Sen. Mike Gierau

Maddy summaryThe Reproductive Freedom Act (HB 76) would protect Wyoming residents' right to access abortion care before a fetus is viable or to protect the patient's life or health, prohibiting state interference with this right. It sets penalties for unauthorized abortions performed by providers (misdemeanor with up to one year in jail or $5,000 fine) while exempting patients and those assisting patients in exercising this right. The bill requires any state regulations on abortion to be medically necessary, consistent with medical practice, and impose the least restrictions possible. Additionally, it allows health care providers and private facilities to refuse to perform abortions without facing discrimination or professional penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 205 creates a new legal framework for cities, towns, and counties in Wyoming to enter into development agreements with property owners. The bill requires these agreements to lock in existing zoning, building codes, and land use rules at the time of signing - meaning future changes to those rules won't override the agreement. Key provisions include specifying agreement duration, permitted land uses, building height limits, public facility requirements, and construction timelines. It also ensures agreements remain enforceable even if local land use plans change, and sets conditions for annexation of unincorporated land. This directly affects local governments, developers, and property owners by stabilizing development terms during project planning.

Maddy summaryHB 164 clarifies that food products made with or infused with alcohol (like candy or desserts) are not considered alcoholic beverages if they contain less than 6.25% alcohol by volume. This directly affects food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants producing or selling such items. The bill amends Wyoming's alcohol definitions to explicitly exclude these low-alcohol food products from regulations governing alcoholic beverages. The key provision sets a clear 6.25% alcohol threshold to determine when such foods fall outside the state's alcohol beverage laws.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 91 continues a regulatory reduction task force established in 2023 through 2025. The task force includes 12 members: six legislators (three from each chamber, with co-chairs), three industry representatives (oil/gas, mining, agriculture), one business advocate, one local government representative, and one building industry member, plus nonvoting government agency staff. It requires annual reports by October 1st to the governor and legislature, identifying regulatory burden reductions for Wyoming industries and proposing legislative changes. The bill provides $55,000 in funding for task force operations through June 2026 and terminates the task force on December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 120 would establish a regulatory framework for online gambling (interactive gaming) in Wyoming, authorizing and overseeing internet-based casino-style games like poker or slots through the Wyoming Gaming Commission. The bill defines key terms, requires operators to verify players' physical presence in Wyoming via geolocation technology (except under reciprocal agreements), and mandates rules for security, wagering procedures, and revenue collection. It explicitly excludes fantasy sports, tribal gaming on Indian lands, and traditional lotteries from this definition. This legislation would directly affect online gambling companies, their service providers (like payment processors), and Wyoming residents who participate in interactive gaming.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes amending the Wyoming Constitution to remove the legislature's authority to set "reasonable and necessary restrictions" on health care decisions or payment. If approved by voters, it would eliminate Article 1, Section 38(c), directly affecting all Wyoming residents by ensuring their right to make personal health care choices without legislative interference in defining those limits. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to become part of the state constitution. It focuses on constitutional language, not specific health care policies or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 142 establishes a dedicated funding account for Wyoming's Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission by adding a $1 fee to vehicle registration for both passenger and commercial vehicles. The fees collected will be deposited into this account, with counties or departments allowed to retain up to 5% for administrative costs. This bill creates a stable, recurring funding source to support the commission's operations, effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 112 would impose a 1% tax on real estate sales exceeding $1 million, collected from buyers at closing. It affects homeowners and property buyers in Wyoming whose transactions surpass this threshold, though it includes numerous exemptions (e.g., agricultural land, transfers between spouses, gifts, and nonprofit transfers). The tax revenue would fund property tax relief by reducing the property tax assessment ratio, though specific implementation details are not outlined in the bill text. The bill failed to advance in the Wyoming House on February 13, 2024, with a vote of 8-53.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "boutique hotel liquor license" for hotels meeting specific criteria. To qualify, a hotel must be valued at $10 million or more (including land), include a restaurant, have at least 35 short-term guest rooms, provide 12-hour daily dining, and offer meeting space for 50+ people. The license allows on-premises alcohol sales only (with exceptions for catering) and requires an annual fee of $500-$3,000. It is intended for upscale hotels and exempts them from population-based liquor license limits.

Maddy summaryHB 171 modifies Wyoming's rules for leasing school lands. It requires the board of land commissioners to provide 30 days' notice before leasing school lands via website, local newspaper, and certified mail to current lessees, adjacent landowners, and residents. The bill allows county residents who own adjacent land or are county residents to match the highest bid within five business days, giving them priority to lease the land if they meet the bid. This applies specifically to school land leases and excludes renewals of existing grazing or agricultural leases.