Sen. Stephan Pappas

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's election code to change deadlines for forming new political parties. It requires petitions to form a new party to be filed with the Secretary of State no later than June 1 before a general election year (previously May 1), and allows petition circulation to begin no earlier than April 1 of the preceding year (previously March 1). These changes directly affect groups seeking to establish new political parties in Wyoming that want to qualify for the general election ballot. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 279 clarifies the order in which multiple property tax exemptions apply to a single property in Wyoming. It requires the Department of Revenue to apply exemptions sequentially: percentage-based exemptions (like senior citizen discounts) must be applied from smallest to largest percentage, while non-percentage exemptions (like homestead exclusions) come after. This affects property owners who qualify for more than one exemption, ensuring consistent application without conflicting reductions. The bill does not change existing exemptions but mandates a specific, transparent process for their combined use. It takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the High Plains Research Station and Arboretum in Laramie County as a state historic site, requiring the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources to manage it. It mandates the department to create a strategic management plan within one year, authorize site-specific fees (above standard park rates) to fund operations, and report progress to a legislative committee by October 2026. The bill appropriates $3.3 million from existing 2024 funds specifically for the site's preservation, development, and maintenance through June 2026. This primarily affects the department’s management responsibilities and the site’s operational funding, with no direct impact on residents or businesses beyond standard visitor fees.

Maddy summarySF 112 creates a licensing system for anesthesiologist assistants in Wyoming. It directly affects these professionals and the supervising anesthesiologists who must be physically present ("on-site") in medical facilities to oversee their work. The bill requires assistants to complete approved education programs, pass national certification exams, and work under a supervising anesthesiologist who co-signs patient notes within 24 hours. Key provisions define their scope of practice - including performing preoperative evaluations, airway management, general anesthesia, and administering medications - while specifying that supervision must occur in facilities like operating rooms or emergency departments. The law also establishes licensing fees, disciplinary procedures, and board oversight for the Wyoming Board of Medicine.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 202, the "Fast Track Permits Act," sets strict deadlines for local governments (cities, counties) to review property development requests that fit within a property's existing zoning. It requires local entities to: (1) notify applicants within 15 days if a request is incomplete, (2) approve or deny complete requests within 60 days (with limited extensions), and (3) automatically approve requests if deadlines are missed. If a local government fails to meet the 60-day deadline, the request is approved by default, and applicants may receive a 10% fee reduction for missed requirements. The bill applies to standard development permits but excludes rezoning, subdivision, and conditional use requests, taking effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 229 designates the High Plains Research Station and Arboretum in Laramie County as a state historic site managed by Wyoming's Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. The bill requires the department to create a strategic master plan for preservation and operations within one year, including partnerships with local entities, and authorizes fees to fund site maintenance, development, and staff. These fees must be deposited into the state parks account, with annual financial reports submitted to the legislature. The bill also specifies $3.3 million in existing funds for site operations, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 162 would authorize and regulate online casino-style games (like poker or blackjack) in Wyoming, allowing licensed operators to offer these games via mobile apps or websites. It requires operators to verify players are physically in Wyoming (or a permitted state) using geolocation technology and sets rules for revenue collection, distribution, and security. The bill explicitly excludes tribal gaming on reservations, fantasy sports, and lotteries from its regulations. The Wyoming Gaming Commission would enforce these rules and impose criminal penalties for violations. (Note: This bill died in committee in March 2025 and is not law.)

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming joint resolution (SJ 8) requests Congress to propose a constitutional amendment allowing states and Congress to establish reasonable limits on money spent to influence elections. It specifically seeks authority to distinguish between natural persons (individuals) and artificial entities like corporations, unions, or AI when setting these limits. The resolution argues that current Supreme Court interpretations equating unlimited spending with free speech undermine political equality, election integrity, and local representation. It does not create new laws but formally asks Congress to initiate a constitutional amendment process to address these concerns.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJ 7) passed by the Wyoming Legislature to recognize the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on its 50th anniversary in 2025. It commends NCSL for its role in supporting state legislatures and fostering bipartisan cooperation, as detailed in the resolution's preamble. The resolution directs Wyoming's Secretary of State to send copies to Wyoming's Congressional delegation and NCSL's leadership. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups or policies.

Maddy summarySF 121 creates special "Rodeo - The Official Sport of Wyoming" license plates for non-commercial vehicles. Owners can choose to donate $1 or more per plate, with funds distributed annually to support rodeo programs at the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges. The plates require a $1+ fee beyond standard registration and will stop production if fewer than 500 are issued by December 2031. Production begins January 2026, with plates designed to include the official sport designation.