Sen. R. J. Kost

Maddy summaryThe Second Amendment Protection Act prohibits Wyoming state and local officials from using state funds or personnel to enforce any federal gun regulations that conflict with the Second Amendment. It specifically bans state resources from being used to carry out federal laws, rules, or regulations that the state deems to infringe on the right to keep and bear arms. Public servants who violate this prohibition face penalties under existing state law. The bill took effect on July 1, 2022, and applies directly to Wyoming's government entities and officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Wyoming's "seal of biliteracy" and "advanced distinction seal of biliteracy" for high school graduates. It allows school districts to award these seals to students who demonstrate proficiency in English plus one or more world languages (including American Sign Language, classical languages, and indigenous languages). The state superintendent designs the program, sets assessment standards, and requires districts to report annually on the number of seals issued, languages used, and seal types. The program applies to all Wyoming high school students meeting the proficiency criteria, with implementation beginning July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 41) updates Wyoming's 911 emergency communication system by expanding the Public Safety Communications Commission's role. It adds two new members to the commission (representing emergency communications officials and homeland security) and directs the commission to develop guidelines for next-generation 911 systems that integrate current infrastructure. The bill also allows existing 911 tax funds to cover costs for next-generation systems, including equipment, maintenance, and personnel supporting system integration. These changes directly affect public safety agencies operating 911 call centers and emergency response systems across Wyoming.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 44 updates procedures for issuing and transferring vehicle and mobile home titles. It allows a single co-owner to transfer a mobile home without others' signatures unless the title specifies "and" or joint ownership. The bill requires county treasurers to issue excise tax receipts and mandates duplicate titles to include a warning that they may be subject to rights under the original title. These changes apply to all vehicle and mobile home owners, dealers, and county clerks handling title transactions.

Maddy summaryHB 89 amends Wyoming law to strengthen enforcement of unpaid mineral production taxes. It allows the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to order wells to be plugged or halt production if a mineral producer owes over $2 million in ad valorem taxes that are more than 90 days overdue. Once taxes are paid, the commission must lift these restrictions. The bill directly affects mineral producers with significant delinquent tax payments and takes effect July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain after-school programs in Wyoming from requiring full child care facility certification. It applies to programs operating primarily when school is out (before/after school, summer), exclusively serving school-aged children, and focused on educational/recreational activities - while still following local health and safety codes. The exemption became effective July 1, 2022, and directly affects qualifying after-school programs that meet all four specified criteria. It simplifies regulatory requirements for these specific programs without altering broader child care standards.

Maddy summarySF 21 removes requirements for mental health and substance abuse service providers to hold specific accreditations (such as those from the Joint Commission or Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) to receive state funding. It directly affects providers offering these services under Wyoming's Court Supervised Treatment Programs Act and mental health funding rules. The bill amends two statutes to explicitly state that such accreditations are not needed for reimbursement eligibility. This change simplifies funding access for providers while preserving existing contracts and taking effect July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill allows property owners to mark private land boundaries using fluorescent orange or pink paint (50+ square inches) instead of traditional signs to indicate trespassing restrictions. It requires the Game and Fish Commission and State Parks to include trespassing rules in hunting/fishing permits and park materials, and to develop signs at public road entrances to private land clarifying visitors shouldn’t leave the road. The law directly affects landowners seeking to define property lines and recreational users like hunters or hikers who may encounter marked boundaries. It takes effect July 1, 2022, and does not change existing trespassing penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 88 removes the requirement for public notice publication when minors seek name changes in Wyoming. Previously, courts had to publish notices in local newspapers for minor name change petitions, but this bill eliminates that step. The change directly affects minors and their families seeking to legally change a child's name, streamlining the court process. The law took effect on July 1, 2022, and applies to all name change petitions for minors filed after that date.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 54 establishes the "Interstate Compact for Licensed Professional Counselors," allowing counselors licensed in Wyoming to practice across other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill directly affects licensed professional counselors and their clients, enabling multistate practice where the client is located at the time of service. Key provisions include preserving each state's authority to license counselors, supporting military spouses through streamlined licensure, and creating a data system for sharing disciplinary information. The compact aims to improve public access to counseling services while maintaining state regulatory oversight.