Sen. Dave Kinskey

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 166 appropriates $3 million to Texas and $2 million to Arizona for constructing border walls along the U.S.-Mexico border and transporting non-citizens to sanctuary cities in other states. The bill specifies that up to $250,000 from each state's allocation may fund transportation to sanctuary cities, requiring detailed spending reports. It mandates these funds be used only for border wall construction and non-citizen transport, with all unspent funds reverting by June 30, 2026. The bill directly affects Wyoming (as the funding state), Texas and Arizona (as recipient states), and sanctuary cities receiving transported individuals.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 149 creates an "enhanced concealed carry permit" that requires applicants to show proof of recent firearm safety training (within one year), such as completion of a certified course (NRA or Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy) or active peace officer employment. This permit, available to residents 21 or older, includes specific training requirements covering firearm fundamentals, live-shooting qualification, and legal aspects of firearm use. The bill mandates that Wyoming's Attorney General notify other states by July 1, 2023, to seek reciprocity for this enhanced permit. It does not change existing concealed carry rules but aims to improve interstate recognition of Wyoming's enhanced permits. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023, with rulemaking required by the same date.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 145 modifies state budgeting rules to strengthen fiscal stability. It creates new protections for reserve accounts, requiring them to maintain larger balances and making their balances "inviolable" (protected from use). The bill sets a $60 million cap on temporary interfund loans between state funds and adds requirements for certifications before investing reserves. It also changes how funds are withheld from local governments that fail to file required reports and mandates a 5% holdback from community mental health program contracts until performance agreements are signed. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and service providers receiving state funding.

Maddy summaryThe Second Amendment Protection Act prohibits Wyoming state and local officials from using state funds or personnel to enforce any federal gun regulations that conflict with the Second Amendment. It specifically bans state resources from being used to carry out federal laws, rules, or regulations that the state deems to infringe on the right to keep and bear arms. Public servants who violate this prohibition face penalties under existing state law. The bill took effect on July 1, 2022, and applies directly to Wyoming's government entities and officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain after-school programs in Wyoming from requiring full child care facility certification. It applies to programs operating primarily when school is out (before/after school, summer), exclusively serving school-aged children, and focused on educational/recreational activities - while still following local health and safety codes. The exemption became effective July 1, 2022, and directly affects qualifying after-school programs that meet all four specified criteria. It simplifies regulatory requirements for these specific programs without altering broader child care standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits anyone from collecting, soliciting, or submitting completed absentee ballots for voters unless the voter personally initiates contact and provides written authorization. It directly affects voters, election workers, and organizations that might handle ballots, making unauthorized collection a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison or a $10,000 fine. Key provisions require written voter authorization for ballot collection and mandate the Secretary of State to create implementing rules. The law amends Wyoming election statutes to clarify these restrictions and penalties, taking effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 138 creates the Hope Scholarship Program, providing state-funded scholarships to eligible Wyoming K-12 students. It directly affects Wyoming residents enrolled in public schools who qualify (e.g., attending public school for 45+ days annually), with funds usable at participating private schools. The program establishes a scholarship account funded through state education appropriations (2% of public school funding or per-student amounts), administered by a nine-member board including state education officials. Funds cover qualifying education expenses, with annual transfers from the state education budget to the scholarship program fund. The bill defines key terms like "eligible recipient" and "participating schools" but does not specify implementation timelines beyond the 2023 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits hunting, fishing, or trapping on private land without the owner's permission, including traveling across such land. It directly affects hunters, anglers, and trappers who enter private property without consent. The law expands existing penalties to include travel across private land, imposing fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or forfeiture of illegally taken game. It became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 25 exempts certain lodging services provided by licensed guides and outfitters from Wyoming's sales tax. Specifically, it removes the tax on temporary accommodations like tents, snow shelters, base camps, and other temporary shelters used by these licensed businesses. The exemption applies to services distributed through existing tax codes (W.S. 39-15-211(a)(ii)) and covers all forms of temporary lodging they provide. This change directly affects Wyoming-based guide and outfitter businesses operating under W.S. 23-2-407. The bill took effect July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 1002 prohibits Wyoming public entities from enforcing federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates for employers with 100+ employees or healthcare providers in Medicare/Medicaid programs. It creates a new state law (W.S. 9-14-103) making it a misdemeanor (up to 6 months jail or $750 fine) for public entities to comply with such federal rules until federal court challenges are resolved. The bill authorizes Wyoming’s attorney general to sue federal agencies over these mandates and appropriates $1 million for legal action. It directly affects Wyoming state agencies, local governments, and employers subject to federal vaccine requirements.