Sen. Tara Nethercott

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 99 designates the fourth Saturday in September each year as "Public Lands Day" to recognize the importance of public lands for the state's economy, open spaces, wildlife, and recreation. The bill requires the governor to issue a proclamation by September 1 each year encouraging public and school observances, though it does not mandate school closures or affect business operations. Public schools may hold appropriate events, but the designation has no impact on commercial agreements, court proceedings, or government office hours. This is a ceremonial observance with no new regulations or funding, effective July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 125 increases filing fees for probate cases in Wyoming district courts from $50 to $75 and for civil cases from $85 to $110. It specifies that $25 of the civil filing fee funds court automation and $10 supports indigent civil legal services, with the remaining amounts covering court operations. This bill directly affects individuals and organizations filing probate or civil cases in Wyoming district courts. The fee changes took effect on July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 180 modifies Wyoming's mixed martial arts (MMA) regulation by updating bond requirements and inspector duties. It requires promoters to submit a verified, good-faith estimate of match expenses (based on similar venues) to secure a bond, replacing the prior $10,000 cap. The bill also clarifies that inspectors and deputy inspectors must verify rule compliance at all profit-based matches, report ticket sales and proceeds to the board, and may be compensated from fees in the MMA board account. These changes directly affect MMA promoters, clubs, and organizations seeking licenses, as well as county-appointed inspectors. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 212 allows microbreweries and wineries in Wyoming to hold both their existing permits and a manufacturer's license simultaneously. This changes existing rules by removing restrictions that previously prevented these small producers from owning both license types, specifically exempting them from Section 12-5-401's ownership rules. The bill directly affects microbrewery and winery owners who wish to expand production or retail operations under a single business structure, effective July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 143 gives judges more discretion in sentencing by allowing them to skip or limit presentence investigation reports for felony defendants. The bill amends Wyoming law to state that courts may dispense with the report requirement or restrict its scope to factors relevant to sentencing, instead of mandating full reports in all felony cases. It specifically maintains the requirement for substance abuse assessments in certain felony cases (like third misdemeanors or felonies) and keeps the cost assessed to the offender. This directly affects felony defendants and courts by changing when detailed pre-sentence reports are needed before sentencing.

Maddy summarySF 161 amends Wyoming's legislative management council membership rules. It specifies that two senators and two representatives are selected at large by each chamber's party caucuses, with strict limits on party representation (no more than one from the same party as the chamber's presiding officer). The bill also establishes a two-year rotation of the council chairmanship between the House and Senate and clarifies that the council directs the legislature's day-to-day operations. This procedural bill affects only the internal organization of the Wyoming Legislature, not public policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 115) modifies Wyoming law to automatically pause the expiration date of an order of protection when the person subject to the order is imprisoned. It directly affects victims seeking protection and individuals who are incarcerated under such orders. The key provision states that the order’s effective period stops running during the person’s imprisonment, resuming upon release. This ensures the protection order remains in effect without requiring court action during incarceration. The change applies to orders granted or modified on or after July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 98 streamlines the process for communications companies (including internet and VoIP providers) to install equipment like fiber optic cables along public roads in Wyoming. It requires companies to first get permission from local authorities (city councils for city roads or state/county officials for highways) before installing infrastructure. The bill defines "communications company" to cover internet-based services and voice over internet protocol (VoIP), clarifying which providers the rule applies to. This change, effective July 1, 2019, updates existing statutes to standardize rights-of-way access without creating new fees or restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 179 establishes a statewide licensing system for food trucks in Wyoming, replacing local permitting requirements. Food truck operators must obtain a $100 annual state license, carry $1 million in general liability insurance, and comply with food safety and fire safety standards. The law prevents cities and counties from imposing additional fees or stricter rules than those set by the state. It directly affects food truck businesses and local governments, excluding ice cream trucks and pushcarts from the definition of "food truck."

Maddy summaryHB 186 reduces the tax rate on out-of-state shipments of manufactured wine in Wyoming from 12% to 8% of the retail price. It requires out-of-state wine shippers to file monthly reports with the Liquor Division by the 10th of the following month, including shipment invoices, and pay the tax due. The bill takes effect July 1, 2019, and imposes a $25 late filing fee for reports submitted after the deadline. This directly affects businesses shipping wine into Wyoming from other states.