Sen. Dan Dockstader

Maddy summarySF 105 requires public utilities in Wyoming to have a written customer allocation agreement with both utilities before providing service to a customer located within another utility's designated service territory. This directly affects utilities that might otherwise serve customers in areas legally assigned to another provider, such as when a customer's point of delivery is outside one utility's territory but consumption occurs within it. The bill allows the affected utility to sue for damages, lost income, and legal fees if this rule is violated. It became effective July 1, 2023, and aims to clarify service territory boundaries for utilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create an annual tax holiday during the first weekend in August, exempting sales tax on school-related items like clothing (under $100 per item), school supplies (under $50 per item), computers, computer hardware, software, and sports equipment. It excludes expensive items (e.g., computers over $1,500), accessories like jewelry, resale purchases, and rentals. The holiday would run from 12:01 a.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday each August, applying to both in-store and layaway purchases made during that window. The bill was introduced in 2023 but died in committee before becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the process for mineral producers to pay monthly ad valorem taxes (taxes based on the value of minerals produced) in Wyoming. It specifies that producers must report production by the 25th of the second month after production and pay taxes by the 25th of the third month, with payments calculated using the previous year's county mill levy rate. Funds collected are distributed monthly by the state department to county treasurers, who then allocate them to local taxing entities based on the production year. The changes take effect July 1, 2023, and apply to all mineral and mine producers in the state.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SJ 12) would create a separate property class for residential real estate in Wyoming’s tax system. It freezes the valuation of most residential property as of January 1, 2019 (or construction cost for homes built after 2019), requiring property taxes to be based on that fixed value until an addition/improvement is made or ownership transfers after 2025. The amendment would also allow the legislature to adjust this base value for inflation. It requires voter approval to become part of Wyoming’s constitution.

Maddy summarySF 150 allows individuals with valid enhanced concealed carry permits to carry concealed firearms on public areas of Wyoming's state capitol grounds, including the connection to the Herschler building. It requires permit holders to notify the Wyoming State Highway Patrol at least 24 hours before entering the capitol with a firearm and restricts carrying to public areas only, excluding private or restricted spaces. The law would take effect on July 1, 2023, but only if Senate File 149 (a separate bill) is enacted. This bill does not change general concealed carry laws outside the capitol grounds.

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 151 creates a property tax exemption for nonprofit child care facilities in Wyoming. It directly affects nonprofit organizations operating facilities that care for minors under parental, guardian, or agency request, as defined by state law. The bill adds a new exemption category to Wyoming's property tax code, removing the tax burden on property used exclusively for these child care operations. The exemption became effective July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 205 prohibits K-12 public school educators and state employees from using public funds to teach or require training on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans instruction claiming any group is inherently superior/inferior, that individuals should be discriminated against based on identity, or that people are inherently racist due to their background. Exceptions allow teaching historical oppression or using primary sources in approved curricula. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident, private lawsuits for damages, or disciplinary action against educators. The bill is pending in Wyoming's legislature (introduced January 2023, not yet considered for debate).

Maddy summaryHB 129 establishes a Wyoming Private Employees' Retirement Savings Task Force to study creating a retirement savings plan for private-sector workers (not government employees). The task force will examine key features like payroll deduction contributions, automatic enrollment with opt-out options, and how employers could offer the plan without mandatory employer contributions. It must analyze feasibility, legal compliance (including ERISA and IRS rules), employer costs, and potential implementation steps, including possible tax incentives. The task force is required to submit recommendations by September 2024, but the bill itself does not create the retirement plan - it only authorizes the study.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 103) adds a sales tax exemption for current Wyoming state legislators purchasing lodging services while acting in their official capacity. It amends Wyoming tax law to exempt these specific lodging purchases from the state sales tax. The exemption applies only to legislators using lodging for official duties, not personal travel. The change took effect July 1, 2023.