Sen. Lynn Hutchings

Maddy summaryHB 201 requires Wyoming's State Auditor to publish detailed vendor payment information on the auditor's public website. It mandates posting, within 30 days of payment, the date, vendor name, state agency, total amount, and payment description for all payments made over the previous five fiscal years. This applies to all state payments made on or after July 1, 2024, directly affecting state agencies and vendors receiving public funds. The bill aims to increase transparency by making vendor payment data accessible for public inspection and download.

Maddy summaryHB 162 changes Wyoming law to require public hearings for most appointments of public officers, professionals, or employees by local government bodies (like city councils or county commissions). It removes the option for these bodies to hold private "executive sessions" when making such appointments, unless the employee themselves requests a private hearing. The law applies to all agency appointments made on or after July 1, 2024, and mandates that decisions be made in open meetings. This directly affects how local governments handle hiring, employment, and disciplinary actions for public staff.

Maddy summaryHB 183 prohibits foreign governments, businesses, or individuals (defined as citizens of Russia, China, state sponsors of terrorism, or countries under specific arms regulations) from owning most land in Wyoming, allowing only personal residences under one acre. It requires existing foreign owners to sell their land by July 2026 (unless for a qualifying personal residence) and mandates annual registration with the Secretary of State for all foreign land ownership, including personal residences. Owners who fail to register face daily civil penalties of $5,000, and county clerks must report violations to the Attorney General for enforcement, which may include court-ordered forfeiture and sale of the land. The bill also requires tax assessment notices to inform owners about the foreign ownership restrictions and registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 153 modifies Wyoming's sex offender registration law to prevent certain offenders from qualifying for relief (the ability to stop registering) after meeting time and behavior requirements. It specifically denies relief for individuals convicted of offenses involving victims under 13 years old or victims aged 13-15 years, as listed in the bill. This change applies only to cases where the offense was committed on or after July 1, 2024, meaning these offenders must continue registering for life without the possibility of petitioning for relief.

Maddy summaryHB 117 would require bond election proposals held outside general elections to meet two conditions: a majority of votes cast must support the bonds, and at least 51% of voters from the most recent general election must participate. This applies only to local bond votes not held on the same day as general elections, directly affecting cities, counties, and school districts seeking to issue bonds. If turnout falls below 51%, the proposal cannot be resubmitted for at least 12 months. The bill, effective July 1, 2024, aims to ensure broader voter engagement in bond decisions. It does not affect bond elections held on general election days or those already completed before its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 61 requires Wyoming school districts to submit detailed annual reports to the state education department about funding and activities related to "covered programs," defined as initiatives addressing diversity, equity/inclusion (DEI), political/social activism, or divisive social issues. School districts must report employee roles/salaries tied to these programs, budget allocations, training sessions for staff and students, disciplinary actions, and supporting policies. The state department must make all submitted data publicly searchable on its website. The bill also prohibits school districts from requiring staff or students to use pronouns inconsistent with biological sex. This focuses on transparency around program funding and implementation, not on advocating for or against specific policies.

Maddy summaryHJ 8 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not yet enacted) that would prohibit Wyoming's state government and all local entities (counties, cities, towns) from imposing any "carbon tax." The bill defines a carbon tax broadly as any tax, fee, or penalty based on the carbon content of products, electricity, fuels, or emissions from their use. If approved by voters, it would prevent the state or local governments from levying taxes tied to carbon usage or emissions. This is a procedural resolution seeking constitutional change, not a current law, and is still in early legislative stages (received for introduction in February 2024).

Maddy summaryHB 49, the "By the People Act," requires state agencies in Wyoming to provide live remote audio or video access to public meetings where practicable. It mandates that agencies make meeting recordings and minutes available online for at least five years, sets clear rules for public comment periods (including timed or reasonable time limits), and prohibits restrictions on public broadcasting of meetings unless disruption is reasonably expected. This bill directly affects all state agencies holding public meetings by standardizing digital access and documentation. It takes effect July 1, 2024, with no current legislative action beyond initial introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 182 prohibits payment processors from assigning special merchant category codes to firearm or ammunition retailers, requiring them to be classified as general merchandise or sporting goods retailers instead. This directly affects payment entities (like banks and credit card networks) and firearm retailers who must use standard retail codes. Violations carry a $1,000 fine per violation. The bill does not change gun laws or purchase requirements but modifies payment processing rules, effective July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 78 requires websites publishing over one-third material harmful to minors to implement age verification for access, using government ID or transaction data. It prohibits retaining personally identifying age information after verification and bans websites from allowing minors to access such content without verification. Violations carry fines of up to $1,000 per day for non-compliance with age verification or data retention rules. The law applies to websites accessible in Wyoming and becomes effective July 1, 2024. It directly affects website operators hosting content meeting the defined "material harmful to minors" standard.