Maddy summaryHB 141 requires Wyoming's land board to verify if oil and gas lease applicants meet defined qualifications before issuing new leases on state lands. If the highest bidder is unqualified, the board must consider the next highest bid instead. Unqualified applicants face a civil penalty equal to their bid amount, recoverable by the attorney general. The law applies only to new leases and does not affect existing agreements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires e-cigarette and vapor material manufacturers to certify their products meet U.S. FDA requirements (either via marketing authorization or premarket application) and submit this information to Wyoming's Department of Revenue by October 1, 2024, and annually after. It creates a public directory of compliant products, prohibiting the sale of any e-cigarettes or vapor products not listed in this directory starting October 2024. Sellers (including retailers, distributors, and wholesalers) must maintain records and comply with biannual inspections, with penalties including fines for false certifications or selling unlisted products.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for minors to file lawsuits against providers of gender transition services from age 18 to their 21st birthday. It applies to medical procedures like puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries (including genital and nongenital procedures) performed for gender transition. The law defines "gender transition services" broadly to include all medical care related to changing physical characteristics tied to gender identity. The change takes effect July 1, 2024, for cases arising after that date.
Maddy summaryHB 143 modifies Wyoming law to allow family members or caregivers to provide behavior analysis services under the supervision of licensed professionals, without requiring their own license. It specifically permits unlicensed caregivers or family members to deliver assigned services (like implementing treatment plans) but prohibits them from designing assessments or using licensed titles like "behavior analyst." The bill also clarifies that licensed supervisors remain responsible for oversight, and specifies that family members can only serve recipients already under a licensed professional's care. The changes would take effect July 1, 2024, pending final passage.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes amending Wyoming's constitution to prohibit foreign adversaries of the U.S. and foreign entities deemed a national security threat by the legislature from owning, using, or inheriting property in Wyoming. It would block these entities from holding any real estate, mineral rights, or other property interests, including surface and subsurface rights. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect as part of the state constitution. (Note: This is a constitutional amendment proposal, not a law, and has not yet been enacted.)
Maddy summarySF 97 prohibits anyone except authorized election officials (county clerks or the secretary of state's designees) from sending absentee ballot application forms to voters unless the voter specifically requests one. This bill directly affects voters by preventing unsolicited mailings of ballot forms and restricts distribution to only those who explicitly ask for them. The key mechanism requires election officials to distribute forms only upon a qualified elector's specific solicitation, eliminating unsolicited outreach. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law, as specified in Section 2 of the bill.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes federal oversight from Wyoming's State Guard, granting the governor full authority to organize and maintain it without federal approval. It specifies that state funds - not federal resources - will cover guard members' pay and equipment, aligning with existing state budget processes. The changes directly affect Wyoming State Guard members and the governor's operational control over the force. The bill takes effect July 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryHB 178, the Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act, would prevent state government from restricting religious practices unless it proves the restriction is necessary for a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive option. It applies to individuals, businesses, and religious groups whose religious exercise is burdened by government actions like denying permits, benefits, or access to facilities. Those affected could sue in court to challenge such restrictions. The bill explicitly states it does not override laws protecting public health, safety, or order.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 137 would require healthcare providers to show a pregnant person an ultrasound (including the heartbeat if audible) at least 48 hours before providing medication for a chemical abortion. The law mandates providers document the ultrasound details (date, time, physician, and fetal age) and verify the ultrasound occurred before dispensing abortion drugs. Violations could result in felony charges with fines up to $20,000 or up to five years in prison, though pregnant people would not face criminal penalties. This bill directly affects medical providers and individuals seeking medication-based abortions in Wyoming.
Maddy summaryHB 124 repeals Wyoming's law (W.S. 35-4-106) that authorized the Department of Health to require smallpox vaccinations. It removes the state's legal authority to mandate such vaccinations, effective July 1, 2024, while allowing existing requirements to remain valid until that date. This is a procedural repeal of an outdated provision, as smallpox has been eradicated globally and no longer poses a public health threat in Wyoming.