Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 193 repeals energy standards requiring public utilities to provide "reliable and dispatchable low-carbon" electricity. The bill removes definitions for "dispatchable" and "reliable" energy from state law, effectively eliminating the previous requirement for utilities to meet specific low-carbon generation targets. It mandates that utilities refund customers for rates collected under the repealed standards (with exceptions for costs already spent on carbon capture technology before the bill's effective date), and requires the Public Service Commission to issue implementing rules. This bill directly affects Wyoming's electricity providers and their customers by changing compliance requirements and financial obligations.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 155 changes Wyoming's election rules to require independent candidates and minor party candidates to file petitions 81 days before the major party primary election, aligning their deadline with the existing requirement for minor party candidates. This affects candidates running without major party affiliation in statewide and local elections. The bill amends Wyoming Statutes 22-4-304(c) (minor party candidates) and 22-5-307 (independent candidates) to standardize the filing timeline. The change takes effect July 1, 2023.
Maddy summaryHB 274 prohibits large social media platforms (with over 20 million active users monthly) from blocking or removing content based on a user's race, religion, or viewpoint. It applies specifically to Wyoming residents and content shared with other states that have similar free speech protections. The law does not restrict platforms from removing illegal content like hate speech or violence. It defines "censor" broadly to include actions such as deplatforming, demonetizing, or restricting visibility.
Maddy summaryHB 251 requires absentee ballots in Wyoming to include an official envelope inside the inner ballot envelope, where voters must provide identification information. Voters must submit either their Wyoming driver's license number, Wyoming ID card number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number in this envelope. This bill directly affects all Wyoming voters who cast absentee ballots by mail, as it standardizes the identification requirements for returning ballots. The requirement takes effect July 1, 2023, and applies to all absentee ballots processed after that date.
Maddy summaryHB 205 prohibits K-12 public school educators and state employees from using public funds to teach or require training on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans instruction claiming any group is inherently superior/inferior, that individuals should be discriminated against based on identity, or that people are inherently racist due to their background. Exceptions allow teaching historical oppression or using primary sources in approved curricula. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident, private lawsuits for damages, or disciplinary action against educators. The bill is pending in Wyoming's legislature (introduced January 2023, not yet considered for debate).
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 224 prohibits state government and election officials from accepting private money for conducting elections. The bill requires all election costs to be paid with public funds, with exceptions only for food provided during election training/education or for poll workers on election day. Officials violating this prohibition face felony charges punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. Federal funds for elections remain permitted under the bill. It becomes effective July 1, 2023.
Maddy summaryHB 66 prohibits businesses and organizations from refusing service, goods, or facilities to the public based on a person's vaccination status, use of face coverings (masks), or medical testing results related to infectious diseases like COVID-19. It also bans advertisements or communications requiring masks, vaccines, or testing as a condition for public services. Violations are punishable by a misdemeanor fine of up to $5,000 or one year in jail. The law applies to all public-facing businesses and services, such as restaurants, stores, and venues. It repeals prior immunization requirement laws and takes effect immediately.
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 179, the "Anti-Red Flag Gun Seizure Act," prohibits state and local governments from enforcing any law or order that allows firearm confiscation without a criminal conviction. It directly affects Wyoming residents by blocking the state from implementing "red flag" gun seizure orders, which typically require surrendering firearms based on alleged threats before a court conviction. The bill bans using state funds or personnel to enforce such orders and preempts conflicting local laws. Violations could trigger civil lawsuits for damages, with courts authorized to impose penalties up to $50,000 per violation. The law aims to prevent gun seizures that bypass due process, as defined by the bill.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 103) adds a sales tax exemption for current Wyoming state legislators purchasing lodging services while acting in their official capacity. It amends Wyoming tax law to exempt these specific lodging purchases from the state sales tax. The exemption applies only to legislators using lodging for official duties, not personal travel. The change took effect July 1, 2023.
Maddy summaryHB 92 would ban most abortions in Wyoming, allowing them only when necessary to prevent a serious risk of death or permanent injury to the mother (excluding psychological conditions). The law would take effect five days after Wyoming's Attorney General certifies that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in a way that allows this ban to be enforced - specifically, after the Court overruled *Roe v. Wade* or issued a final decision enabling such restrictions. It also prohibits using state funds for abortions except under the same limited circumstances. The bill remains inactive until the Attorney General's certification, with no immediate effect.