Sen. Mike Gierau

Maddy summaryHB 216 prohibits animal control facilities in Wyoming from euthanizing pets using methods like gas chambers, carbon monoxide, or nonanesthetic gases. Instead, facilities must use injection methods (intravenous, intraperitoneal, or intracardiac after unconsciousness) for all pets, including dogs, cats, and other companion animals. The bill requires facilities to adopt training policies for staff performing euthanasia and maintain records of training, with violations classified as misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses. It applies specifically to animal control facilities handling stray, surrendered, or neglected household pets, excluding livestock. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 239, the Reproductive Freedom Act, establishes that Wyoming residents have the right to abortion before a fetus can survive outside the womb (viability) or to protect the person's life or health, prohibiting state interference with this right. It defines key terms like "abortion" and "viability," and specifies that unauthorized abortions (outside these limits) are misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $5,000 fine. The bill also protects healthcare providers’ professional judgment on viability or health risks, allows religious or ethical objections to participating in abortions without discrimination, and requires state-funded pregnancy programs to provide equivalent information about abortion options. It directly affects all Wyoming residents seeking abortion care, healthcare providers, and state programs offering reproductive services.

Maddy summaryWyoming HB 272 creates a state housing investment program to address the critical shortage of affordable housing. It establishes a dedicated account funded by annual transfers, allocating 50% of funds to nonprofit organizations for new construction, rehabilitation, transitional housing, homebuyer assistance, and rental vouchers. Another 45% is reserved for loans to Wyoming residents or businesses for similar housing projects, with zero percent interest for nonprofits and capped interest rates for businesses. The program includes reporting requirements, a 1% administrative cost limit, and expires after a set period. It directly affects housing providers and residents seeking affordable housing options in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Wyoming's property tax exemption for veterans from $3,000 to $6,000 annually on assessed property value. It directly affects veterans who own property in Wyoming by reducing their annual property tax burden. The state appropriates $8.2 million from the general fund to reimburse counties for the increased exemption cost, with funds expiring June 30, 2027. The change applies to property taxes assessed on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 57 creates a state-funded hearing aid program for adults with hearing impairment who meet specific income and eligibility criteria. It directly affects Wyoming residents aged 18+ diagnosed with hearing loss by a physician or audiologist, with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, who cannot obtain hearing aids through private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare at low cost. The program provides up to one set of hearing aids (one per ear) every five years, including fittings and ear molds, at state-paid rates matching Wyoming Medical Assistance program costs. The bill appropriates $90,000 from the general fund for program costs and $9,000 for an administrative position, both expiring June 30, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 90 creates a state-managed investment pool allowing Wyoming cities, towns, counties, school districts, and other local governments to pool their existing funds for equity investments (like stocks) through the state treasurer. Local entities must acknowledge investment risks in writing and cannot seek state reimbursement for losses. The state treasurer will set rules for fund transfers, withdrawals, minimum pool sizes, and fees covering only actual costs. This bill modifies existing investment rules (W.S. 9-1-419) without creating new government spending, effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 114) requires local governments (counties, cities, towns) to recognize contractor licenses issued by other Wyoming jurisdictions. It ensures contractors with active, good-standing licenses from one area can work elsewhere in Wyoming without paying new fees or retaking tests - only minimal verification (like proof of license validity) is allowed. The law does not force recognition for unrelated license types and lets localities maintain their own application processes for work outside a contractor’s original license scope. It applies to all Wyoming local governments issuing contractor licenses and takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Trust Fund to support recreational and tourism projects across the state. It creates a 9-member board (appointed by the governor) to manage the fund, approve grants for recreation projects, and ensure projects benefit both residents and visitors. The board must prioritize multi-partner projects, consult with tribal governments, and consider community impacts when reviewing grant applications. Funds will support small projects approved directly by the board and larger projects requiring legislative committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 165 requires Wyoming's Office of State Lands and Investments to study the feasibility of creating an access point permitting system for commercial fishing on state lands. The study, due by October 1, 2024, must examine costs, benefits to residents and land trust beneficiaries, existing access points, staffing needs, funding requirements, and successful models from other states and federal agencies. The office must report findings to the joint travel and recreation committee, which may then propose legislation based on the study's recommendations. This bill does not implement a permit system but mandates an analysis to inform future decisions affecting commercial fishing outfitters using state land access points.

Maddy summaryHB 186 appropriates $40 million from Wyoming's general fund to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline system trust fund, as specified in existing law (W.S. 35-25-506). The funding directly supports Wyoming's 988 suicide prevention hotline operations and is restricted to that purpose. The bill takes effect July 1, 2024, and does not create new policy but provides dedicated financial resources for the existing crisis hotline service.