Sen. Barry Crago

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $79 million from Wyoming's general fund to remodel the state veterans' home in Buffalo, Wyoming. It specifies that construction costs must not exceed $103.85 million total, including state funds, federal funds received for the facility, and other authorized spending. The bill requires federal funds received for the veterans' home to offset the state appropriation dollar-for-dollar, reducing the state's required contribution. Any unspent state funds remaining after project completion must revert to the general fund, per state law.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 116) creates new criminal offenses for money laundering and illegal investments. It defines money laundering as knowingly handling property derived from crime (like cash from theft or fraud) or structuring transactions to evade reporting rules. The law imposes penalties of up to 10 years in prison or $10,000 fines for these offenses, effective July 2025. It directly affects individuals, businesses, and financial institutions involved in transactions that conceal criminal proceeds or bypass required reporting. The bill updates Wyoming's criminal code to align with federal anti-money laundering standards.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming joint resolution (SJ 8) requests Congress to propose a constitutional amendment allowing states and Congress to establish reasonable limits on money spent to influence elections. It specifically seeks authority to distinguish between natural persons (individuals) and artificial entities like corporations, unions, or AI when setting these limits. The resolution argues that current Supreme Court interpretations equating unlimited spending with free speech undermine political equality, election integrity, and local representation. It does not create new laws but formally asks Congress to initiate a constitutional amendment process to address these concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates over $143 million in state funds to address wildfire impacts in Wyoming from 2024. It provides $1 million for wildfire suppression coordination, $30 million to the state fire suppression account, and $100 million for restoring vegetation, habitats, and public infrastructure on both private and state lands, plus $10 million for water system repairs. A steering committee - including state agency representatives, legislators, and agricultural experts - will review grant applications and recommend fund distribution, with annual reports due until December 2026. The bill directly affects landowners, communities, state agencies, and wildfire-impacted areas by funding immediate restoration and prevention efforts.

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 summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 181) establishes new rules for using eminent domain to take private land for energy collector systems (like solar or wind infrastructure) connected to commercial electricity facilities. It requires developers to negotiate with landowners to secure agreements covering at least 85% of the affected land or 85% of landowners (if three or more are involved) before seeking condemnation. The bill also mandates proof of these negotiations to courts, sets minimum compensation standards based on fair market value, and requires 30 days' notice to county and local officials before filing a condemnation case. These provisions directly affect landowners whose property may be taken and energy developers seeking to expand electricity infrastructure.

Maddy summarySF 79 creates a new rule for civil cases filed in the wrong district court in Wyoming. It allows courts to transfer such cases to a proper venue, and treats the transferred case as if it were originally filed in that correct location. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies directly to parties involved in civil lawsuits filed in an incorrect court.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 39 allows vehicle owners to automatically transfer title to a named beneficiary upon death, bypassing probate. Owners complete a beneficiary designation form listing the vehicle details, all current owners, and the beneficiary's name, then sign it. Upon the owner's death, the beneficiary presents the form, proof of death, and a fee to the county clerk to receive a new title - without needing court involvement or the estate's approval. This applies only to vehicles with a properly executed form and does not affect existing liens or ownership interests.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 75) clarifies how county coroners handle property found on deceased individuals when no personal representative or next of kin claims it. It requires coroners to release low-value personal items ($50 or less) or essential items to next of kin, but if unclaimed after a reasonable time, the property must be sold at public auction or through county-approved methods. Proceeds first cover burial expenses as specified in the law, with any remaining funds deposited into the county’s general fund. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects coroners, counties, and families of unclaimed decedents.

Maddy summaryHB 61 amends Wyoming's state land leasing rules to give current leaseholders a preferred right to renew their leases. It directly affects individuals or entities holding state land leases who have paid rent on time and not violated lease terms. The bill requires these lessees to meet the highest bid from other qualified applicants, but the bid cannot be below the minimum fair market value (determined by the board) and must not exceed 120% of the previous year's local fair market value. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law.