Sen. Dan Laursen

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 224 restricts land ownership by "foreign adversaries" (defined as entities or individuals linked to Russia, China, terrorism-designated countries, or specific international sanctions lists) in all Wyoming real property, except for personal residences under one acre. Owners must register with the Homeland Security office within 60 days of acquisition or July 1, 2025 (whichever is later), and update annually. Failure to register incurs a $5,000 daily civil penalty, and county clerks must report violations to Homeland Security. The law also requires tax assessment notices to inform property owners about the ownership restrictions and registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 206 changes Wyoming's voter identification rules for in-person voting. It requires all acceptable ID to include a photograph of the voter, repealing Medicaid and Medicare insurance cards as valid forms of identification. The bill directly affects voters who need to present ID at polling places or absentee voting locations. The changes take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 282 establishes that for certain properties (like recently purchased residential real estate), the purchase price (acquisition value) is presumed correct for property tax assessment, unless proven otherwise. This directly affects property owners who recently bought land or buildings, as it shifts the burden to tax assessors to justify using a different value. The bill clarifies that sworn statements about acquisition value must remain confidential but can be used by county assessors and the state board of equalization to determine tax value, while maintaining privacy protections. It amends Wyoming's property tax code to formalize this presumption and update related definitions and procedures. The bill does not change tax rates but changes how property value is initially determined for tax purposes.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SJ 1 is a joint resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V. It asks for a convention limited to proposing amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, reduce federal power over states, and limit terms for federal officials. The resolution includes specific safeguards, such as requiring two-thirds of states to agree on the same purpose before Congress acts, clarifying Congress only has the power to set a time and place for the convention, and stating states would vote one state, one vote. This procedural bill directly affects Wyoming's application to Congress and sets boundaries for any potential convention.

Maddy summaryHB 116 invalidates out-of-state driver's licenses issued to unauthorized aliens (non-citizens not lawfully present in the U.S.) in Wyoming. It deems such licenses invalid if issued by another state or marked to indicate the holder didn't prove lawful presence. The bill modifies existing law to exclude these licenses from valid exemptions for nonresidents and adds penalties for driving with an invalid license, including fines up to $750 or jail time. It requires the Wyoming Department of Transportation to create rules for implementation and takes effect July 1, 2025. This directly affects undocumented immigrants holding out-of-state licenses who would no longer be permitted to drive legally in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public school districts in Wyoming to equip non-school-bus vehicles used for student transportation (e.g., vans or shuttles for field trips or after-school activities) with flashing white and amber lights. It specifically amends vehicle lighting laws to authorize these lights for such vehicles, distinguishing them from standard school buses. The change applies immediately upon enactment and directly affects school districts managing student transport outside of traditional school bus operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Wyoming's "budget reserve account" and changes how excess state funds are managed. Instead of holding surplus general fund money in this account, it requires transferring unobligated balances above a set amount directly to the "legislative stabilization reserve account" at the end of each biennium. The bill also removes outdated references to the repealed account from state statutes and adds reporting requirements. This is a procedural budget adjustment affecting state financial management, not specific programs or services.

Maddy summaryHB 172 repeals restrictions on concealed weapons in specific public spaces, allowing permit holders to carry guns in government meetings, school athletic events on public property, and school facilities (like classrooms and offices). It also strengthens Wyoming’s state law by preventing local governments from regulating firearms, declaring that only the state legislature can set rules for guns, ammunition, and weapons. The bill includes exceptions for health facilities, explosive materials, and private property rules, and adds penalties for blocking someone from entering permitted areas. School districts must establish training rules for employees carrying concealed weapons, requiring 16 hours of initial training and annual 12-hour recertification.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 96 (the "Wyoming Gold Act") requires the state treasurer to hold at least $10 million in physical gold and silver (specie) across all state accounts by January 2026, aiming to diversify investments and protect against economic risks. The bill also authorizes the treasurer to hire precious metals experts, adopt implementing rules by 2026, and conduct a study on using precious metals to boost economic security - including exploring if the state could accept gold/silver as payment. This directly affects the Wyoming State Treasurer’s office and its investment management. The bill does not make gold/silver legal tender but mandates specific holdings and a study, with key provisions effective January 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 257 establishes a formal apprenticeship program for aspiring barbers in Wyoming, directly affecting apprentices, licensed barbers who supervise them, and the Barber Examiners Board. The bill requires apprentices to complete 1,600 hours of training (1-2 years), including 36 hours of safety and sanitation training, hold a high school diploma, pay a registration fee, and pass an exam to qualify for a barber license. Licensed barbers may supervise no more than two apprentices at a time in a licensed barbershop. The program takes effect July 1, 2025, and requires the Board to create implementing rules.