Sen. Darin Smith

Maddy summaryHB 157 requires voters in Wyoming to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. It defines "proof of U.S. citizenship" to include documents like a Wyoming driver's license (without citizenship indicators), tribal ID cards, U.S. passports, birth certificates, or naturalization certificates. This applies to all voter registration processes, both in-person and by mail, and takes effect July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects any Wyoming resident seeking to register to vote for the first time or update their registration.

Maddy summaryHB 232 requires manual hand counting for certain election recounts in Wyoming, directly affecting county clerks, candidates, and election officials. The bill mandates that recounts requested by candidates must be conducted by hand (not electronic systems), revises primary and canvass deadlines to allow time for this process, and specifies that candidates can request recounts based on defined criteria. It clarifies that county clerks must appoint counting boards for recounts and authorizes the secretary of state to establish rules for handling ballots during manual counts. The bill does not change who can request recounts but replaces electronic recount options with mandatory hand counting in specified cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 110) modifies Wyoming's Governmental Claims Act to include crossing guard volunteers and school district employees acting as crossing guards under the definition of "public employee." It directly affects these volunteers and school staff by granting them the same legal right to file claims for injuries sustained while performing crossing guard duties as other public employees. The key change creates a new definition subsection (H) in the law, explicitly adding these individuals to the category covered by the Claims Act. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with no additional implementation mechanisms or financial provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 172 repeals restrictions on concealed weapons in specific public spaces, allowing permit holders to carry guns in government meetings, school athletic events on public property, and school facilities (like classrooms and offices). It also strengthens Wyoming’s state law by preventing local governments from regulating firearms, declaring that only the state legislature can set rules for guns, ammunition, and weapons. The bill includes exceptions for health facilities, explosive materials, and private property rules, and adds penalties for blocking someone from entering permitted areas. School districts must establish training rules for employees carrying concealed weapons, requiring 16 hours of initial training and annual 12-hour recertification.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 77 prohibits state and local governments from requiring employees or contractors to use another person's preferred pronouns as a condition of employment, contracts, grants, or other government benefits. It directly affects government workers, contractors, and individuals receiving state services who might face such requirements. The bill allows affected individuals to file lawsuits seeking injunctions, damages, or attorney fees if their rights are violated. This policy change prevents government entities from mandating pronoun usage, focusing on preventing compelled speech in official interactions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 96 (the "Wyoming Gold Act") requires the state treasurer to hold at least $10 million in physical gold and silver (specie) across all state accounts by January 2026, aiming to diversify investments and protect against economic risks. The bill also authorizes the treasurer to hire precious metals experts, adopt implementing rules by 2026, and conduct a study on using precious metals to boost economic security - including exploring if the state could accept gold/silver as payment. This directly affects the Wyoming State Treasurer’s office and its investment management. The bill does not make gold/silver legal tender but mandates specific holdings and a study, with key provisions effective January 2026.

Maddy summarySF 156 prohibits Wyoming school districts from using state foundation program funds for capital construction or major facility repairs/replacements. The bill specifically blocks these funds from covering costs for educational buildings, offices, portable classrooms, or "enhancements" (non-essential upgrades), and restricts special reserve funds from being spent on similar projects. It affects all Wyoming public school districts receiving foundation program funds, requiring them to separate these funds from capital improvement budgets. The law amends existing statutes to clarify these spending restrictions and requires districts to report compliance in annual financial reports.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 255 removes a requirement for county clerks to cancel mobile home titles when a mobile home is installed on a permanent foundation and becomes taxable as real property. The bill amends state law to eliminate the need for owners to surrender certificates of title for cancellation, though clerks may still request information to verify eligibility for cancellation. This change directly affects mobile home owners who convert their property to real estate status, simplifying an administrative step. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 329 modifies Wyoming law to give the Office of Homeland Security discretion over whether to cooperate with other states' and federal homeland security agencies (previously required). It mandates that Wyoming's Division of Criminal Investigation must cooperate with the Office of Homeland Security. The bill also authorizes the Office to receive criminal identification and intelligence information from law enforcement for security purposes. These changes directly affect Wyoming's homeland security office, law enforcement agencies, and their coordination with state and federal partners. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 159 regulates chemical abortions in Wyoming by requiring healthcare providers to: (1) physically examine patients, be present during drug administration, schedule follow-up visits within 7 days, and provide labeled catch kits and medical waste bags for disposal. The bill defines "chemical abortion" as using drugs to intentionally terminate pregnancy or kill an unborn baby, with exceptions for medical emergencies like ectopic pregnancy. It also holds drug manufacturers strictly liable for environmental cleanup if abortion drugs enter wastewater or water supplies, requiring proper disposal of medical waste. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and drug manufacturers in Wyoming, with penalties including up to 3 years in prison or $10,000 fines for noncompliance.