Sen. Ed Cooper

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from Wyoming's tourism reserve fund to support the development of a rodeo and cowboy museum and hall of fame in Wyoming. The funds will be distributed in three installments of $5 million each on July 1, 2026, 2027, and 2028, contingent on the Wyoming Tourism Board certifying that relocation efforts will boost tourism, jobs, and state revenue. Applicants must provide matching funds (at least $1 for every $1 granted) and relocate to Wyoming by June 30, 2028, or repay the grant. The Wyoming Office of Tourism must report annually on fund usage until 2036.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 72 creates the "Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact," enabling teachers licensed in one participating state to more easily obtain licensure in another member state. The bill directly affects teachers seeking employment across state lines, particularly military spouses relocating due to service. Key provisions establish a streamlined process for recognizing out-of-state licenses, require states to share disciplinary information, and remove barriers to hiring qualified educators. It does not apply to ongoing licensing requirements after initial placement. The compact aims to simplify mobility while maintaining each state's authority over teacher regulation.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 53) requires high school athletes to maintain "amateur status" to compete in school-sanctioned sports, directly affecting student-athletes in Wyoming public high schools. It prohibits athletes from receiving money, prizes exceeding association limits, or monetizing their name/image/likeness for competition, with key exceptions including family support payments, necessary travel expenses, and scholarships paid directly to colleges after graduation. Violating these rules results in loss of eligibility for the sport. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and aims to align with national amateurism standards for high school athletics.

Maddy summaryHB 133 changes how conservation district supervisors are elected in Wyoming. It requires new districts to elect five supervisors: three rural agricultural residents (one specifically for production agriculture), one urban resident, and one at-large candidate, all serving staggered terms. The bill defines "production agriculture" as commercial farming, ranching, or crop production and mandates that at least two supervisors must be rural residents actively involved in such work. These rules apply to supervisors elected on or after July 1, 2026, the bill's effective date. The bill does not alter existing supervisors' terms but sets new election standards for future appointments.

Maddy summaryHB 67 expands Wyoming's property tax exemption to include additional veterans and military members. It provides a property tax break for honorably discharged veterans who served 18+ consecutive months in U.S. armed forces or Wyoming National Guard, active/reserve Wyoming National Guard members, and surviving spouses/parents of qualifying veterans. The exemption applies only to Wyoming residents who have lived in the state for at least three years (with one year immediately before applying). The changes take effect for taxes due in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires regular drivers to yield to roadside service and tire repair vehicles when they're stopped or moving slowly near roadways. It allows these vehicles to use flashing white, amber, red, or blue lights and exempts them from having to install horns or sirens like emergency vehicles. The law directly affects roadside service crews, tire repair businesses, and all other drivers sharing roads with these vehicles. It takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 149 prohibits individuals convicted of specific offenses against minors or under investigation for child abuse/neglect from administering home-based educational programs in Wyoming. It bans parents/guardians with recent convictions (within 7 years) for offenses like child abuse, sexual assault, or crimes involving minors (as listed in subsection 21-4-102(b)(i)), unless the conviction was reversed, annulled, or pardoned. The bill also restricts anyone advised by child protective services not to start home schooling during an active abuse/neglect investigation. Parents already running home schools before an investigation may continue, but must appeal restrictions through administrative hearings if challenged.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (SJ 2), not a bill with binding provisions. It calls on Wyoming’s three U.S. congressional representatives to support state authority over elections and campaign finance rules. The resolution urges them to advocate for a constitutional amendment affirming states' power to govern their own election processes and campaign finance policies. It does not create new laws or directly affect citizens; it is a symbolic statement from Wyoming’s legislature to federal lawmakers.

Maddy summaryHB 47 requires any person who reasonably believes another person faces immediate risk of serious injury or death to attempt to contact emergency services (like 911) if doing so doesn't endanger themselves or the other person. It directly affects all Wyoming residents who witness such emergencies. The law creates a misdemeanor offense for failing to assist under these conditions, with penalties of up to 6 months in jail and $750 for causing serious injury, or up to 1 year and $2,000 if death occurs. Exemptions include those who provide assistance under other laws or would self-incriminate by reporting. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming public school districts to provide age-appropriate, evidence-based suicide prevention education to all students. It mandates that schools use programs consistent with existing state materials and training standards outlined in related statutes. The requirement applies to all K-12 public schools and takes effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation directly affects students and school districts by establishing a new mandatory educational component focused on suicide prevention.