Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 149 creates an "enhanced concealed carry permit" that requires applicants to show proof of recent firearm safety training (within one year), such as completion of a certified course (NRA or Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy) or active peace officer employment. This permit, available to residents 21 or older, includes specific training requirements covering firearm fundamentals, live-shooting qualification, and legal aspects of firearm use. The bill mandates that Wyoming's Attorney General notify other states by July 1, 2023, to seek reciprocity for this enhanced permit. It does not change existing concealed carry rules but aims to improve interstate recognition of Wyoming's enhanced permits. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023, with rulemaking required by the same date.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 141 would have changed Wyoming's rules for voters changing political party affiliation. It would have allowed voters to file a written request to change their party affiliation at any time (except during prohibited periods), rather than requiring specific deadlines for primary or general elections. The bill amended sections of state law to clarify that voters must declare their party affiliation to receive a partisan ballot, with different filing deadlines depending on whether it was for a primary election or general election. These changes would have directly affected Wyoming voters seeking to switch party registration before elections. (Note: This bill died in committee and did not become law.)
Maddy summaryWyoming's HJ 11 is a joint resolution requesting Congress to change federal regulations so agricultural producers can directly access medically important antibiotics for livestock without needing a veterinarian's supervision. Currently, FDA rules require these antibiotics (used in feed or water) to be dispensed under a licensed veterinarian's oversight, which the resolution claims causes delays in treating livestock. The resolution specifically asks Congress to eliminate this vet-supervision requirement and allow over-the-counter access for Wyoming farmers. This would directly affect Wyoming livestock producers by altering how they obtain antibiotics for animal health care.
Maddy summaryHB 130 creates a state grant program to fund county, city, and town law enforcement agencies in purchasing or training dogs to detect fentanyl. It allocates $4 million from the general fund for grants up to $300,000 per agency, with applications due by July 1, 2024. The Attorney General will administer the program, requiring agencies to apply and report on grant use by June 2025. The program expires December 31, 2024, with unspent funds reverting to the state.
Maddy summaryHB 156 modifies Wyoming's voter ID requirements by adding a new rule: if a voter's primary ID (like a driver's license) doesn't show their current Wyoming address, they must provide two additional documents verifying residence. Acceptable documents include utility bills, rent receipts, or tax documents. The bill repeals three previously accepted ID types and directly affects voters who cannot present address-verified ID at polling places. It takes effect July 1, 2023, with the Secretary of State to specify acceptable verification documents.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 196, the Wyoming Infrastructure Protection Act, requires the state's homeland security office to create a reporting system for suspicious activity involving foreign countries designated as threats to critical infrastructure. The governor can designate countries (including those labeled state sponsors of terrorism or deemed risky) and mandate reports on real estate deals, contracts, or other activities near infrastructure like power plants, water systems, or communications networks. The bill authorizes two new state positions (critical infrastructure analyst and energy analyst) and allocates $203,000 for implementation, effective July 1, 2023. It directly affects Wyoming government entities, businesses operating near critical infrastructure, and foreign entities engaging in contracts or property transactions in the state.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 259 would require runoff elections for governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor, state superintendent, and federal offices if no candidate wins over 50% of votes in a party primary. The runoff would feature the top two candidates (determined by vote count or drawing lots for ties) and must be held on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in August during general election years. The bill specifies a standardized ballot format for runoffs, including clear voting instructions and office groupings. All costs for runoffs would be covered by the secretary of state, who would reimburse counties using a dedicated account. This bill is proposed legislation (not yet enacted) and would take effect only if a related constitutional amendment is approved.
Maddy summaryHJ 9 proposes a constitutional amendment to adjust Wyoming's timeline for legislative redistricting after the federal census. Currently, the legislature must complete redistricting by December 10 following census data. The amendment would allow the legislature to set a new deadline, enabling primary elections to be held in May with runoff elections if needed. If redistricting is required, the legislature would still need to convene a special session of up to 10 days. This amendment must be approved by voters to take effect.
Maddy summaryHB 205 prohibits K-12 public school educators and state employees from using public funds to teach or require training on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans instruction claiming any group is inherently superior/inferior, that individuals should be discriminated against based on identity, or that people are inherently racist due to their background. Exceptions allow teaching historical oppression or using primary sources in approved curricula. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident, private lawsuits for damages, or disciplinary action against educators. The bill is pending in Wyoming's legislature (introduced January 2023, not yet considered for debate).
Maddy summaryHB 107 would change Wyoming's attorney general from an appointed position to an elected statewide office, starting with the 2026 general election. Currently appointed by the governor, the attorney general would then be elected for a four-year term with requirements including at least four years of legal practice experience and state residency. The bill updates election procedures to include the attorney general on ballots alongside other statewide elected officials like governor and secretary of state, and subjects the office to the same ethics and disclosure laws as other elected state positions.