Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 109 prohibits members and staff of the state gaming commission from engaging in, investing in, or pursuing any business regulated by the commission, including horse racing betting or other gaming activities. It requires immediate disclosure and divestment of any such interests if they exist, and mandates that affected individuals recuse themselves from related commission decisions. This applies directly to commission members and staff who own or have family interests in regulated businesses, such as racetracks or casinos. The law, effective July 1, 2022, strengthens ethics safeguards by preventing conflicts of interest in gaming regulation. It amends existing rules to clarify prohibitions and repeals a duplicate provision.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySF 93 requires Wyoming's Legislative Service Office to publish each legislator's detailed roll call voting records on the official legislative website. This includes specific data for every vote: year, bill number, catch title, sponsor, amendment number, vote type, result, and date. The bill directly affects all Wyoming legislators by mandating this transparency on their official profile pages. It became effective July 1, 2022, and does not alter voting procedures or policy outcomes - only the public accessibility of voting history.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits anyone from collecting, soliciting, or submitting completed absentee ballots for voters unless the voter personally initiates contact and provides written authorization. It directly affects voters, election workers, and organizations that might handle ballots, making unauthorized collection a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison or a $10,000 fine. Key provisions require written voter authorization for ballot collection and mandate the Secretary of State to create implementing rules. The law amends Wyoming election statutes to clarify these restrictions and penalties, taking effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 87, the Second Amendment Preservation Act, declares that certain federal gun regulations within the state are unconstitutional and prohibits state officials from enforcing them. It defines "law abiding citizen" (excluding undocumented individuals) and allows civil lawsuits against officials who enforce federal gun laws deemed beyond federal authority. The bill asserts that federal actions restricting firearm possession, sale, or ownership within Wyoming exceed constitutional limits, except for regulations related to the military or active militia. This procedural bill, which failed to advance in 2022, does not change state gun laws but aims to block federal enforcement of gun regulations it deems invalid.
Maddy summarySF 107 would make the Wyoming Attorney General an elected statewide position starting in the 2022 general election, changing the current system where the governor appoints the role. The bill requires the attorney general to be elected for a four-year term, qualify as a practicing attorney with four years of experience, and be a Wyoming resident. It also updates election procedures to include the attorney general in the ballot order alongside other statewide elected officials like the governor and secretary of state. The change affects all Wyoming voters who will elect the state's chief legal officer and sets new qualifications for the position.
Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 133, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act-2," prohibits state officials from enforcing federal laws or actions that the state deems unconstitutional restrictions on firearm ownership within Wyoming. It directly affects Wyoming residents (defined as legally present citizens without certain disqualifications) and state officials who might otherwise comply with federal gun regulations. Key provisions include allowing citizens to sue officials for enforcing such federal actions and establishing that Wyoming retains authority to regulate firearms under state law and the Second Amendment. The bill asserts state sovereignty by declaring federal actions that infringe on firearm rights - like data collection or possession restrictions - unconstitutional within Wyoming's borders.
Maddy summaryHB 26 restricts individuals from holding both a paid public job and an elected public office if the two positions involve governmental entities that fund or receive funding from each other. It requires anyone who holds one public office or employment to resign from it before accepting a new elected position or job that creates such a funding relationship. The law applies broadly to all state and local government units, including counties, cities, school districts, and special districts. This bill aims to prevent conflicts of interest by ensuring public officials don't simultaneously serve in roles where their employment and elected duties could conflict due to funding ties. The law takes effect January 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 88 prohibits employers, government entities, and healthcare providers from denying services, employment, education, or healthcare based on a person's COVID-19 or mRNA vaccination status. The bill also bans asking about vaccination status to access public services or facilities. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by up to $5,000 fines or five years in prison, and affected individuals can pursue civil lawsuits for damages. The law specifically overrides existing immunity protections for healthcare providers under certain circumstances. It applies to all claims accruing after its effective date.
Maddy summarySF 94 prohibits Wyoming public officials and government agencies from enforcing federal mandates requiring COVID-19 vaccinations or restricting alternative treatments (such as nasal sprays or pills). It bans public schools, services, and programs from making vaccination a condition for participation or employment. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties, termination from public jobs, and loss of retirement benefits for officials. Corporations enforcing such mandates would forfeit their right to operate in Wyoming. The bill failed to pass in 2022.
Maddy summaryHB 132 creates a new standing committee called the "Federal Review Committee" within Wyoming's legislature. This committee would review all federal laws, regulations, and actions to determine if they infringe on Wyoming's sovereignty or violate the U.S. Constitution as defined during ratification debates. The committee must disregard U.S. Supreme Court interpretations when making these determinations and would sponsor legislation based on its findings. The bill directly affects the Wyoming legislature by establishing this new committee with specific constitutional review powers.