Sen. Tim French

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 97) changes Wyoming's rules for voters changing political party affiliation. It specifies that voters must submit a signed application to their county clerk to change party affiliation before primary elections (by the nomination filing deadline) or before general elections (at least 14 days prior, or at the polls). Requesting a partisan primary ballot automatically counts as declaring party affiliation. The bill directly affects Wyoming voters who wish to switch party affiliations for upcoming elections.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 81 clarifies that the state owns all underground water within its boundaries, as established by the state constitution. The bill preserves existing water use rights for well owners (for irrigation, municipal, or industrial purposes) but requires registration of wells with the state engineer by specific deadlines. It mandates permits for new well construction after July 1, 2022, while allowing existing "exempt" wells to register before December 31, 1972. The bill is declaratory - clarifying current law without altering existing water rights or creating new restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a system for state employees and the public to anonymously report government waste, fraud, or abuse via phone or online. It requires the state audit department to review reports, protect reporters' identities, and refer serious cases to prosecutors or agencies for investigation. Government entities receiving referrals must investigate and report back on corrective actions, while the state would publicly post details of violations, costs, penalties, and investigation efforts. It also prohibits employment in state government for individuals convicted of waste or fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of chemical abortion drugs (such as RU-486, mifepristone, and misoprostol) for abortions in Wyoming, affecting healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer these drugs. Exceptions include contraceptive use before pregnancy confirmation, treatment for natural miscarriages, and medical care for immediate physical threats to a woman's life (excluding mental health concerns or self-harm risks). Violating the ban would result in misdemeanor charges with penalties of up to six months in jail or a $9,000 fine. Women undergoing abortions with chemical drugs would not face criminal prosecution under this law.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," requires public schools and colleges in Wyoming to designate athletic teams based on students' biological sex at birth, as recorded on their birth certificates. It prohibits biological males from participating on teams designated for females, women, or girls, and mandates that schools must clearly label teams as male, female, or coed. The law also allows students denied athletic opportunities due to violations, or those facing retaliation for reporting issues, to pursue legal action for damages, attorney fees, and other remedies. Schools must implement specific rules by August 15, 2022, and the law takes effect on July 1, 2022.

Maddy summarySF 93 requires Wyoming's Legislative Service Office to publish each legislator's detailed roll call voting records on the official legislative website. This includes specific data for every vote: year, bill number, catch title, sponsor, amendment number, vote type, result, and date. The bill directly affects all Wyoming legislators by mandating this transparency on their official profile pages. It became effective July 1, 2022, and does not alter voting procedures or policy outcomes - only the public accessibility of voting history.

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.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 87, the Second Amendment Preservation Act, declares that certain federal gun regulations within the state are unconstitutional and prohibits state officials from enforcing them. It defines "law abiding citizen" (excluding undocumented individuals) and allows civil lawsuits against officials who enforce federal gun laws deemed beyond federal authority. The bill asserts that federal actions restricting firearm possession, sale, or ownership within Wyoming exceed constitutional limits, except for regulations related to the military or active militia. This procedural bill, which failed to advance in 2022, does not change state gun laws but aims to block federal enforcement of gun regulations it deems invalid.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 138 creates the Hope Scholarship Program, providing state-funded scholarships to eligible Wyoming K-12 students. It directly affects Wyoming residents enrolled in public schools who qualify (e.g., attending public school for 45+ days annually), with funds usable at participating private schools. The program establishes a scholarship account funded through state education appropriations (2% of public school funding or per-student amounts), administered by a nine-member board including state education officials. Funds cover qualifying education expenses, with annual transfers from the state education budget to the scholarship program fund. The bill defines key terms like "eligible recipient" and "participating schools" but does not specify implementation timelines beyond the 2023 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 58 requires all public high school students to pass a civics exam to graduate, using the same test used for U.S. citizenship (minimum 60% score). The bill mandates that schools teach the U.S. Constitution (including the Bill of Rights), Wyoming's constitution, and American ideals from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students graduating in 2022-2023 or later must pass this specific exam as a graduation requirement. The law affects all Wyoming public high school students and takes effect July 1, 2022.