Sen. Evie Brennan

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 summaryHB 143 modifies Wyoming law to allow family members or caregivers to provide behavior analysis services under the supervision of licensed professionals, without requiring their own license. It specifically permits unlicensed caregivers or family members to deliver assigned services (like implementing treatment plans) but prohibits them from designing assessments or using licensed titles like "behavior analyst." The bill also clarifies that licensed supervisors remain responsible for oversight, and specifies that family members can only serve recipients already under a licensed professional's care. The changes would take effect July 1, 2024, pending final passage.

Maddy summarySF 84 sets limits on fees school districts can charge for renting their facilities in Wyoming. It requires districts to charge no more than the *additional* costs incurred for each specific rental (like extra utilities or cleaning), provide a clear breakdown of those costs, and keep fees consistent for similar uses. This directly affects school districts (who set the fees) and renters (like community groups or businesses using school buildings). The law takes effect July 1, 2024.

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 177 prohibits natural asset companies from operating in Wyoming. These companies, defined as SEC-recognized entities managing natural or agricultural lands for conservation, are barred from managing any federal, state, or private land within the state. The bill also stops conservation easement holders from using these companies via credits and bans the state treasurer from investing in them. It takes effect July 1, 2024, directly impacting natural asset companies, conservation groups using such structures, and state financial decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 178, the Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act, would prevent state government from restricting religious practices unless it proves the restriction is necessary for a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive option. It applies to individuals, businesses, and religious groups whose religious exercise is burdened by government actions like denying permits, benefits, or access to facilities. Those affected could sue in court to challenge such restrictions. The bill explicitly states it does not override laws protecting public health, safety, or order.

Maddy summaryHB 194 is a proposed bill that would repeal Wyoming's current statewide student assessment system and the Wyoming Accountability in Education Act. It would remove requirements for school districts to maintain assessment systems aligned with state standards and eliminate related data collection obligations for the state education department. The bill would affect school districts, the state superintendent, and the state board of education by ending their current roles in administering and enforcing the assessment system. This is a procedural repeal bill, not a new policy, and it remains pending as of February 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 155 provides $300,000 in state funding to help safe haven providers (like hospitals or shelters) purchase newborn safety devices. These devices alert staff when a newborn is placed inside, ensuring immediate attention. The bill creates a temporary grant program managed by Wyoming's Department of Family Services, open to eligible providers until March 1, 2025, with all funding required to be spent by June 30, 2025. The program specifically funds device purchases, not administrative costs, and expires after the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryHB 150 requires that during a public health emergency in Wyoming, any order exempting businesses from closure must also exempt religious assemblies, including places of worship (like churches and 501(c)(3) organizations) and gatherings in private homes or public spaces. It mandates that religious institutions be treated equally to other exempt businesses during such emergencies. The bill allows individuals to sue for violations, seeking remedies like damages, injunctions, and attorney fees, and amends state law to permit punitive damages in these cases. This directly affects religious organizations and public health enforcement during emergencies in Wyoming.