Maddy summaryHB 115, the Medical Ethics Defense Act, allows healthcare providers (including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists), healthcare institutions (like hospitals), and healthcare payers (such as insurance companies) to refuse participation in or payment for specific medical services based on their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. The bill requires written consent before a provider performs an abortion and prohibits discrimination against providers who decline services for conscience reasons, while protecting religious organizations’ rights to make decisions aligned with their faith. It explicitly states these rights do not override duties to provide emergency care or other services not conflicting with their beliefs. The law also prevents adverse licensing actions or discrimination for exercising these conscience-based decisions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 268, the "People's Parking Act," requires Wyoming cities and towns to obtain voter approval before implementing or expanding paid parking meters or zones. It mandates that local governing bodies must hold a majority vote of qualified electors (similar to bond issue elections) for any paid parking initiative, with ballot language specifying proposed locations. This applies to all existing, planned, and future paid parking systems starting July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects municipal governments and residents who use public streets for parking, changing how local authorities can fund parking infrastructure through user fees.
Maddy summaryHB 220 limits new conservation easements in Wyoming to a maximum 30-year duration, effective July 1, 2025, with an option for renewal upon expiration. It directly affects landowners, conservation groups, and government agencies creating or funding new easements after that date, requiring all new agreements to comply with this time limit. The bill amends existing law to prohibit recording or assigning easements exceeding 30 years and prevents state funds from being used for non-compliant easements. Existing easements created before July 1, 2025, remain unaffected by this change.
Maddy summaryHB 298 establishes a centralized electronic notice system managed by Wyoming's Secretary of State, replacing newspaper publication for legal and public government notices. It requires all governmental entities to publish notices online by January 1, 2030, instead of in newspapers, with notices retained for seven years and a $10 fee for posting. The system allows public subscription for notice alerts and satisfies all existing newspaper publication requirements under state law. This directly affects all state and local government bodies that currently publish notices in newspapers, including agencies handling property sales, meetings, and public hearings. The bill amends numerous existing statutes to align with this electronic publishing standard.
Maddy summaryHB 252 repeals a three-year tax exemption for new wind energy production in Wyoming, effective immediately upon enactment. It directly affects new wind energy projects by removing a tax break previously available for the first three years of operation. However, wind turbines that began generating electricity for sale before the bill's effective date will retain the exemption under the repealed provision. The bill makes no changes to existing wind energy operations but alters tax treatment for future projects.
Maddy summaryHB 114 requires that during public health emergencies, any state order allowing certain businesses to remain open must also permit religious assemblies (including places of worship, churches, and gatherings in private homes or public spaces) to continue under identical conditions. It directly affects religious organizations and their ability to hold services during emergency closures. The bill allows individuals harmed by violations to sue for damages, injunctions, or attorney fees, and amends state law to ensure government entities can be held accountable for denying these exemptions. This creates a concrete legal mechanism to protect religious gatherings during emergencies, aligning their access with business exemptions.
Maddy summaryHB 152 requires blood donors in Wyoming to disclose if they've received a COVID-19 or mRNA vaccine. Blood from vaccinated donors must be clearly labeled on packaging and related paperwork. Patients receiving blood transfusions (in non-emergency situations) can request blood from unvaccinated donors if available at their facility. The bill defines key terms like "mRNA vaccine" and directs the state health department to create implementing rules. It does not change blood safety standards but adds disclosure and labeling requirements for donor vaccination status.
Maddy summaryHB 145 requires absentee voters in Wyoming to include specific identification information on a designated envelope inside their ballot package. Voters must provide either their Wyoming driver's license number, Wyoming ID card number, or the last four digits of their social security number. This change applies to all absentee ballots and takes effect July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects voters who choose absentee voting by adding a new step for verifying identity when returning ballots.
Maddy summaryHB 330 raises the estate value threshold for simplified probate procedures in Wyoming from $200,000 to $750,000. This change directly affects Wyoming residents and nonresidents with estates valued under $750,000 (after liens), allowing them to use streamlined processes without full court administration. Key provisions include enabling heirs to file affidavits for asset collection and summary distribution, and simplifying probate for nonresident estates with property in Wyoming under the new limit. The bill also clarifies rules for disclaimers of property interests. It becomes effective July 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 148 regulates surgical abortion facilities in Wyoming by requiring them to obtain a specific license as ambulatory surgical centers. It mandates that only licensed physicians with hospital admitting privileges within 10 miles of the facility can perform surgical abortions, and facilities must comply with health department rules for surgical centers. Violations carry penalties: misdemeanor fines up to $1,000 for facilities or physicians, and felony charges (1-14 years imprisonment) for unlicensed providers. The bill directly affects surgical abortion facilities, licensed physicians performing abortions, and hospitals with admitting privileges, while defining key terms like "surgical abortion" and "abortion facility."