Sen. Ed Cooper

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's sex offender registration law for individuals convicted of certain voyeurism crimes involving minors. It requires these offenders to report their current address in person to their county sheriff annually, instead of just mailing updates. During each annual visit, the sheriff must photograph the offender and send the photo and verification to the state within three days. The law applies specifically to those convicted under Wyoming statutes related to voyeurism with minor victims (e.g., W.S. 6-2-316(a)(i) and (iv)), and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 121 creates special "Rodeo - The Official Sport of Wyoming" license plates for non-commercial vehicles. Owners can choose to donate $1 or more per plate, with funds distributed annually to support rodeo programs at the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges. The plates require a $1+ fee beyond standard registration and will stop production if fewer than 500 are issued by December 2031. Production begins January 2026, with plates designed to include the official sport designation.

Maddy summaryHB 242 requires motor vehicle dealers selling new trailers (excluding house trailers and semitrailers) to obtain a "sales authorization" document from the trailer manufacturer or distributor. This authorization confirms the dealer is permitted to sell specific trailer makes, replacing previous requirements for some dealers. The bill also exempts manufacturers and dealers of non-house-trailer, non-semitrailer new trailers from certain existing regulations (like W.S. 31-16-109 through 31-16-111). The changes apply to all new trailer dealers and manufacturers in Wyoming starting July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 106 establishes rules for how new vehicle dealers can set rates for warranty repairs. It allows dealers to set hourly labor rates and parts markup rates based on their actual non-warranty service pricing, requiring mutual agreement with manufacturers or submission of specific repair order data. The bill specifies calculations (dividing total charges by hours for labor, or parts charges by cost for markup) and excludes routine maintenance, collision repairs, and other non-qualifying work from rate calculations. Manufacturers must pay approved warranty claims within 30 days and follow new procedures for audits. This directly affects dealers who perform warranty work and manufacturers who pay for those services.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public school districts in Wyoming to equip non-school-bus vehicles used for student transportation (e.g., vans or shuttles for field trips or after-school activities) with flashing white and amber lights. It specifically amends vehicle lighting laws to authorize these lights for such vehicles, distinguishing them from standard school buses. The change applies immediately upon enactment and directly affects school districts managing student transport outside of traditional school bus operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming law enforcement agencies to accept all reasonable reports of missing persons without delay, unless specific exceptions apply (such as knowing the person's location, confirming their safety, or verifying they are not a Wyoming resident). It mandates that reports be entered into state and national databases within 8 hours and requires agencies to compile detailed records - including photos - after 30 days, forwarding them to the attorney general and criminal investigation division. The law affects all Wyoming law enforcement agencies and ensures consistent handling of missing persons cases, improving data sharing for investigations. It also updates a related law to allow public sharing of missing person information to aid recovery efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 170 clarifies when documents filed by nonprofit corporations and statutory trusts in Wyoming become effective. It amends two sections of Wyoming law to specify that documents are effective at the time they are received for filing, as shown by the secretary of state's endorsement date and time on the original document. This procedural change directly affects nonprofit organizations and statutory trusts that file documents with the state. The bill does not alter substantive requirements but updates the legal language to remove ambiguity about effective dates. It takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 233 creates a dedicated "natural resource litigation account" to fund Wyoming's legal defense against lawsuits that restrict the state's management of coal and other natural resources. It appropriates $7.5 million from the general fund for the governor and attorney general to cover costs defending, commencing, or prosecuting lawsuits involving federal, state, or local actions that impede coal leasing, use, export, or coal-fired facility operations in Wyoming. The account requires annual reports on fund usage and expires June 30, 2027, with unspent funds reverting to the state. This bill directly affects Wyoming's government (via the governor's office and attorney general) and aims to support legal efforts protecting the state's coal industry and resource management authority. Note: The bill was introduced in January 2025 but has not yet been considered by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 253 revises Wyoming's construction lien law by changing the timing for preliminary notice requirements. It requires subcontractors and material suppliers to send a notice within 30 days of starting work on a project (before final payment to the general contractor) to preserve their lien rights. Failure to send this notice will bar lien claims, except when the general contractor failed to provide required information under §29-2-113. The bill affects contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers working on construction projects in Wyoming and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 73 amends Wyoming law to deny concealed firearm permits to applicants convicted of felony violations under Wyoming's Controlled Substances Act (W.S. 35-7-1001-35-7-1057) or similar state/federal drug laws, unless their firearm rights have been restored. The change applies only to new permit applications submitted on or after July 1, 2024, and does not affect existing permit holders. This policy directly impacts individuals seeking new concealed carry permits who have specific drug-related felony convictions. The bill clarifies eligibility requirements without altering existing permit validity or application procedures.