Sen. R. J. Kost

Maddy summaryHB 220 creates a new income tax on businesses operating in Wyoming, requiring them to pay tax based on their income earned within the state. It uses a three-factor formula (property, payroll, and sales) to calculate how much tax a business owes, especially for companies operating across multiple states. The Wyoming Department of Revenue will administer the tax, with strict confidentiality rules protecting business tax returns. This bill directly affects businesses with operations in Wyoming, including out-of-state companies conducting business there.

Maddy summaryHB 131 amends Wyoming's Build Wyoming loan program to clarify it as a revolving, continuing fund administered by the state loan and investment board. It sets specific spending limits: a total cap of $400 million for all loans, with separate $200 million limits for infrastructure projects (like water systems) and road/street projects. The bill ensures local governments (counties, cities, etc.) can access these loans from the Wyoming mineral trust fund to finance public infrastructure improvements. It also specifies that the program operates under established rules for loan administration and becomes effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summarySF 91 would have required Wyoming's community college commission to create a single, common application system for all University of Wyoming and community college admissions. It would have mandated that both the University of Wyoming and community colleges accept applications exclusively through this system starting with the 2021-2022 academic year. The bill aimed to simplify the application process for students seeking admission as freshmen or transfer students across Wyoming's public postsecondary institutions. However, the bill died in committee in February 2019 and was never enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 127) changes penalties for fleeing police by elevating certain cases to a felony. It makes fleeing a felony if the driver causes bodily injury, damages property over $5,000, or violates another specific traffic law (W.S. 31-5-229). Drivers convicted under these aggravated circumstances face up to 10 years in prison or a $10,000 fine, instead of the previous misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months or $750). The law directly affects drivers who flee police and cause serious harm or significant property damage. It took effect on July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 145 requires hunters and anglers to purchase a $6 annual recreation permit to access state trust lands (lands held for public schools and institutions). The permit fee distributes $4 to land beneficiaries (schools/institutions) and $2 to the game and fish commission for access programs. Exceptions include children under 12 with permit holders, public road travel, and state employees on duty. Violating the permit requirement is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $200 or up to one week in jail. The law mandates an agreement between the game commission and land board by November 2019 to implement the fee system.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 81 defines electric bicycles into three classes with specific speed limits: Class 1 (20 mph assist only while pedaling), Class 2 (20 mph without pedaling), and Class 3 (28 mph assist only while pedaling). The bill requires manufacturers to affix permanent labels showing class, speed, and motor wattage on all e-bikes, prohibits modifications without relabeling, and clarifies e-bikes are not motor vehicles (so they don’t require licenses or registration). It also sets operational rules: Class 3 bikes are restricted on some paths, require helmets for minors, and must have speedometers, while all e-bikes must meet federal safety standards and disengage motors when braking or not pedaling. The law directly affects e-bike manufacturers, riders, and local authorities managing bicycle paths.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming circuit courts to maintain separate bank accounts for different types of court funds. Specifically, it mandates that fines, penalties, and court costs cannot be deposited into the same account as money from civil cases. Interest earned on fines/penalties must be sent monthly to the county public school fund, while interest on other deposits goes quarterly to the state victim's compensation fund. The law took effect July 1, 2019, and applies to all circuit courts managing court-generated revenue.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 310 creates a state endowment fund and a task force to study how to make two years of community college or University of Wyoming education as free as possible for Wyoming residents. The task force will examine models like Tennessee Promise, review existing scholarship programs, and determine funding needs to cover tuition and mandatory fees for two years of undergraduate study. The program would be funded by earnings from the endowment, which must reach $400 million before implementation. It aims to provide free education regardless of academic achievement for entry, though it may consider academic standards for continued enrollment.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 148 creates a legal framework allowing the state to temporarily seize and operate federal facilities like national parks or wildlife refuges if the federal government cannot do so effectively. During seizure, the governor must maintain public access, protect natural/cultural resources, and allow concessionaires to continue operating, while charging fees to cover costs. The state must return the facility to federal control once the federal government can manage it, and repay any fees collected or profits earned. The bill also establishes a $1 million contingency fund for planning and exempts certain operational plans from public records disclosure.