Sen. Henry H.R. "Hank" Coe

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 111 authorizes community colleges to offer applied bachelor's degree programs (called "baccalaureate of applied science" degrees) for the first time. It requires the Community College Commission to approve all new such programs before they can receive state funding. The bill also updates the Hathaway scholarship program to cover these new degrees, allowing students to use scholarships for up to eight semesters to complete them while maintaining a 2.25 GPA. This directly affects community college students pursuing applied bachelor's degrees and the colleges offering them.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts qualifying private schools from county zoning regulations in Wyoming. It specifically applies to private schools located on 35 or more contiguous acres with a capacity for at least 50 students, as defined in state law. County zoning rules can no longer restrict the location, use, or occupancy of such schools. The policy change took effect July 1, 2019, directly affecting only private schools meeting these two size and capacity requirements.

Maddy summarySF 9 exempts fire protection districts and water and sewer districts in Wyoming from the requirement to undergo an annual financial audit under the Uniform Municipal Fiscal Procedures Act. Previously, these districts were mandated to have an annual audit by a certified public accountant, but this bill removes that specific obligation. The districts must still comply with other financial oversight provisions, such as those outlined in Wyoming Statute 9-1-507(a)(iii). The exemption takes effect immediately upon the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 99 designates the fourth Saturday in September each year as "Public Lands Day" to recognize the importance of public lands for the state's economy, open spaces, wildlife, and recreation. The bill requires the governor to issue a proclamation by September 1 each year encouraging public and school observances, though it does not mandate school closures or affect business operations. Public schools may hold appropriate events, but the designation has no impact on commercial agreements, court proceedings, or government office hours. This is a ceremonial observance with no new regulations or funding, effective July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 199 allows Wyoming school districts to enter direct agreements for virtual instruction without state regulation. It permits one district to hire a teacher from another district to teach students remotely, provided the agreement specifies compensation, requires the teacher to be employed by the teaching district, and ensures courses align with state academic standards. This bill exempts these specific agreements from standard virtual education oversight rules. It directly affects school districts seeking cross-district virtual learning partnerships and became effective July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 171 legalizes hemp production and processing by setting a 0.3% THC limit (on a dry weight basis) for hemp and hemp products. It requires licenses for producers and processors (with background checks and $500 annual fees), while allowing unrestricted possession and use of hemp products by all residents. The bill establishes enforcement through annual inspections, corrective action plans for violations, and misdemeanor penalties for intentional breaches. It also mandates a state regulatory plan, authorizes tribal agreements, and repeals conflicting laws.

Maddy summaryHB 212 allows microbreweries and wineries in Wyoming to hold both their existing permits and a manufacturer's license simultaneously. This changes existing rules by removing restrictions that previously prevented these small producers from owning both license types, specifically exempting them from Section 12-5-401's ownership rules. The bill directly affects microbrewery and winery owners who wish to expand production or retail operations under a single business structure, effective July 1, 2019.

Maddy summarySF 161 amends Wyoming's legislative management council membership rules. It specifies that two senators and two representatives are selected at large by each chamber's party caucuses, with strict limits on party representation (no more than one from the same party as the chamber's presiding officer). The bill also establishes a two-year rotation of the council chairmanship between the House and Senate and clarifies that the council directs the legislature's day-to-day operations. This procedural bill affects only the internal organization of the Wyoming Legislature, not public policy.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 120 updates hearing requirements for student suspensions and expulsions. It specifies that schools must provide students facing short-term suspensions (10 days or less) with a hearing within 72 hours of removal, and those facing longer suspensions or expulsions must have a hearing within 10 days of the recommendation. The bill also requires written notice to parents within 24 hours of any suspension or expulsion decision. These changes apply directly to school administrators, boards of trustees, and students subject to disciplinary action under Wyoming law.