Sen. Dan Laursen

Maddy summarySF 97 requires all Wyoming government entities (including state agencies, counties, cities, schools, and public colleges) to accept cash payments for in-person transactions like fees, fines, taxes, and event admissions. It prohibits these entities from charging extra fees solely because someone pays with cash, though they may still collect authorized fees regardless of payment method. The bill defines "cash" as physical U.S. coins and paper currency and takes effect on July 1, 2026. This law directly affects anyone paying government fees in person across Wyoming.

Maddy summaryHB 14 requires Wyoming counties to reimburse individuals for legal costs (including attorney fees and bail) when they successfully defend against criminal charges by reasonably using self-defense, resulting in a not-guilty verdict, dismissed charges, or release from prosecution. It also mandates automatic expungement (permanent removal) of criminal records for these individuals without requiring a court hearing, including no filing fees for either reimbursement petitions or expungement requests. The bill directly affects people prosecuted for crimes but acquitted or having charges dismissed due to lawful self-defense. Key provisions include county-funded reimbursement for defense costs and streamlined court orders to erase all related arrest and prosecution records. The law applies to cases where self-defense was used to prevent injury or property damage, as defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 94 requires all Wyoming elections to use paper ballots counted manually in public view, replacing electronic voting systems. It establishes statewide standards for ballot design (must be human-readable), secure storage (sealed containers under 24/7 video for 2 years), and chain-of-custody records for all ballots. County clerks must publicly document ballot counts within one hour of completion and maintain video recordings of counting for 60 months. The bill directly affects all Wyoming voters and election officials by mandating transparent, manual counting processes and repealing prior authorizations for electronic tabulation.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 119 prohibits state courts, tribunals, and agencies from applying foreign law (including international legal systems) that violates constitutional rights guaranteed by the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions, such as equal protection or free speech. The bill voids any court ruling based partly on such foreign law, but includes key exceptions for tribal law, religious matters, voluntary agreements to use foreign law, and federal treaties. It also prevents venue transfers in civil cases that would result in applying prohibited foreign law. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 88 prohibits state and local government entities from using public funds to lobby lawmakers or support lobbying activities. The bill directly affects all state agencies, counties, cities, school districts, and special districts (but excludes for-profit contractors). Key provisions require annual certifications of compliance with the ban, forbid paying dues to groups that lobby, and allow taxpayers to sue to stop violations. Enforcement includes potential court actions by the Attorney General or affected residents, with penalties for noncompliance. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (HJ 3) proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Wyoming voters to approve any storage of high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel in the state. It would amend the Wyoming Constitution to state that such storage cannot occur under state law without an affirmative vote by the state's electors. The measure applies directly to any future storage projects for these materials and would require a majority voter approval before any such facility could be established. This is a procedural requirement, not a policy on waste management itself.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 60 changes how the state's attorney general is selected, shifting from a gubernatorial appointment to a statewide elected position. Starting with the 2026 general election, the attorney general will be elected for a four-year term, requiring candidates to have at least four years of active legal practice and be in good standing with Wyoming courts. The bill designates the attorney general as a "state elected official," subjecting the role to ethics laws and requiring voter approval for certain actions that previously required the governor's direction. It also modifies election procedures to include the attorney general on ballots starting in 2026 and repeals prior rules for interim appointments.

Maddy summaryHB 13 would allow human-use ivermectin to be sold as an over-the-counter medication in Wyoming without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare provider. The bill directly affects pharmacies and consumers by removing current prescription requirements for this medication. Key provisions define "over-the-counter medication" and specify that ivermectin cannot be classified as a dangerous substance or a controlled substance under existing laws. The law would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 156 requires voters in Wyoming to prove they have been a bona fide resident of the state for at least 30 days before an election. It mandates that voters provide documentation verifying their residency when registering and prohibits registration based on documents showing noncitizen status. The bill defines "proof of residence" and directs the Secretary of State to establish acceptable documents through rulemaking. This affects all individuals registering to vote in Wyoming elections by adding a residency verification step to the registration process.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 196) prohibits state and local government entities from using state funds to enforce federal gun regulations that conflict with the Second Amendment. It specifically bans using Wyoming state or federal funds (originating in Wyoming) to support federal enforcement of firearm laws regarding "law-abiding citizens." Violating this prohibition subjects agencies to civil penalties of $50,000 per violation and allows affected citizens to sue for damages. The bill creates new legal protections for Wyoming residents against enforcement of federal gun laws that infringe on Second Amendment rights, while allowing limited exceptions for federal cooperation in specific criminal investigations.