Sen. Brian Boner

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 180 requires the state veterinarian to notify livestock owners within three days when an animal tests positive for brucellosis. It mandates the Wyoming Livestock Board to create a communication protocol sharing test results with affected livestock producers, veterinarians, and brand inspectors in the same county. The bill also specifies that adjacent landowners, local veterinarians, and owners of potentially exposed animals may receive limited information to manage disease outbreaks. These changes amend existing statutes to standardize reporting and notification procedures for brucellosis, directly affecting livestock owners and veterinarians in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the dollar threshold requiring legislative approval for projects funded by Wyoming's wildlife and natural resource trust. It raises the "large project" definition from $200,000 to $400,000 for total grants sought or awarded under the trust. Projects under $400,000 no longer need specific legislative authorization, streamlining approvals for smaller initiatives. The trust board must still notify the legislature within 30 days for any additional grants exceeding $200,000 on a single project. The change applies to all projects approved on or after July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 102, the Food Freedom Act, allows home producers to directly sell homemade eggs, dairy, and non-hazardous foods (like baked goods) without state inspection, provided they follow specific rules. It prohibits Wyoming from enforcing food inspection standards stricter than those set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Sellers must clearly label products as "not inspected" and avoid displaying them alongside commercially inspected foods in stores. The law applies to sales at farmers markets, farms, homes, or agreed-upon locations, with producers or designated agents (named in writing) facilitating transactions. It explicitly aligns state rules with federal requirements, preventing stricter state oversight for these home-based food sales.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 148 clarifies that state firearm laws override local regulations, directly affecting cities and counties that might have attempted to enact stricter gun rules. The bill amends a definition in existing law to explicitly state that state statutes (W.S. 6-8-401 through 6-8-406) take precedence over local ordinances. This is a procedural clarification - no new restrictions or exceptions are added - and takes effect immediately upon enactment. It ensures local governments cannot impose additional firearm regulations beyond what the state already permits.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 178 establishes designated "mountain lion pursuit seasons" during which hunters may use dogs to track mountain lions, but cannot kill or capture them. The bill directly affects hunters (both residents and non-residents) participating in these seasons, requiring them to obtain a special management permit. Key provisions include prohibiting killing during pursuit seasons (with penalties of $5,000-$10,000 fines or up to one year in jail for violations), and mandating the Game and Fish Commission to create implementing rules by July 1, 2023. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, with immediate implementation for rulemaking requirements.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 143, the Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act, creates education savings accounts (ESAs) providing $6,000 annually per eligible student (adjusted for inflation) to cover qualifying education expenses. It directly affects Wyoming residents who are K-12 students not yet graduated, allowing parents or guardians to use ESA funds for private school tuition, online learning, tutoring, textbooks, technology, and other approved educational costs. The state treasurer administers the program, disbursements occur monthly, and funds come from a dedicated state account - not local taxes - with excess funds transferred to the school foundation program if balances exceed $30 million. Qualified schools (non-governmental, non-discriminatory) are explicitly not considered state or federal agents under this program.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 134 requires sellers of vacant or subdivided land (under 140 acres) to provide written disclosure to prospective buyers about farm and ranch operations within one mile of the property. The disclosure notice explains that normal agricultural activities - like noise, odors, machinery use, and pesticide application - may occur at any time and are protected under Wyoming's Right to Farm law (11-44-101-104). It clarifies buyers cannot seek legal remedies for these standard practices if conducted properly. The bill directly affects rural homebuyers and sellers in areas near active farms, with the requirement taking effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 142 requires public utilities to offer coal-fired power plants for sale specifically for carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) projects. The bill establishes rules for selling carbon dioxide streams (e.g., for enhanced oil recovery), mandates bonding to cover future decommissioning and cleanup costs, and sets definitions for key terms like "carbon capture customer" (oil/gas companies using CO2 streams). It aims to make captured carbon dioxide available for industrial use while preventing rate hikes for electricity customers. The law also requires studies and reports on implementation, targeting coal plant operators and oil/gas industry stakeholders directly affected by the new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 104 allows Wyoming hunters to use artificial light technologies - including thermal or infrared imaging - for night hunting of predatory animals (like coyotes or wolves) on both private and public land. It directly affects landowners (with written permission), residents managing property, and hunters on public land. The bill requires the Game and Fish Commission to create specific rules governing the permitted technology and hunting methods. The changes take effect July 1, 2023, with rulemaking provisions active immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 56 designates Wyoming public schools as "Purple Star Schools" if they meet specific requirements to support military-connected students - defined as children of active or former military members (including National Guard/Reserve) or those who lost a parent in service. To qualify, schools must appoint a military liaison to identify these students and coordinate services, maintain a dedicated website with relocation, academic, and support resources, implement student transition programs, and provide staff training. Schools must also complete at least one community action, such as hosting military family events or partnering with local military installations. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, and applies to all qualifying Wyoming public schools seeking the designation.