Sen. Barry Crago

Maddy summaryHB 204 increases fees for nonresident fishing licenses in Wyoming. It raises the annual license from $100 to $110, the daily license from $12 to $14, and the five-day license from $54 to $60. These changes directly affect out-of-state anglers who purchase fishing licenses in Wyoming. The fee increases will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 197 limits fees that local governments can charge developers to fund affordable or workforce housing. It caps these fees at 4% of construction costs (or less based on impact studies), exempts the first 3,000 square feet of single-family homes and 1,750 square feet of multi-family units, and prohibits fees for agricultural land subdivisions. Developers must receive written fee notices within 30 days and can request a detailed, individualized explanation of the fee calculation from local authorities. The law applies to all cities, towns, and counties issuing land use permits for residential or commercial projects.

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 198 modifies Wyoming's education savings account program by adjusting annual deposit amounts based on household income relative to federal poverty levels. It provides $6,000 annually for students in households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, $4,800 for households between 151-200%, and $3,600 for households between 201-250%. The bill directly affects students whose families qualify under these income thresholds, determining the funds available for educational expenses through the state's savings account program. The changes would take effect January 1, 2025, if enacted, modifying existing law established by 2024 legislation. The bill is currently in early stages (received for introduction on January 16, 2025) and has not yet been considered by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 146 increases penalties for taking stray livestock without the owner's consent in Wyoming. It sets a minimum $750 fine (up from prior) and maximum $1,500 fine for first offenses, and a minimum $1,500 fine with a maximum $3,000 fine for second or subsequent offenses under W.S. 11-24-103. The bill directly affects individuals who take, retain, or restrain lost animals without the owner's knowledge or permission. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and modifies existing penalties for violations of livestock estray laws.

Maddy summaryHB 326 appropriates $79 million from Wyoming's general fund to remodel the state veterans' home in Buffalo, Wyoming. The bill specifies that federal funds received for veterans' home facilities must first replace general fund spending and then reduce the state appropriation dollar-for-dollar. It sets a total project cost cap of $103.85 million, covering the $79 million state appropriation plus other authorized funds (including federal funds and prior appropriations). The remodeling project must be completed within the allocated budget, with unspent funds reverting to the general fund upon completion.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 302 creates legal immunity for government entities when public employees use or fail to use firearms while performing official duties. It amends two statutes (W.S. 1-39-104 and W.S. 21-3-132) to state that governmental entities cannot be held liable for tort claims arising solely from such firearm-related actions. This applies to all public employees, including school district staff carrying firearms on school property as permitted by law. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not change existing firearm laws or create new obligations for employees.

Maddy summaryHB 155 requires hospitals, health care clinics, and long-term care facilities receiving state funds to report monthly workplace violence incidents starting August 2025. Facilities must track specific details including the perpetrator's identity (e.g., patient, staff, or visitor), contributing factors (like mental health issues or long wait times), incident types (physical assault, threats, or discrimination), victim job roles, and exact locations. The Department of Workforce Services will compile these reports and submit an annual summary to a legislative committee by October 2026. This bill creates a standardized data collection system to identify patterns and inform future safety measures, without mandating new workplace safety standards.

Maddy summaryHB 297 allocates $143.26 million in state funds for wildfire recovery in Wyoming, directly affecting state agencies, private landowners, and communities. It provides $1 million for wildfire suppression contingency, $30 million for emergency fire accounts, and $100 million for restoring vegetation and habitats on private/state lands, plus $10 million for watershed infrastructure repairs. The bill creates a steering committee (with legislative, agency, and industry members) to review grant applications and recommend fund use, bypassing standard grant processes for these wildfire-related projects. All funds are sourced from the general fund, with repayment provisions for prior borrowing and a 2026 termination date for the committee.

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.