Sen. Eric Barlow

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 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 summaryWyoming's HB 230 creates a task force to study interstate highway traffic and authorizes up to $250 million from the state mineral trust fund to provide loans for highway construction projects. It requires annual $50 million transfers from the legislative stabilization reserve fund starting in 2026 to repay these loans, with interest rates set by the state treasurer. The bill specifically directs funding for adding passing lanes on segments of U.S. Highway 20 (between Casper and Thermopolis) and expanding U.S. Highway 287 near Laramie to four lanes. These provisions directly affect Wyoming's transportation infrastructure and the state's budget allocation for highway projects.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 166 creates Wyoming's Education Savings Account (ESA) program, providing state-funded accounts for eligible students based on household income relative to federal poverty levels. Families with incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level receive $5,000 annually, those between 250%-350% receive $3,000, and those between 350%-400% receive $1,000. Parents can use these funds for qualifying education expenses like tuition at approved schools, tutoring (excluding immediate family), textbooks, technology, uniforms, and standardized test fees. The Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction will manage the program, with funds transferred to a dedicated expenditure account.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Wyoming's property tax exemption for veterans from $3,000 to $6,000 annually on assessed property value. It directly affects veterans who own property in Wyoming by reducing their annual property tax burden. The state appropriates $8.2 million from the general fund to reimburse counties for the increased exemption cost, with funds expiring June 30, 2027. The change applies to property taxes assessed on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 69) increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospice care in Wyoming to match annual Medicare rates, directly affecting hospice providers serving Medicaid patients. It also limits room and board reimbursement for hospice facilities to no more than 100% of the statewide Medicaid nursing home rate. The bill appropriates $450,000 from the general fund to the Department of Health for these reimbursements, effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026. The changes aim to align state hospice funding with federal Medicare standards for eligible patients.

Maddy summaryHB 45 creates a property tax exemption for single-family homes in Wyoming, directly affecting homeowners with residential structures. The exemption covers increases in a home's value above 5% of the previous year's assessed value, meaning homeowners pay tax only on growth exceeding that threshold. However, the exemption doesn't apply if the value increase comes from new construction, additions, or if the property was purchased in the prior year. The law requires tax assessment notices to include exemption details and applies to tax years starting January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 103 (Wyoming PRIME Act) allows producers to sell meat products directly to consumers in Wyoming from animals they raised, slaughtered, and processed on their own property or at a custom slaughter facility. The bill requires clear warning labels stating the meat is uninspected, prohibits resale or donation, and mandates producers to disclose their animal health and processing standards. Sales cannot begin until the governor certifies that federal law permits such sales - either through new federal legislation or a court ruling invalidating federal bans. The law takes effect July 1, 2024, pending this federal certification.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 100 requires insurers and their intermediaries to pay pharmacies within 21 days for electronic pharmacy claims and 30 days for non-electronic claims, provided the claim is "clean" (complete with all required documentation). If payment isn't made on time, insurers must pay 18% annual interest. The bill defines "clean claims" as those without deficiencies, mandates insurers to notify pharmacies of missing information within 10-15 days, and prohibits insurers from charging pharmacies fees for payment processing. This applies to all pharmacy benefit contracts and takes effect July 1, 2024.