Sen. Barry Crago

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 123 removes the requirement for public notice when changing a minor child's name. The bill specifically affects natural or adoptive parents and legal guardians seeking to change a minor's name, provided all such parents or guardians sign the request. Under the change, courts will no longer need to publish the name change request in a newspaper or similar public forum for these cases. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 90 creates a state-managed investment pool allowing Wyoming cities, towns, counties, school districts, and other local governments to pool their existing funds for equity investments (like stocks) through the state treasurer. Local entities must acknowledge investment risks in writing and cannot seek state reimbursement for losses. The state treasurer will set rules for fund transfers, withdrawals, minimum pool sizes, and fees covering only actual costs. This bill modifies existing investment rules (W.S. 9-1-419) without creating new government spending, effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 53 adds one additional district judge position to the sixth judicial district, increasing its total to four judges. The bill appropriates $1,240,728 for the 2024-2026 biennium to fund the new judge's salary, benefits, office equipment, and facilities. It requires the district to provide suitable facilities, including a courtroom for 12-person juries, and authorizes four full-time equivalent positions to support the new judge. The bill takes effect July 1, 2024, directly affecting court operations in the sixth judicial district.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 77 requires county clerks to report property sales within five miles of designated critical infrastructure zones to the Office of Homeland Security and the Division of Criminal Investigation. Critical infrastructure zones - designated by the governor in consultation with the homeland security director - include areas vital to state or national security, such as energy facilities or communication systems. The law mandates that these agencies investigate transactions involving "designated countries or persons" (like foreign adversaries) or posing security threats, with all investigation details kept confidential. Annual reviews of zone designations ensure they remain the least restrictive necessary for security.

Maddy summaryHB 116 requires the Wyoming Sage Grouse Implementation Team to provide written notice to affected surface landowners at least 45 days before making recommendations to the governor that could impact their property rights. It also mandates a public comment opportunity in the impacted community at least 30 days prior to such recommendations. The bill directly affects landowners whose surface interests may be affected by sage grouse management decisions. These notice and comment requirements apply to all recommendations under the team's duties, ensuring landowners and the public have time to review and respond before decisions are submitted to the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 93 increases Wyoming's reimbursement limit for livestock quarantine costs from $25,000 to $50,000 per single quarantine event under the state's animal reimbursement program. The bill directly affects livestock owners and the Wyoming Livestock Board, which administers these payments. It also establishes that payments will stop when the unexpended account balance reaches $100,000 or less, resuming once the balance exceeds that amount. The changes apply to quarantine efforts starting July 1, 2024, and adjust existing provisions in Wyoming Statute 11-19-118(d).

Maddy summaryHB 52 establishes a homestead property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners based on age: up to $50,000 exemption for owners 64 or younger, $100,000 for ages 65-74, and $150,000 for those 75+ on January 1 of the tax year. It requires annual claims by May 4th to the county assessor, limits exemptions to one per property per year, and defines "primary residence" as where the owner lives most of the year. The bill includes an $88.4 million state appropriation to reimburse local governments for lost revenue from the exemption, ending December 31, 2027. It expires on that date, with no renewal automatic.

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 77 amends Wyoming's simple assault and domestic assault laws to explicitly include "threatening or menacing conduct" that causes someone to reasonably fear immediate physical harm. It expands the definition so that making another person feel in danger of being physically hurt - through words, gestures, or actions - now qualifies as assault, not just physical attempts. This change directly affects individuals accused of simple assault or domestic assault in Wyoming, applying to all offenses committed on or after July 1, 2024. The bill does not alter penalties but clarifies that verbal threats or menacing behavior alone can constitute a crime.