Sen. Cheri Steinmetz

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 76) updates prostitution and solicitation laws by expanding the definition of prohibited acts to explicitly include "sexual contact" and "sexual intrusion" as defined in existing law. It affects individuals engaging in or soliciting commercial sexual acts, now covering specific acts previously not explicitly listed under these statutes. The bill maintains the same penalties: up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both for violations. The law becomes effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 102 prohibits foreign entities designated as "foreign adversaries" (including governments or companies from specified countries) from owning or acquiring real property within 10 miles of critical infrastructure or military installations in Wyoming. It requires such entities to divest property within 8 months of notice, with court-ordered sales and forfeiture of proceeds to the state if they fail to comply. The law mandates registration of foreign ownership with the Secretary of State, requires inclusion of ownership prohibitions in tax documents, and defines key terms like "critical infrastructure" and "significant interest" (25%+ ownership). These provisions apply directly to foreign governments, their entities, or U.S. entities controlled by them, aiming to protect infrastructure security through enforceable ownership restrictions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 82 (Summer Vacation Preservation Act) reduces the minimum required school year from 175 to 165 days and mandates that public school years begin after Labor Day and end before Memorial Day, unless the state board approves an alternative schedule. The bill requires school districts to hold public meetings before proposing alternative schedules and annually evaluate their effectiveness. It also adjusts funding calculations, changing the required minimum operating days for full foundation funding from 185 to 170 days. These changes apply to the 2025-2026 school year and beyond, affecting all Wyoming public school districts and their funding.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 120) invalidates out-of-state driver's licenses or driving privilege cards issued to people who are not legally allowed to be in the United States (defined as "unauthorized aliens"). It directly affects non-citizens who hold such licenses from other states, making them invalid for use in Wyoming. Key provisions include defining "unauthorized alien," requiring the state to issue rules for implementation, and imposing penalties for driving with an invalid license (up to $750 fine or 6 months in jail for first offenses). The law takes effect July 1, 2024, with rulemaking provisions effective immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes amending Wyoming's constitution to prohibit foreign adversaries of the U.S. and foreign entities deemed a national security threat by the legislature from owning, using, or inheriting property in Wyoming. It would block these entities from holding any real estate, mineral rights, or other property interests, including surface and subsurface rights. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect as part of the state constitution. (Note: This is a constitutional amendment proposal, not a law, and has not yet been enacted.)

Maddy summarySF 95 removes automatic job protection ("tenure") for Wyoming teachers after three years of service. It replaces the previous system with annual performance evaluations until a teacher is rated "effective" for two consecutive years, after which evaluations occur every three years. The bill also modifies hearing procedures for teacher suspensions or dismissals and clarifies definitions like "probationary teacher" (less than three years of service). These changes directly affect all public school teachers in Wyoming by altering job security and evaluation requirements. The bill does not change salary structures or other employment benefits.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming constitutional amendment (SJ 5) shifts responsibility for school facility construction from the state to local school districts, while adding state-funded equalization to ensure districts don't face higher local tax burdens than a statewide average. School districts would primarily fund facilities through voter-approved bonds or other means, but the state would provide equalization funding - potentially via a statewide mill levy - to cap local property tax rates at the state average per person. It directly affects school districts and taxpayers by changing how capital construction costs are shared, requiring voter approval for projects, and addressing a court-mandated funding gap that arose after coal lease revenue declined. The amendment must be approved by voters to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 175 allows Wyoming school districts to request fingerprint-based background checks for volunteers who regularly interact with or have unsupervised access to minors in K-12 schools. Previously, such checks applied only to school employees, but this bill extends the requirement to volunteers meeting these specific access criteria. School districts must cover all costs for the fingerprinting and background check process. The law takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summarySF 119 creates a new property tax exemption for non-agricultural real estate in Wyoming. It exempts value above last year's taxable amount plus the county's median household income growth (capped at 3% annually). Property owners who purchased their property in the prior calendar year are excluded from the exemption. Tax assessment notices must now clearly show if this exemption applies to a property. The exemption begins for 2024 property taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 91 prohibits Wyoming from enforcing health mandates or requirements from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) related to mask-wearing, vaccines, or medical testing for COVID-19 or its variants. The bill explicitly states these federal and international health organizations have "no jurisdiction" in Wyoming, meaning their guidance cannot be used to justify such requirements within the state. It directly affects Wyoming residents, businesses, and local officials who would otherwise be subject to CDC or WHO directives. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, and applies specifically to pandemic-related health measures.