Sen. Dan Dockstader

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the expiration date (sunset) for Wyoming's property tax exemption that benefits long-term homeowners, making the exemption permanent. It directly affects homeowners who have owned their primary residence in Wyoming for a specified period, typically 10 or more years under existing law. The key provision removes the scheduled end date for this tax break, ensuring eligible homeowners continue to receive the exemption without needing future legislative action. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies statewide to qualifying properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $237,865,123 from Wyoming's public school foundation program to fund major maintenance for K-12 school facilities. The funds are allocated for two periods: $1.12 million for immediate use through June 2028, and $236.74 million for the 2026-2028 fiscal biennium. School districts receive these funds for facility repairs under state law, with unused funds reverting to the foundation account by June 30, 2028. The bill directly affects all Wyoming public school districts eligible for state maintenance funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from Wyoming's tourism reserve fund to support the development of a rodeo and cowboy museum and hall of fame in Wyoming. The funds will be distributed in three installments of $5 million each on July 1, 2026, 2027, and 2028, contingent on the Wyoming Tourism Board certifying that relocation efforts will boost tourism, jobs, and state revenue. Applicants must provide matching funds (at least $1 for every $1 granted) and relocate to Wyoming by June 30, 2028, or repay the grant. The Wyoming Office of Tourism must report annually on fund usage until 2036.

Maddy summarySF 126 establishes the Wyoming-Ireland Trade Commission to promote economic ties between Wyoming and Ireland. The commission, composed of nine members (including two appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and business representatives), will advance bilateral trade, investment, academic exchanges, and policy collaboration. It must report annually to the governor and legislative leaders on its activities and recommendations. The bill creates the structure for this body but does not change existing laws or allocate new funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a select committee on gaming within the Wyoming legislature to study gaming-related issues. The committee, composed of six legislators (three appointed by the Senate president and three by the House speaker, balanced by party representation), will examine gaming regulations, community impacts, and fiscal matters like taxes and revenue. It will gather input from local governments and stakeholders on topics including responsible gaming and problem gambling. The bill appropriates $34,000 for the committee's operations through June 2028, with the goal of producing recommendations for potential future legislation.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 122) shortens deadlines for health insurers and independent review organizations to evaluate whether medical services are necessary. It reduces the insurer review period from 45 to 21 days and requires external review organizations to complete decisions within 21 days of receiving a request. The changes directly affect health insurers, patients (claimants), and independent review organizations handling coverage disputes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not alter coverage criteria, only the timing for decisions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 87 creates a new felony offense for intentionally causing bodily injury to a police officer while the officer is performing lawful duties. This amendment specifically targets individuals who assault officers during the course of their work, making such acts punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The bill directly affects people who physically harm officers in the line of duty, strengthening penalties for this specific conduct. It amends existing law (W.S. 6-5-204(b)) to clarify that causing bodily injury during officer engagement constitutes a felony. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 115 requires all Wyoming school districts (including charter schools) to create and implement cardiac emergency response plans for general school settings and separate plans for athletic events. Key provisions mandate that schools place and maintain AEDs in unlocked, accessible locations (within 3 minutes), train staff in CPR and AED use per American Heart Association standards, and rehearse athletic venue protocols annually. The bill allocates $50,000 for reimbursement of implementation costs during the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years, with priority for districts serving higher percentages of students eligible for free meals. It applies directly to school staff, students, and emergency medical providers by standardizing cardiac emergency protocols across all school properties and athletic events.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 109 changes the rules for claiming the homeowner property tax exemption. Starting in 2026, homeowners must actually live in their primary residence for at least eight months each year to qualify, unless they or an immediate family member are active-duty military personnel whose service prevents meeting this requirement (in which case the property must be their legal home address). Homeowners must submit exemption claims to their county assessor by May 2 each year. The bill applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and modifies existing law (W.S. 39-11-105(a)(xlvi)).

Maddy summaryHB 158, the EV Charging Stations Transparency Act, requires operators of direct current (DC) fast-charging stations in Wyoming to display a clear 3x3 inch label showing the primary energy source (e.g., wind, natural gas, coal) powering the station. This applies to stations connected to public utilities or using on-site generation, with labels updated annually based on the utility’s annual energy mix in the station’s service area. If the primary source accounts for less than 50% of electricity, the label must show the top two sources. The law aims to provide transparency for EV drivers about the energy sources powering charging stations, with violations punishable by fines up to $750.