Sen. Dan Dockstader

Maddy summaryHB 63 updates salary structures for Wyoming's district attorneys and county/prosecuting attorneys. Starting in 2023, district attorneys will earn the same as district court judges, while county attorneys must receive at least $35,000 annually but no more than the district court judge's salary. The bill also increases state funding for county attorneys, covering up to $50,000 per year (or 50% of salary, whichever is less) for the main attorney and $30,000 for each assistant. These changes take effect July 1, 2022, with the new salary levels applying from January 2, 2023.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 131 amends laws governing nuclear power facilities, primarily affecting operators of advanced nuclear reactors and waste storage sites. It requires operators to submit detailed pre-construction reports to the state department, including projected job creation, local/state tax revenue, and community impacts from construction, operation, and decommissioning. The bill updates definitions to include "advanced nuclear reactors" (replacing "small modular" terminology), mandates compliance with federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission rules for waste storage, and exempts these reactors from certain utility purchase requirements. These provisions aim to align state regulations with federal oversight while requiring transparency about economic and community effects.

Maddy summaryThe Second Amendment Protection Act prohibits Wyoming state and local officials from using state funds or personnel to enforce any federal gun regulations that conflict with the Second Amendment. It specifically bans state resources from being used to carry out federal laws, rules, or regulations that the state deems to infringe on the right to keep and bear arms. Public servants who violate this prohibition face penalties under existing state law. The bill took effect on July 1, 2022, and applies directly to Wyoming's government entities and officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's regulations for nuclear facilities, focusing on advanced reactors and high-level radioactive waste storage. It requires operators to submit detailed reports before construction on job creation, local/state tax impacts, and community benefits (including training and security systems). Operators must also share all public federal regulatory reports (from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission) with the state within 15 days. These provisions apply specifically to facilities operating under federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission licenses.

Maddy summarySF 114, the "Employer Vaccination Mandate Law," prohibits Wyoming employers with two or more employees from requiring COVID-19 vaccines without offering specific exemptions. Employers must grant exemptions for medical reasons (with a healthcare provider's statement), religious beliefs (with a signed statement), documented immunity (via lab tests), regular testing (using FDA-approved tests), or use of employer-provided personal protective equipment. Employees who falsely claim an exemption face misdemeanor penalties, and employers cannot ban employees from receiving vaccines. The law excludes religious organizations and entities covered by federal rules, and requires employers to allow vaccine receipt without penalty.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to provide a property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners aged 65+ who have lived in their primary residence for at least 10 years. It would exempt 50% of the first $200,000 in home value from property taxes for qualifying seniors (or surviving spouses who previously qualified). Local governments would receive reimbursement from the state for revenue lost due to this exemption, and the legislature could adjust the $200,000 cap through future action. The exemption applies to property tax years starting January 1, 2023, and requires voter approval to become law.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 62, the Civics Transparency Act, requires all public K-12 school districts to publish an annual online list of instructional materials (including textbooks, videos, websites, and activities) on their district websites by July 1 each year. The bill also mandates specific civics instruction in fourth grade and beyond, covering Wyoming's suffrage history, constitutional principles, and anti-discrimination education. This affects every Wyoming public school district and impacts students, teachers, and parents by increasing visibility into classroom materials and curriculum content. The law took effect July 1, 2022, with lists required to remain online for at least one year.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 76) requires financial institutions (like banks and broker-dealers) to report suspected financial exploitation of vulnerable adults - defined as adults aged 18+ with impaired capacity - to the Department of Family Services within 5 business days. It mandates internal policies for staff to report exploitation and allows institutions to temporarily block transactions related to suspected cases for up to 30 days if requested by authorities. The bill also permits notifying third parties (e.g., family members) about suspected exploitation, unless the third party is suspected of exploitation themselves. These provisions directly affect vulnerable adults, financial institutions, and the Department of Family Services.

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 summaryThis bill prohibits anyone from collecting, soliciting, or submitting completed absentee ballots for voters unless the voter personally initiates contact and provides written authorization. It directly affects voters, election workers, and organizations that might handle ballots, making unauthorized collection a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison or a $10,000 fine. Key provisions require written voter authorization for ballot collection and mandate the Secretary of State to create implementing rules. The law amends Wyoming election statutes to clarify these restrictions and penalties, taking effect immediately upon passage.