Sen. Tim Salazar

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals restrictions that previously prohibited concealed weapons in government meetings and legislative sessions. It allows Wyoming residents with valid concealed carry permits to carry concealed weapons in those locations, specifically in "any meeting of a governmental entity" and "any meeting of the legislature or a committee thereof." The State Building Commission must create implementing rules within 30 days of the bill's effective date. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law, removing existing prohibitions without additional conditions for permit holders.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 110 creates a property tax exemption for small business owners who own tangible personal property valued at $2,400 or less in a single county. This directly affects small business owners with minimal business assets, excluding property used for personal or family purposes. The bill modifies existing tax law to exempt qualifying business property from taxation, effective January 1, 2024, and repeals related reporting requirements. It does not change tax rates or apply to property assessed before 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 205 prohibits K-12 public school educators and state employees from using public funds to teach or require training on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans instruction claiming any group is inherently superior/inferior, that individuals should be discriminated against based on identity, or that people are inherently racist due to their background. Exceptions allow teaching historical oppression or using primary sources in approved curricula. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident, private lawsuits for damages, or disciplinary action against educators. The bill is pending in Wyoming's legislature (introduced January 2023, not yet considered for debate).

Maddy summaryHB 66 prohibits businesses and organizations from refusing service, goods, or facilities to the public based on a person's vaccination status, use of face coverings (masks), or medical testing results related to infectious diseases like COVID-19. It also bans advertisements or communications requiring masks, vaccines, or testing as a condition for public services. Violations are punishable by a misdemeanor fine of up to $5,000 or one year in jail. The law applies to all public-facing businesses and services, such as restaurants, stores, and venues. It repeals prior immunization requirement laws and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 179, the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits state and local governments from enforcing any law or order that allows firearm confiscation without a criminal conviction. It directly affects Wyoming residents by blocking the state from implementing "red flag" gun seizure orders, which typically require surrendering firearms based on alleged threats before a court conviction. The bill bans using state funds or personnel to enforce such orders and preempts conflicting local laws. Violations could trigger civil lawsuits for damages, with courts authorized to impose penalties up to $50,000 per violation. The law aims to prevent gun seizures that bypass due process, as defined by the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Wyoming Firearms Research Center Oversight Commission to guide the University of Wyoming's firearms research center. The commission, consisting of eight members (including a legislative representative and seven appointed stakeholders like hunting groups, firearms industry workers, law enforcement, and county attorneys), must review the center's mission, facilitate stakeholder agreements, and recommend funding. It allocates $2,500 for the legislative member's travel/salary and $17,500 for nonlegislative members' expenses, both expiring June 2024. The bill directly affects the University of Wyoming center and Wyoming's firearms industry, sportsmen, and law enforcement stakeholders by establishing formal oversight for the center's work.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 114 requires all public schools to teach state and federal constitutional principles, including American institutions and ideals, for at least three years in grades K-8 and one year in high school. It mandates that high school students passing a graduation exam must score at least 60% on the same civics test used for U.S. citizenship. This applies to all Wyoming public high school diplomas awarded starting with the 2023-2024 school year. The bill directly affects all public high school students in Wyoming who seek graduation credentials.

Maddy summaryHB 71 creates an annual sales tax holiday during the first weekend in August (Friday 12:01 a.m. to Sunday 11:59 p.m.) when specific items are exempt from Wyoming's sales tax. It directly affects consumers purchasing eligible school-related items, including clothing, computers, school supplies (like pens, notebooks, and backpacks), and school sports equipment. The exemption excludes high-priced items (e.g., clothing over $100, computers over $1,500) and non-eligible goods like jewelry, cosmetics, or items bought for resale. The bill specifies these rules to provide temporary tax relief for back-to-school shopping, effective July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 103) adds a sales tax exemption for current Wyoming state legislators purchasing lodging services while acting in their official capacity. It amends Wyoming tax law to exempt these specific lodging purchases from the state sales tax. The exemption applies only to legislators using lodging for official duties, not personal travel. The change took effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Wyoming's "seal of biliteracy" and "advanced distinction seal of biliteracy" for high school graduates. It allows school districts to award these seals to students who demonstrate proficiency in English plus one or more world languages (including American Sign Language, classical languages, and indigenous languages). The state superintendent designs the program, sets assessment standards, and requires districts to report annually on the number of seals issued, languages used, and seal types. The program applies to all Wyoming high school students meeting the proficiency criteria, with implementation beginning July 1, 2022.