Sen. Ed Cooper

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Wyoming's property tax exemption for veterans from $3,000 to $6,000 annually on assessed property value. It directly affects veterans who own property in Wyoming by reducing their annual property tax burden. The state appropriates $8.2 million from the general fund to reimburse counties for the increased exemption cost, with funds expiring June 30, 2027. The change applies to property taxes assessed on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 45 creates a property tax exemption for single-family homes in Wyoming, directly affecting homeowners with residential structures. The exemption covers increases in a home's value above 5% of the previous year's assessed value, meaning homeowners pay tax only on growth exceeding that threshold. However, the exemption doesn't apply if the value increase comes from new construction, additions, or if the property was purchased in the prior year. The law requires tax assessment notices to include exemption details and applies to tax years starting January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 57 creates a state-funded hearing aid program for adults with hearing impairment who meet specific income and eligibility criteria. It directly affects Wyoming residents aged 18+ diagnosed with hearing loss by a physician or audiologist, with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, who cannot obtain hearing aids through private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare at low cost. The program provides up to one set of hearing aids (one per ear) every five years, including fittings and ear molds, at state-paid rates matching Wyoming Medical Assistance program costs. The bill appropriates $90,000 from the general fund for program costs and $9,000 for an administrative position, both expiring June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows special districts in Wyoming that failed to meet annual audit reporting requirements to request reinstatement instead of automatic dissolution. It requires districts to fix reporting issues by April 1 of the following year, submit a corrective plan approved by county commissioners, and obtain written certification of compliance from the state audit department. If reinstated, the district is treated as if it never dissolved, preserving its legal status and operations. The bill directly affects local special districts (like water or fire districts) that missed reporting deadlines, providing a structured path to avoid termination.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 100 requires insurers and their intermediaries to pay pharmacies within 21 days for electronic pharmacy claims and 30 days for non-electronic claims, provided the claim is "clean" (complete with all required documentation). If payment isn't made on time, insurers must pay 18% annual interest. The bill defines "clean claims" as those without deficiencies, mandates insurers to notify pharmacies of missing information within 10-15 days, and prohibits insurers from charging pharmacies fees for payment processing. This applies to all pharmacy benefit contracts and takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 80 amends definitions in solid waste management law to clarify what constitutes solid waste and recycling facilities. It excludes certain materials (like post-use polymers processed through advanced recycling) from "solid waste" definitions and creates new terms for "advanced recycling" (using processes like pyrolysis) and "advanced recycling facilities." This change specifically affects recycling operations that convert plastic waste into raw materials, removing them from standard solid waste management regulations. The bill requires the Environmental Quality Council to create implementing rules, with most provisions effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 61) allows charter schools to directly apply for and receive federal and state education grants by treating them as local education agencies (LEAs). It requires school districts to pay charter schools based on specific funding formulas and repeals previous rules designating school districts as the LEA for charter schools. Charter schools will now handle special education services for their students under federal law. The changes take effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 134 revises Wyoming's property tax deferral program for primary residences under 40 acres. It shifts administration to the Department of Revenue, limits deferrals to half the annual property taxes owed, and changes interest calculations (to 4% compounded or based on treasury yields). The bill requires annual financial verification from applicants and ties deferrals to available state funding, ending automatic deferrals if funds run short. This directly affects qualifying homeowners who own their primary residence on small parcels, ensuring they must re-qualify yearly and face potential immediate payment if their financial situation changes.

Maddy summaryHB 81 removes mandatory fiscal training requirements for state public officers in Wyoming, effective July 1, 2024. It specifically eliminates the requirement that public officers complete minimum fiscal training within one year of taking office and excludes members of governing bodies (like city councils or school boards) from the definition of "public officer" under this law. The bill repeals existing provisions that required the state auditor to establish training rules and monitor compliance. This change directly affects state-level officials handling public funds, removing a compliance obligation that previously applied to them.

Maddy summaryHB 168 prohibits nonresident aliens, foreign businesses, and foreign governments from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Wyoming, with limited exceptions. It directly affects foreign entities seeking to own farmland, requiring existing owners (as of July 1, 2024) to retain but not expand their holdings. Key provisions include mandatory registration of agricultural lands, annual reporting, and penalties for violations - including state takeover (escheat) of noncompliant land. Exceptions allow inheritance, security interests, debt collection, and research use (with strict limits on commercial sales).