Sen. Eric Barlow

Maddy summaryHB 127 requires Wyoming health care facilities to allow in-person visits from clergy members (like priests, ministers, or religious counselors) during public health emergencies, at the request of patients or their authorized family members. It prohibits facilities from blocking these visits unless clergy refuse to follow safety rules set by health authorities (such as CDC or state health officer guidelines). The law applies to all patients/residents in facilities defined under state health codes, including hospitals and nursing homes. It takes effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 56 designates Wyoming public schools as "Purple Star Schools" if they meet specific requirements to support military-connected students - defined as children of active or former military members (including National Guard/Reserve) or those who lost a parent in service. To qualify, schools must appoint a military liaison to identify these students and coordinate services, maintain a dedicated website with relocation, academic, and support resources, implement student transition programs, and provide staff training. Schools must also complete at least one community action, such as hosting military family events or partnering with local military installations. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, and applies to all qualifying Wyoming public schools seeking the designation.

Maddy summaryHB 106 imposes a moratorium on using eminent domain (government power to acquire private property) for wind energy collector systems, which include infrastructure like towers, wires, and substations that deliver wind-generated power. The ban applies to most entities (excluding certified public utilities) and lasts until June 30, 2032, or until new legislation sets conditions for such takings, whichever occurs first. It does not affect cases where condemnation lawsuits were filed and required funds deposited before the bill’s effective date. The law directly impacts wind energy developers seeking to expand facilities without existing utility certifications.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 83 authorizes the governor to negotiate written agreements with tribes regarding hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering rights based on treaty or federal rights on state lands. The bill requires tribes to adopt enforceable game codes, align seasons with state regulations (except for ceremonial purposes), share harvest data, and comply with state conservation rules. It ensures tribal members without valid licenses follow state laws outside the Wind River Reservation and clarifies that agreements do not override private property rights without owner permission. The law mandates a report to the legislature after each agreement is finalized and grants state agencies rulemaking authority for implementation.

Maddy summarySF 7 amends Wyoming's definition of "opiate antagonist" to explicitly include naloxone hydrochloride (marketed as Narcan) and other FDA-approved medications for treating opioid overdoses. This clarifies which substances qualify under the existing Emergency Administration of Opiate Antagonist Act, ensuring consistency for first responders and healthcare providers. The change takes effect July 1, 2023, and does not create new requirements or funding. The bill solely updates terminology in current law without altering enforcement or access provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 79 amends Wyoming's election code to allow concealed carry permits as valid identification for in-person voting at polling places. This change directly affects voters who use concealed carry permits instead of other forms of ID, such as driver's licenses or state IDs. The bill adds concealed carry permits to the list of acceptable identification under Section 22-1-102(a)(xxxix)(B)(X) and takes effect July 1, 2023. It does not alter existing voter ID requirements but expands the acceptable forms of ID.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's financial institution approval process to prevent customer confusion. It requires new banks or credit unions to choose names that don't closely resemble existing institutions in the same county or state. The key change adds a specific naming criterion to the approval standards, effective July 1, 2023, directly affecting applicants seeking state licensing.

Maddy summaryHB 57 updates Wyoming's legal definitions to align with federal standards for "armed forces" and "uniformed services." It explicitly includes the Space Force, Coast Guard, National Guard components, and federal health service corps in these definitions across multiple state laws. This change ensures state employees who are members of uniformed services (like National Guard members or military reservists) continue to qualify for existing benefits and protections under state programs, without altering those benefits themselves. The bill focuses solely on standardizing terminology to match federal law.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 176 allows two or more existing solid waste disposal districts to merge into a single district. It outlines specific procedures for consolidation, including initiation via county commissioner resolution (without elections for districts in the same county) or through existing statutory processes. The bill prevents changes to district boundaries, requires county commissioner approval for multi-county consolidations, and sets rules for appointing directors based on population. It also maintains existing tax limits for the consolidated district and applies standard special district consolidation rules. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits posting unauthorized signs that restrict access to or use of state or federal lands where lawful wildlife hunting is permitted. It specifically targets signs placed with intent to hinder hunting activities on public lands. Landowners retain the right to prevent trespass on private property, which is explicitly excluded from the law. The law applies to all public lands used for hunting and takes effect July 1, 2023.