Sen. Tara Nethercott

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 90 limits fees charged by school districts for non-school activities using district property, such as youth clubs or community groups. It requires these fees to be capped at the actual hourly costs incurred by the district (including staff, equipment, and utilities) and mandates an itemized cost statement within 15 days of a request. The bill applies to all such rentals starting July 1, 2026, and does not affect contracts signed before that date. This policy ensures transparency and cost-based pricing for facility rentals, directly affecting community groups and organizations seeking to use school spaces.

Maddy summarySF 105 redefines "customer" in Wyoming real estate law as a person who has not established an agency relationship with a broker, such as someone viewing properties without formal representation. It requires real estate licensees to provide written disclosures about agency relationships before discussing transactions, clarifying that customers do not need to sign agency agreements to tour properties and are not entitled to confidentiality. The bill specifies that these disclosures must include key details about the customer relationship and include a signature line for acknowledgment, though the acknowledgment alone does not create a binding contract. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, and apply to all new transactions after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates kratom products sold in Wyoming by banning certain types and requiring specific labeling. It prohibits selling kratom products containing more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, designed to appeal to children (like candy-shaped products), or intended for vaporization. Retailers must label products with full ingredients, age restrictions (under 21), health warnings about potential addiction and medication interactions, and precise dosage information. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, with repeat offenses risking business injunctions. The bill directly affects kratom retailers and consumers, particularly minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming's state engineer to conduct groundwater studies every decade in counties with designated groundwater control areas. The studies must assess water usage, determine necessary controls to replenish underground water systems, and may include mapping or test wells. Results must be publicly shared and reported to a legislative committee within 15 days of completion. The state engineer's office is allocated $250,000 specifically for this study, which must be finished by June 30, 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 2, the Fast Track Permits Act, requires cities, towns, and counties in Wyoming to review residential building permit applications within strict deadlines. Local governments must notify applicants within 15 days if an application is incomplete and must approve or deny complete applications within 30 days (excluding delays for clarification or state/federal approvals). If deadlines are missed, permits are automatically approved as submitted the next day. The bill directly affects homebuilders applying for permits for detached single-family homes, townhouses, or small multi-unit projects under specific size and code limits, and the local governments that process these applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the expiration date (sunset) for Wyoming's property tax exemption that benefits long-term homeowners, making the exemption permanent. It directly affects homeowners who have owned their primary residence in Wyoming for a specified period, typically 10 or more years under existing law. The key provision removes the scheduled end date for this tax break, ensuring eligible homeowners continue to receive the exemption without needing future legislative action. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies statewide to qualifying properties.

Maddy summarySF 98 creates a property tax exemption for qualifying Wyoming veterans and military members. It covers honorably discharged veterans who served 18+ consecutive months (active duty or Wyoming National Guard), current active/reserve members of the Wyoming National Guard or U.S. armed forces, and surviving spouses/parents of qualifying veterans. To qualify, applicants must be bona fide Wyoming residents for at least three years. The exemption applies starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 13-member Wyoming Business Council Strategic Advisory Task Force to evaluate the state's Wyoming Business Council (WBC). The task force, including legislative members, business representatives (from agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, oil/gas, and local economic development), and local officials, must assess the WBC's programs, duties, and operations - including those not specified in law - and compare them to economic development models in other states. It will develop recommendations for strategic direction, propose changes to the WBC's structure or functions, and suggest improvements for communication with state leadership. The task force must meet at least three times and submit findings by a specified deadline. (Note: This is a procedural evaluation bill, not a policy change.)

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from Wyoming's tourism reserve fund to support the development of a rodeo and cowboy museum and hall of fame in Wyoming. The funds will be distributed in three installments of $5 million each on July 1, 2026, 2027, and 2028, contingent on the Wyoming Tourism Board certifying that relocation efforts will boost tourism, jobs, and state revenue. Applicants must provide matching funds (at least $1 for every $1 granted) and relocate to Wyoming by June 30, 2028, or repay the grant. The Wyoming Office of Tourism must report annually on fund usage until 2036.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a select committee on gaming within the Wyoming legislature to study gaming-related issues. The committee, composed of six legislators (three appointed by the Senate president and three by the House speaker, balanced by party representation), will examine gaming regulations, community impacts, and fiscal matters like taxes and revenue. It will gather input from local governments and stakeholders on topics including responsible gaming and problem gambling. The bill appropriates $34,000 for the committee's operations through June 2028, with the goal of producing recommendations for potential future legislation.