Sen. Bill Landen

Maddy summaryThis bill amends deadlines for reviewing industrial, wind, and solar project permit applications in Wyoming. It extends the timeframe for county commissioners to hold public hearings on applications from 45-60 days to 45-90 days after an application is deemed complete, and increases the deadline for applicants to fix incomplete applications from 30 to 60 days. For wind and solar projects, counties must now hold hearings and make decisions within 120 days (up from 90 days) after receiving an application. The changes apply to all permit applications submitted under relevant laws on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public school districts in Wyoming to equip non-school-bus vehicles used for student transportation (e.g., vans or shuttles for field trips or after-school activities) with flashing white and amber lights. It specifically amends vehicle lighting laws to authorize these lights for such vehicles, distinguishing them from standard school buses. The change applies immediately upon enactment and directly affects school districts managing student transport outside of traditional school bus operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming law enforcement agencies to accept all reasonable reports of missing persons without delay, unless specific exceptions apply (such as knowing the person's location, confirming their safety, or verifying they are not a Wyoming resident). It mandates that reports be entered into state and national databases within 8 hours and requires agencies to compile detailed records - including photos - after 30 days, forwarding them to the attorney general and criminal investigation division. The law affects all Wyoming law enforcement agencies and ensures consistent handling of missing persons cases, improving data sharing for investigations. It also updates a related law to allow public sharing of missing person information to aid recovery efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 75) clarifies how county coroners handle property found on deceased individuals when no personal representative or next of kin claims it. It requires coroners to release low-value personal items ($50 or less) or essential items to next of kin, but if unclaimed after a reasonable time, the property must be sold at public auction or through county-approved methods. Proceeds first cover burial expenses as specified in the law, with any remaining funds deposited into the county’s general fund. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects coroners, counties, and families of unclaimed decedents.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the required minimum school year from 175 to 165 days for Wyoming public schools and mandates that the school year begin after Labor Day and end before Memorial Day, unless an alternative schedule is approved by the state board. School districts seeking alternative calendars must hold two public meetings before submitting proposals and annually evaluate their effectiveness. The bill also adjusts funding eligibility criteria, requiring districts to operate for at least 170 days (instead of 185) to qualify for full foundation account distribution. It applies to all Wyoming public school districts and takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 45 removes otters from Wyoming's list of protected animals under hunting regulations. This change directly affects hunters and wildlife management by allowing regulated hunting of otters, which were previously protected. The bill amends Wyoming Statute 23-1-101(a)(ix) to delete "otter" from the definition of "protected animal," which previously included species like black-footed ferrets and lynx. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, if enacted. This is a substantive policy change altering hunting permissions, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 237 modifies Wyoming's license plate issuance process. It shifts responsibility for issuing standard license plates from county treasurers to the Department of Transportation (DOT), clarifies the number of plates provided per vehicle, and eliminates the requirement to replace plates after a fixed time period. The bill also mandates rulemaking by the DOT and updates related statutes. This procedural change primarily affects all vehicle owners who register vehicles in Wyoming by streamlining plate issuance and removal of outdated replacement rules.

Maddy summaryHB 204 increases fees for nonresident fishing licenses in Wyoming. It raises the annual license from $100 to $110, the daily license from $12 to $14, and the five-day license from $54 to $60. These changes directly affect out-of-state anglers who purchase fishing licenses in Wyoming. The fee increases will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 261 amends Wyoming's penalties for "accessory after the fact" (helping a criminal after a crime is committed). It creates three penalty tiers: 1) For non-violent felonies where the accessory is not a relative (3 years max jail or $3,000 fine), 2) For violent felonies (same as above), 3) For non-violent felonies when the accessory is a relative or the principal is a minor (6 months max jail or $750 fine). The bill directly affects individuals who assist criminals post-crime, with lighter penalties for family members or minors involved. It is pending legislative action and would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 58 requires the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners to provide written notice to county commissioners at least 60 days before approving new mineral leases or lease extensions on state lands or state school lands. County commissioners must then be given an opportunity to submit public comments on the proposed lease in writing or at a meeting. The bill applies only to new leases and extensions starting on its effective date, leaving existing leases unaffected. This change aims to increase local government involvement in mineral leasing decisions.