Sen. R. J. Kost

Maddy summaryHB 308 modernizes Wyoming's public school funding system by adjusting how mineral royalties, severance taxes, and other revenue streams are allocated. It requires up to $8 million annually from mineral royalties (for fiscal years 2019-2020) to fund school capital construction projects, while gradually reducing the annual spending rate from the common school account from 5% to 4.5% of its five-year average value over time. The bill also allows the state treasurer to use the common school account to make interfund loans to the school foundation program when dedicated revenues are delayed, ensuring timely payments to school districts. These changes directly affect all Wyoming public school districts by altering the flow of state funds for operations, capital projects, and transportation services.

Maddy summaryHB 293 authorizes the construction of new student housing at the University of Wyoming to replace aging dormitories. It creates a phased project (Phase 1 for ~2,000 students) on campus, requiring new buildings to be 6 stories or less with student services, and removes a construction moratorium. The bill redirects $8 million annually from the state budget reserve to a new University of Wyoming housing account, while requiring the university to reduce its standard budget request by that amount. It also provides funds for Laramie traffic improvements related to the project and modifies bond programs to support construction financing.

Maddy summaryHB 177 removes the requirement for prosecutors to consent before defendants can join court-supervised treatment programs in Wyoming. Previously, defendants needed agreement from the prosecutor, judge, and program team; this bill now requires only the judge and defendant's consent, plus program team acceptance. The change applies to all criminal cases filed on or after July 1, 2019, streamlining access to treatment options. This policy shift does not alter prosecutors' authority in charging or prosecuting cases, only the process for program enrollment.

Maddy summaryHB 199 allows Wyoming school districts to enter direct agreements for virtual instruction without state regulation. It permits one district to hire a teacher from another district to teach students remotely, provided the agreement specifies compensation, requires the teacher to be employed by the teaching district, and ensures courses align with state academic standards. This bill exempts these specific agreements from standard virtual education oversight rules. It directly affects school districts seeking cross-district virtual learning partnerships and became effective July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 171 legalizes hemp production and processing by setting a 0.3% THC limit (on a dry weight basis) for hemp and hemp products. It requires licenses for producers and processors (with background checks and $500 annual fees), while allowing unrestricted possession and use of hemp products by all residents. The bill establishes enforcement through annual inspections, corrective action plans for violations, and misdemeanor penalties for intentional breaches. It also mandates a state regulatory plan, authorizes tribal agreements, and repeals conflicting laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 115) modifies Wyoming law to automatically pause the expiration date of an order of protection when the person subject to the order is imprisoned. It directly affects victims seeking protection and individuals who are incarcerated under such orders. The key provision states that the order’s effective period stops running during the person’s imprisonment, resuming upon release. This ensures the protection order remains in effect without requiring court action during incarceration. The change applies to orders granted or modified on or after July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 223, introduced in Wyoming's 2019 legislative session, proposed changing qualifications for county assessors by requiring them to own real property within their county. Currently, assessors only needed to be qualified electors; this bill would have added the property ownership requirement. If enacted, it would directly affect all future county assessor candidates in Wyoming. The bill died in committee and never became law, so no policy changes were implemented.

Maddy summaryHB 246 expands Wyoming's existing volunteer firefighter and EMT pension account to include volunteer search and rescue personnel. It adds specific definitions for "county search and rescue organization" (requiring bylaws, 50% meeting/operation attendance) and "volunteer search and rescue person" (individuals engaged in county-led operations). The bill modifies contribution rules, directing 70% of fire insurance premium taxes to fund this expanded pension account. This change directly affects volunteer search and rescue members in counties meeting the new organizational requirements, providing them access to retirement benefits previously available only to volunteer firefighters and EMTs.

Maddy summaryHB 116 requires vehicle manufacturers in Wyoming to pay new dealers for labor and parts costs related to vehicle preparation, warranties, and incentives within 30 days of claim approval. If a claim isn't denied in writing within 30 days, it's automatically approved. Manufacturers may audit claims for up to one year (or four years if fraud is suspected) to correct errors but cannot delay payment beyond the 30-day deadline. The bill directly affects new vehicle dealers and manufacturers, taking effect July 1, 2019.