Sen. Tara Nethercott

Maddy summaryHB 237, the "Beer Freedom Act," repeals Wyoming's excise tax on malt beverages (beer), which was $0.005 per liter. This change directly affects beer wholesalers, retailers, and consumers by eliminating the tax on beer sales within the state. The bill amends specific statutes (W.S. 12-3-101(a), 12-2-201(c), and others) to remove the tax requirement, meaning no tax will be collected or reported on beer. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2023, and does not impact taxes on wine or distilled spirits.

Maddy summaryHB 149 creates new criminal offenses for assault, threats of violence, and battery against healthcare workers while requiring healthcare facilities to implement safety measures. It establishes misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine) for first offenses and felony penalties (up to 3 years jail or $1,000 fine) for repeat offenses against workers performing their duties. Healthcare facilities must post clear anti-violence signs (18x18 inches, English, visible locations) and develop workplace violence prevention plans including staff training. The law directly affects healthcare workers, facilities, and anyone committing violence against them during work duties. The Wyoming Department of Health must also create public resources on prevention strategies and best practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health and disability insurance plans in Wyoming to cover hearing aids and related fitting, evaluation, and maintenance services when medically necessary. It mandates coverage for one hearing aid per ear (with associated professional services) and limits coverage to $2,000 per ear every three years, unless a hearing professional determines additional devices are medically needed. Insurance plans must apply the same deductibles and co-pays for hearing aid coverage as for other health services. The law applies to all covered individuals and aims to ensure equitable access to hearing aid care under existing health insurance plans. It takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 63 updates salary structures for Wyoming's district attorneys and county/prosecuting attorneys. Starting in 2023, district attorneys will earn the same as district court judges, while county attorneys must receive at least $35,000 annually but no more than the district court judge's salary. The bill also increases state funding for county attorneys, covering up to $50,000 per year (or 50% of salary, whichever is less) for the main attorney and $30,000 for each assistant. These changes take effect July 1, 2022, with the new salary levels applying from January 2, 2023.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 106 authorizes the state treasurer to issue "Wyoming stable tokens," a digital currency backed 1:1 by U.S. dollars held in a dedicated trust fund of Treasury bills. Token holders can redeem each token for exactly one U.S. dollar, with the state required to maintain at least 100% of all issued tokens' value in this reserve fund. The bill mandates annual reporting on the program's operation and explicitly states tokens are not state-insured or guaranteed beyond the reserve fund's value. This directly affects individuals and businesses holding these tokens, providing a state-backed digital currency option with clear redemption terms.

Maddy summaryThe Second Amendment Protection Act prohibits Wyoming state and local officials from using state funds or personnel to enforce any federal gun regulations that conflict with the Second Amendment. It specifically bans state resources from being used to carry out federal laws, rules, or regulations that the state deems to infringe on the right to keep and bear arms. Public servants who violate this prohibition face penalties under existing state law. The bill took effect on July 1, 2022, and applies directly to Wyoming's government entities and officials.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 100) amends the state's stalking law to explicitly prohibit using electronic devices to surveil others without permission. It directly affects individuals who might use GPS, digital tools, or internet tracking to monitor someone's location or online activity without their authorization. The key provision adds a new section banning unauthorized surveillance via electronic devices, including tracking internet/wireless activity, to the existing stalking statute. The law became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the December 31, 2022 expiration date for certifications allowing businesses to operate greater sage grouse game bird farms in Wyoming. It directly affects owners of these farms by making their certifications permanent, eliminating the need for renewal. The bill maintains existing rules requiring forfeiting birds if certification is revoked and prohibits reimbursement claims for birds held at expiration (which no longer occurs under this change). The policy change became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's local government self-insurance program to clarify liability payment limits for claims against participating local governments and their employees. It sets a $1 million cap for claims under W.S. 1-39-110(b) (related to healthcare provider liability) and a $500,000 cap for other claims under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act, with local governments responsible for costs exceeding these amounts. The changes apply to all claims occurring on or after July 1, 2022, directly affecting local governments and their public employees (excluding peace officers) facing lawsuits. The bill streamlines payment rules without altering the program's core structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain after-school programs in Wyoming from requiring full child care facility certification. It applies to programs operating primarily when school is out (before/after school, summer), exclusively serving school-aged children, and focused on educational/recreational activities - while still following local health and safety codes. The exemption became effective July 1, 2022, and directly affects qualifying after-school programs that meet all four specified criteria. It simplifies regulatory requirements for these specific programs without altering broader child care standards.