Sen. Bo Biteman

Maddy summaryHB 87 modifies civil procedure in Wyoming by allowing healthcare providers to use the amount they agreed to accept (after discounts or forgiven debt) as proof of the fair cost of services in lawsuits. It directly affects patients, providers, and insurers involved in civil cases where healthcare costs are disputed. The law specifies that evidence of this agreed-upon payment amount becomes admissible to establish reasonable value, replacing previous methods of valuing services. This applies to all civil cases filed on or after July 1, 2019. The bill does not change healthcare costs or insurance rules but changes how those costs are proven in court.

Maddy summaryHB 206 regulates video skill games in Wyoming by requiring vendors to obtain permits from the Liquor Division. It directly affects video game vendors (who must pay $5,000 for initial permits), qualified truck stops (the only allowed locations meeting specific size and service requirements), and local governments (which receive 4% of vendor revenue). Key provisions include setting a $2 maximum bet per play, $1,500 payout limit per play, and requiring games to return 88-95% of revenue over time. Vendors must also conduct background checks, submit game compliance reports, and place machines only in designated truck stops or businesses with existing licenses. The bill establishes a fund for administrative costs and mandates monthly revenue distribution to counties and municipalities based on population.

Maddy summaryHB 217, the Wyoming Camping Act, removes an existing ban on overnight camping on state lands. It repeals Section 36-2-107(b)(v) of Wyoming law, which previously prohibited such camping. The change allows campers to stay overnight on state lands without restriction, effective July 1, 2019. This directly affects outdoor recreation users accessing Wyoming's state-managed lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 100) clarifies which state firearms regulations apply by amending a definition in Wyoming law. It specifies that "this act" refers to specific sections (W.S. 6-8-401 through 6-8-406) governing weapons, resolving potential confusion about applicable rules. The change affects how existing firearms laws are interpreted but does not create new restrictions or allowances. The bill was introduced in 2019 and recommended for passage by the Judiciary Committee. It became effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summarySF 119 requires the Wyoming state auditor to publicly post detailed vendor payment information on two websites: the state auditor's official site and the Wyoming public finance website. The bill mandates that all payments made to vendors for goods or services - showing the date, vendor name, amount, and description - must be posted within 30 days of payment, covering the current year and the previous five years. This applies to all state agencies and directly affects public access to government spending data. The requirement took effect on July 1, 2019, for all payments made after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 147 changes Wyoming law to make foreign language instruction for kindergarten through second grade optional for school districts, rather than mandatory. School districts may choose to offer such programs, but if they do, they must follow state board standards for instruction. This bill directly affects all Wyoming public school districts serving K-2 students. It became effective July 1, 2019, after passing the Education Committee unanimously.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 140 requires physicians to wait 48 hours after informing a patient before performing most nonemergency abortions after fetal viability (when the fetus can survive outside the womb). This law directly affects patients seeking abortions and the physicians who perform them. The key provision mandates this waiting period unless a medical emergency poses a substantial threat to the patient's life or health, as determined by a physician. The bill amends Wyoming Statute 35-6-102 and took effect July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 219 allows alcohol manufacturers in Wyoming to obtain catering permits, which previously they could not hold under state law. This change directly affects alcohol manufacturers who want to sell beverages at off-site events like meetings, conventions, or private dinners. The bill amends existing laws to permit manufacturers with specific licenses to apply for these catering permits, while requiring sales to occur only at the event location (not off-premises) and excluding closed-container sales at nonprofit auctions. The key provision removes a prior restriction preventing manufacturers from holding catering permits, effective July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 158 establishes a Legislative Audit Committee to review state agency finances and improve accountability. The committee, appointed by Senate and House leadership with balanced party representation, will oversee financial audits, conduct post-audits of agency recommendations, and prepare reports for the governor and legislature. It also creates a Legislative Auditor position within the Legislative Service Office to support the committee's work. The bill requires state agencies to provide audit assistance and includes confidentiality rules for audit reports, with exceptions for reporting criminal violations to the Attorney General. Note: This bill died in committee in 2019 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySF 94 allows Wyoming's Secretary of State to refuse to file nomination applications for state and federal offices (such as legislators, judges, or U.S. representatives) if an applicant is deemed ineligible under law. If an application is refused, the Secretary must provide written notice by certified mail, and the applicant may appeal to district court within five days - requiring a ruling within five days. The bill also mandates that complaints alleging an applicant's ineligibility must include the complainant's name and address. This procedural bill affects candidates seeking office and clarifies administrative steps for handling nomination eligibility.