or cause early closures of Wyoming coal-fired facilities. The governor's office must deposit these funds into a dedicated account and report annually on litigation expenses and case status to state committees. It directly affects Wyoming's coal industry by providing financial resources to legally defend coal export and power generation operations against regulatory actions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's Senate Joint Resolution 7 (SJ 7) is a symbolic resolution expressing legislative support for the relationship between Wyoming and Taiwan. It reaffirms Wyoming's commitment to strengthening economic ties, educational cooperation, and Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO. The resolution directs Wyoming's Secretary of State to send copies to U.S. officials, Wyoming's congressional delegation, Taiwan's leadership, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter policy but formally states Wyoming's position.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 163 requires voters to declare or change their political party affiliation before the first day nominations for primary elections can be filed. This applies specifically to voters seeking a partisan primary ballot, moving the deadline earlier than current practice. Voters must submit a signed application to the county clerk before the nomination filing deadline, rather than changing affiliation later. The bill does not affect nonpartisan ballots or general election voting procedures. It becomes effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding joint resolution (not a law) expressing support for phasing out new electric vehicle sales in Wyoming by 2035. It does not impose any legal requirement but encourages Wyoming industries and citizens to limit new EV purchases toward this goal. The resolution cites concerns about oil/gas industry stability, lack of charging infrastructure, and mineral disposal challenges as justification. The measure died in committee in February 2023 and has no legal effect.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would limit annual spending from Wyoming's "rainy day" fund (the legislative stabilization reserve account) to 25% of its balance at the start of each budget period. It requires a three-fourths vote in both legislative chambers to exceed this limit during a fiscal emergency. The fund currently holds approximately $2 billion. If approved by voters, this would establish clear spending rules for the state's budget stabilization fund.

Maddy summarySF 115 prevents insurance companies from restricting how dentists bill patients for dental services. It prohibits insurers from requiring dentists to combine separate procedures into one bill (bundling) or reclassify complex procedures as simpler, lower-cost ones (downcoding). The bill also allows dentists to bill patients directly for services not fully covered by insurance, provided they first inform patients about limited coverage, obtain written consent, and provide a copy of that consent to the insurer. These changes apply to all dental insurance contracts issued, renewed, or delivered in Wyoming on or after July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Wyoming's worker's compensation rates to be no higher than the lowest third of nationwide state rates. It directly affects all employers in Wyoming by capping their premiums based on national averages, rather than state-specific rates. The state department of workforce services would determine national rates by state and adjust Wyoming's rates annually. Employers could contest their rate classification through administrative procedures if they disagree with the department's determination.