Sen. Cale Case

Maddy summaryHB 158 removes imprisonment as a possible penalty for most general traffic violations in Wyoming, meaning drivers convicted of minor offenses (like speeding or parking violations) can now only face fines. However, it preserves imprisonment penalties for specific serious violations listed under Wyoming Statutes 31-5-1102 through 31-5-1108 (such as DUI or reckless driving), maintaining up to six months in jail for repeat offenses. The bill directly affects all drivers convicted of traffic violations in Wyoming, shifting penalties for routine offenses to solely fines. It took effect on July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 265 modifies Wyoming's property offense laws by raising the value threshold for felony charges from $1,000 to $2,000 for theft, shoplifting, property destruction, and related crimes. This means offenses involving property valued between $1,000 and $2,000 will now be classified as high misdemeanors (with penalties up to 1 year in jail and $5,000 fines) instead of felonies. The bill also doubles the maximum civil penalty for shoplifting from $1,000 to $2,000 per incident. These changes directly affect individuals committing property crimes in Wyoming, particularly those involving items valued under $2,000. The law updates sentencing classifications and penalties to better align with property values.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 175 revises the state's Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association Act to clarify coverage rules and financial responsibilities. It creates new definitions (like "covered policy" and "member insurer"), sets a $5 million annual premium cap for multiple non-group life insurance policies owned by one person, and updates eligibility requirements for policyholders based on residency and insurer domicile. The bill directly affects licensed insurers operating in Wyoming, policyholders with multiple high-value policies, and health maintenance organizations. Key changes include clearer limits on the association's financial obligations and revised procedures for assessing member insurers.

Maddy summaryHB 220 creates a new income tax on businesses operating in Wyoming, requiring them to pay tax based on their income earned within the state. It uses a three-factor formula (property, payroll, and sales) to calculate how much tax a business owes, especially for companies operating across multiple states. The Wyoming Department of Revenue will administer the tax, with strict confidentiality rules protecting business tax returns. This bill directly affects businesses with operations in Wyoming, including out-of-state companies conducting business there.

Maddy summarySF 87 allows any person to temporarily acquire the use of an existing water right (not new rights) for instream flow purposes - such as maintaining river flow for ecological health - without permanently changing ownership. It requires the state engineer to administer these temporary uses, ensuring they don’t interfere with existing water rights or reduce their value. The temporary right is limited to a specific stream segment, preserves the original water right’s priority date, and lasts no longer than two years. This bill directly affects landowners, environmental groups, or entities seeking short-term water access for river conservation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new misdemeanor offense in Wyoming called "burglary for minor theft." It applies to individuals who enter a building, structure, or vehicle without permission to commit theft of property valued at less than $1,000, provided the building was unoccupied, not locked, and not designed for overnight use. The law specifies that the person must not have entered to commit a felony and must not commit a felony during the act. Violating this offense carries penalties of up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill took effect on July 1, 2019.

2019/Summaries/SF0050.pdf

2019/Summaries/SF0078.pdf