Maddy summaryHB 139 prohibits Wyoming state agencies and local governments from using public funds or staff resources for projects involving permanent conservation easements or federal conservation efforts. It specifically restricts compliance with the Biden administration's goal to conserve 30% of U.S. land and water by 2030, requiring state agencies to host workshops on tax impacts of conservation easements and track local resolutions opposing the federal mandate. The bill directs the Department of Agriculture to maintain online lists of jurisdictions supporting or opposing the 30x30 goal and designates a state coordinator for federal climate programs. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, landowners, and agricultural/mining industries by limiting state cooperation with federal conservation programs. The bill failed to pass in 2022 (30-30 vote).
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 87, the Second Amendment Preservation Act, declares that certain federal gun regulations within the state are unconstitutional and prohibits state officials from enforcing them. It defines "law abiding citizen" (excluding undocumented individuals) and allows civil lawsuits against officials who enforce federal gun laws deemed beyond federal authority. The bill asserts that federal actions restricting firearm possession, sale, or ownership within Wyoming exceed constitutional limits, except for regulations related to the military or active militia. This procedural bill, which failed to advance in 2022, does not change state gun laws but aims to block federal enforcement of gun regulations it deems invalid.
Maddy summaryHB 75 requires Wyoming's political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and school districts) to hold bond elections only on days when a primary or general election is scheduled, aligning bond votes with existing statewide election cycles. Exceptions allow bond elections on specific dates in May or August for natural disasters or emergencies, with the secretary of state mandated to create emergency rules by July 1, 2022. The bill also requires local governments to provide 110 days' written notice of bond elections to the county clerk, detailing bond purposes and terms. This change directly affects how local entities schedule and conduct bond elections for projects like infrastructure or public facilities.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 58 requires all public high school students to pass a civics exam to graduate, using the same test used for U.S. citizenship (minimum 60% score). The bill mandates that schools teach the U.S. Constitution (including the Bill of Rights), Wyoming's constitution, and American ideals from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students graduating in 2022-2023 or later must pass this specific exam as a graduation requirement. The law affects all Wyoming public high school students and takes effect July 1, 2022.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 133, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act-2," prohibits state officials from enforcing federal laws or actions that the state deems unconstitutional restrictions on firearm ownership within Wyoming. It directly affects Wyoming residents (defined as legally present citizens without certain disqualifications) and state officials who might otherwise comply with federal gun regulations. Key provisions include allowing citizens to sue officials for enforcing such federal actions and establishing that Wyoming retains authority to regulate firearms under state law and the Second Amendment. The bill asserts state sovereignty by declaring federal actions that infringe on firearm rights - like data collection or possession restrictions - unconstitutional within Wyoming's borders.
Maddy summaryHB 74 would require runoff elections in Wyoming for statewide and legislative offices (including governor, state treasurer, and state legislature) if no candidate receives a majority (over 50%) of votes in the primary election. The top two vote-getters would advance to the runoff, with specific tie-breaking procedures for tied vote counts. The bill also changes primary election timing to the first Tuesday after the third Monday in August and standardizes runoff ballot formats to include clear voting instructions and write-in options. This bill was introduced in 2022 but was not considered for advancement by the legislature.
Maddy summaryHB 98 revises Wyoming's property tax appeal process to increase transparency and fairness for taxpayers challenging their assessments. It requires county assessors to provide property owners with specific documents (like statements of consideration for similar properties and the assessor's valuation data) during appeals, and mandates that assessors explain why certain properties weren't used in valuing the taxpayer's property. The bill also sets strict deadlines for exchanging evidence and witnesses before county board hearings, requires hearings to be recorded, and gives boards clearer authority to remand cases back to assessors if they fail to provide required information. This affects property owners who dispute tax assessments and county officials handling those appeals, without changing tax rates or property values.
Maddy summaryHB 121 prohibits requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination status (a "vaccine passport") for access to health insurance, public services, businesses, or educational opportunities in Wyoming. It bans health insurers from using vaccination status to deny coverage, increase premiums, or limit benefits, and prohibits businesses from refusing service or asking about vaccination status for public accommodations. The bill defines "COVID-19 immunity passport" as any document or digital record showing vaccination or recovery, and makes it illegal to deny services based on this status. Violations could result in civil lawsuits or misdemeanor penalties, but the bill does not ban vaccines or require vaccination.
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 88 prohibits employers, government entities, and healthcare providers from denying services, employment, education, or healthcare based on a person's COVID-19 or mRNA vaccination status. The bill also bans asking about vaccination status to access public services or facilities. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by up to $5,000 fines or five years in prison, and affected individuals can pursue civil lawsuits for damages. The law specifically overrides existing immunity protections for healthcare providers under certain circumstances. It applies to all claims accruing after its effective date.
Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJ 3) proposes changing Wyoming's requirement for reapportioning the legislature after the federal census. It would move the deadline for reapportionment from "December 10" to allow primary elections to be held in May, with runoff elections possible afterward if needed. The amendment would require the legislature to call a special session (up to 10 working days) if reapportionment is needed to meet this new timeline. It directly affects how Wyoming's legislature schedules elections and reapportions seats following census data. The bill failed to advance after introduction in February 2022.