Sen. Dan Laursen

Maddy summaryHB 93 increases Wyoming's reimbursement limit for livestock quarantine costs from $25,000 to $50,000 per single quarantine event under the state's animal reimbursement program. The bill directly affects livestock owners and the Wyoming Livestock Board, which administers these payments. It also establishes that payments will stop when the unexpended account balance reaches $100,000 or less, resuming once the balance exceeds that amount. The changes apply to quarantine efforts starting July 1, 2024, and adjust existing provisions in Wyoming Statute 11-19-118(d).

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for minors to file lawsuits against providers of gender transition services from age 18 to their 21st birthday. It applies to medical procedures like puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries (including genital and nongenital procedures) performed for gender transition. The law defines "gender transition services" broadly to include all medical care related to changing physical characteristics tied to gender identity. The change takes effect July 1, 2024, for cases arising after that date.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 120) invalidates out-of-state driver's licenses or driving privilege cards issued to people who are not legally allowed to be in the United States (defined as "unauthorized aliens"). It directly affects non-citizens who hold such licenses from other states, making them invalid for use in Wyoming. Key provisions include defining "unauthorized alien," requiring the state to issue rules for implementation, and imposing penalties for driving with an invalid license (up to $750 fine or 6 months in jail for first offenses). The law takes effect July 1, 2024, with rulemaking provisions effective immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 127 creates a new property tax exemption for non-agricultural real property in Wyoming's "all other property" category. It exempts a portion of a property's value above its prior year's taxable value, adjusted by the county's median household income change (capped at 3% annually). Property owners who acquired their property in the prior calendar year are excluded, and tax assessment notices must now show exemption details. The exemption applies starting with the 2024 tax year.

Maddy summarySF 97 prohibits anyone except authorized election officials (county clerks or the secretary of state's designees) from sending absentee ballot application forms to voters unless the voter specifically requests one. This bill directly affects voters by preventing unsolicited mailings of ballot forms and restricts distribution to only those who explicitly ask for them. The key mechanism requires election officials to distribute forms only upon a qualified elector's specific solicitation, eliminating unsolicited outreach. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law, as specified in Section 2 of the bill.

Maddy summarySF 119 creates a new property tax exemption for non-agricultural real estate in Wyoming. It exempts value above last year's taxable amount plus the county's median household income growth (capped at 3% annually). Property owners who purchased their property in the prior calendar year are excluded from the exemption. Tax assessment notices must now clearly show if this exemption applies to a property. The exemption begins for 2024 property taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes federal oversight from Wyoming's State Guard, granting the governor full authority to organize and maintain it without federal approval. It specifies that state funds - not federal resources - will cover guard members' pay and equipment, aligning with existing state budget processes. The changes directly affect Wyoming State Guard members and the governor's operational control over the force. The bill takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 183 prohibits foreign governments, businesses, or individuals (defined as citizens of Russia, China, state sponsors of terrorism, or countries under specific arms regulations) from owning most land in Wyoming, allowing only personal residences under one acre. It requires existing foreign owners to sell their land by July 2026 (unless for a qualifying personal residence) and mandates annual registration with the Secretary of State for all foreign land ownership, including personal residences. Owners who fail to register face daily civil penalties of $5,000, and county clerks must report violations to the Attorney General for enforcement, which may include court-ordered forfeiture and sale of the land. The bill also requires tax assessment notices to inform owners about the foreign ownership restrictions and registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 153 modifies Wyoming's sex offender registration law to prevent certain offenders from qualifying for relief (the ability to stop registering) after meeting time and behavior requirements. It specifically denies relief for individuals convicted of offenses involving victims under 13 years old or victims aged 13-15 years, as listed in the bill. This change applies only to cases where the offense was committed on or after July 1, 2024, meaning these offenders must continue registering for life without the possibility of petitioning for relief.

Maddy summaryHB 117 would require bond election proposals held outside general elections to meet two conditions: a majority of votes cast must support the bonds, and at least 51% of voters from the most recent general election must participate. This applies only to local bond votes not held on the same day as general elections, directly affecting cities, counties, and school districts seeking to issue bonds. If turnout falls below 51%, the proposal cannot be resubmitted for at least 12 months. The bill, effective July 1, 2024, aims to ensure broader voter engagement in bond decisions. It does not affect bond elections held on general election days or those already completed before its effective date.