Sen. Eric Barlow

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that multipurpose vehicles (like SUVs or vans used for personal and light commercial purposes) are eligible for existing special license plate programs in Wyoming. It amends multiple statutes to explicitly include "multipurpose vehicle" alongside passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles in the list of qualifying vehicle types for special plates. This affects owners or lessees of multipurpose vehicles seeking special plates for veterans, firefighters, University of Wyoming affiliation, or other designated groups, ensuring they can apply for these plates without eligibility confusion. The change does not create new plate types but updates current rules to include these vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 71) affects individuals convicted of causing death while driving illegally (aggravated homicide by vehicle under W.S. 31-5-233). It prohibits these individuals from obtaining an ignition interlock restricted license until they complete the full license revocation period required by law. The bill amends existing law to ensure that such drivers cannot access restricted licenses early, requiring full compliance with revocation terms first. It applies to all relevant convictions occurring before, on, or after its effective date of July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 172 establishes Wyoming's participation in the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing physical therapists licensed in Wyoming to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill creates a framework for mutual recognition of licenses between member states, requiring criminal background checks for new applicants and enabling states to share disciplinary information through a centralized data system. This directly affects licensed physical therapists seeking to practice across state lines, particularly military spouses relocating with their families, and improves patient access to physical therapy services. The compact preserves each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety while streamlining licensure for therapists.

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 is a ceremonial resolution (SJ 7) passed by the Wyoming Legislature to recognize the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on its 50th anniversary in 2025. It commends NCSL for its role in supporting state legislatures and fostering bipartisan cooperation, as detailed in the resolution's preamble. The resolution directs Wyoming's Secretary of State to send copies to Wyoming's Congressional delegation and NCSL's leadership. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups or policies.

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 summaryWyoming's SJ 1 is a joint resolution requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V. It asks for a convention limited to proposing amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, reduce federal power over states, and limit terms for federal officials. The resolution includes specific safeguards, such as requiring two-thirds of states to agree on the same purpose before Congress acts, clarifying Congress only has the power to set a time and place for the convention, and stating states would vote one state, one vote. This procedural bill directly affects Wyoming's application to Congress and sets boundaries for any potential convention.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 179 modifies rules for compensatory mitigation related to greater sage-grouse habitat. It allows operators (like energy or development companies) to use their own mitigation measures on equivalent lands within Wyoming instead of purchasing credits, requiring them to maintain responsibility for these measures throughout the impact period. The bill prohibits using eminent domain for mitigation activities and mandates the Board of Land Commissioners to create implementing rules. This law, effective July 1, 2025, directly affects businesses with land impacts in sage-grouse habitat areas.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 106 establishes rules for how new vehicle dealers can set rates for warranty repairs. It allows dealers to set hourly labor rates and parts markup rates based on their actual non-warranty service pricing, requiring mutual agreement with manufacturers or submission of specific repair order data. The bill specifies calculations (dividing total charges by hours for labor, or parts charges by cost for markup) and excludes routine maintenance, collision repairs, and other non-qualifying work from rate calculations. Manufacturers must pay approved warranty claims within 30 days and follow new procedures for audits. This directly affects dealers who perform warranty work and manufacturers who pay for those services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 119) creates faster licensing pathways for military service members and their spouses in Wyoming who want to work in licensed professions. It requires licensing boards to issue expedited licenses within 30 days for applicants with active out-of-state licenses and military IDs, and to provide fee-free temporary permits valid up to 3 years while they complete full licensure requirements. The bill also mandates that boards consider military training and experience when evaluating qualifications and ask applicants about military status on all license forms. It applies to all licensed professions and takes effect July 1, 2025.