Sen. Tara Nethercott

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJ 3) commemorates the 100th anniversary of Nellie Tayloe Ross becoming the first woman governor of the United States in 1925. It formally recognizes her historic achievement and legacy through a symbolic resolution passed by the Wyoming Legislature. The bill has no policy provisions or direct impact on citizens; it serves only as a ceremonial acknowledgment. Wyoming's legislature will transmit copies of the resolution to federal officials as part of the commemoration. This is a purely symbolic measure with no legislative or financial effects.

Maddy summaryHB 170 clarifies when documents filed by nonprofit corporations and statutory trusts in Wyoming become effective. It amends two sections of Wyoming law to specify that documents are effective at the time they are received for filing, as shown by the secretary of state's endorsement date and time on the original document. This procedural change directly affects nonprofit organizations and statutory trusts that file documents with the state. The bill does not alter substantive requirements but updates the legal language to remove ambiguity about effective dates. It takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 178 increases Wyoming employees' time off to vote from one hour to two hours during election hours (polling hours) for primary, general, or special elections to fill a U.S. House of Representatives seat. It ensures employees do not lose pay for this time off when they cast a legal vote, applying to all eligible voters except those with three or more consecutive nonworking hours during polling. The bill modifies existing law (W.S. 22-2-111) to clarify these provisions and takes effect July 1, 2025. This directly affects Wyoming workers participating in federal elections who need to vote during standard work hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 185) requires Wyoming public entities (like cities, counties, school districts, and the state) to sell government-owned property not used for "governmental purposes" after 10 consecutive years of non-use, with a deadline of January 1, 2027. It defines "governmental purpose" to include health/safety facilities, education, infrastructure, and administrative buildings, but explicitly excludes recreational properties (like campgrounds and movie theaters), leased commercial spaces, and idle land. Property required by law (such as state lands managed by the Board of Land Commissioners) is exempt from this requirement. The law aims to ensure government assets are used for public services or sold, reducing unused public holdings.

Maddy summaryHB 74 proposes a procedure for Wyoming county clerks to address frivolous legal filings. It authorizes clerks to temporarily hold or reject filings they deem frivolous (lacking legal/factual basis or filed for improper purposes like harassment), after seeking a district court order. If the court declares a filing frivolous, the clerk must reject it, refund any filing fees within 10 days, and add a "frivolous" notation to previously filed documents. This bill would make frivolous filings legally ineffective, directly affecting individuals submitting such documents and county clerks managing court records.

Maddy summaryHB 256 renames Wyoming's "Select Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology and Digital Innovation Technology" to the "Select Committee on Blockchain and Emerging Technologies." The bill clarifies that the committee may recommend legislation promoting blockchain and digital innovation, but any bills related to Title 13 (financial regulations) require approval from the joint minerals, business and economic development committee before introduction. As a procedural bill, it does not create new laws but adjusts committee structure and oversight processes. The committee currently has no active legislation, with the bill pending introduction as of February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 266 creates statewide licensing for food trucks in Wyoming, allowing operators licensed in one county or city to legally operate anywhere in the state. The bill requires food trucks to maintain proof of a valid license from the Department of Agriculture or local health department, a sales tax license if needed, compliance with fire safety rules, and adherence to other applicable laws. It directly affects food truck businesses by eliminating local licensing barriers and updating definitions to include food trucks under "commercial food establishment" in state law. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, with rulemaking requirements for the Departments of Agriculture and Health to implement the changes.

Maddy summaryHB 127 amends Wyoming law to create a legal defense for perpetrators charged with violating a domestic violence protection order. Specifically, if a victim requests the perpetrator to violate the order, that request becomes an "affirmative defense" in court. This change directly affects individuals accused of breaching protection orders in domestic violence cases. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter existing protections for victims.

Maddy summarySF 73 amends Wyoming law to deny concealed firearm permits to applicants convicted of felony violations under Wyoming's Controlled Substances Act (W.S. 35-7-1001-35-7-1057) or similar state/federal drug laws, unless their firearm rights have been restored. The change applies only to new permit applications submitted on or after July 1, 2024, and does not affect existing permit holders. This policy directly impacts individuals seeking new concealed carry permits who have specific drug-related felony convictions. The bill clarifies eligibility requirements without altering existing permit validity or application procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 69) increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospice care in Wyoming to match annual Medicare rates, directly affecting hospice providers serving Medicaid patients. It also limits room and board reimbursement for hospice facilities to no more than 100% of the statewide Medicaid nursing home rate. The bill appropriates $450,000 from the general fund to the Department of Health for these reimbursements, effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026. The changes aim to align state hospice funding with federal Medicare standards for eligible patients.