Sen. Stephan Pappas

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial joint resolution (SJ 5) recognizing the U.S. Air Force's 75th anniversary. It formally commends the Air Force for its service, acknowledges Wyoming's historical ties to the military (including Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, the oldest continuously active base, and the Wyoming Air National Guard), and reaffirms the state's partnership with the Air Force. The resolution has no policy changes or funding impacts - it is purely symbolic, directing the Secretary of State to share it with federal officials, military leaders, and Air Force ROTC. As a procedural resolution, it does not affect any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 140 requires health insurers in Wyoming to reimburse mental health and substance use disorder benefits delivered through the American Medical Association's defined Collaborative Care Model. This model mandates that care must be provided by a team including a primary care provider, a care manager, and a psychiatric consultant. The law applies to individual and group health insurance policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after July 1, 2023, but excludes state-funded plans. Insurers must cover these services as specified, while retaining standard medical management authority.

Maddy summarySF 140 aligns Wyoming's building codes with federal refrigerant standards by prohibiting state or local restrictions on refrigerants approved under federal law (42 U.S.C. 7671k). The bill directly affects building code enforcement agencies and HVAC installers by removing potential local barriers to using federally-approved refrigerants. It requires that equipment containing permissible refrigerants must still comply with all other applicable building and safety laws. The law became effective July 1, 2023, with no new requirements for refrigerant types.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases state funding for the University of Wyoming's transportation technology transfer center program by appropriating $300,000 annually from the general fund. It requires counties to contribute $25,000 to $31,250 each year (depending on federal funding), with at least $150,000 of county funds designated specifically for the program's gravel road inventory initiative. The program provides training for county and municipal employees on transportation technology, administered by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. The funding applies to all Wyoming counties and directly supports local road maintenance and technology adoption efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's licensing rules for architects and landscape architects. It removes the requirement for the licensing board to automatically notify licensees about upcoming renewal dates, meaning professionals must proactively track expiration. The bill also allows the board to use annual renewal fees to fund continuing education programs that meet state standards. These changes affect licensed architects and landscape architects seeking to maintain their credentials in Wyoming, effective July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 270 caps fees, property taxes, and assessments that improvement and service districts can impose on landowners, limiting them to the maximum amount originally promised when the district was formed. Landowners within these districts are directly affected, as districts cannot exceed this pre-set limit without voter approval through mail ballot or concurrent election. The law allows districts to adjust the cap only with majority voter consent, while maintaining exceptions for bond payments. Violations can be challenged in court within 120 days by affected landowners. (HB 270, effective July 1, 2023)

Maddy summaryWyoming's Senate Joint Resolution 7 (SJ 7) is a symbolic resolution expressing legislative support for the relationship between Wyoming and Taiwan. It reaffirms Wyoming's commitment to strengthening economic ties, educational cooperation, and Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO. The resolution directs Wyoming's Secretary of State to send copies to U.S. officials, Wyoming's congressional delegation, Taiwan's leadership, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter policy but formally states Wyoming's position.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a separate tax class for residential property in Wyoming. This would allow the legislature to set distinct tax rates for homes compared to other property types, including authorizing subcategories like owner-occupied primary residences. If approved by voters, it would change Wyoming’s property tax system by formally separating residential real estate into its own class under the state constitution. The amendment must be ratified by Wyoming voters at the next general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 164 requires Wyoming newspapers publishing legal notices (such as court filings or public hearings) to also post them online. Specifically, newspapers must publish these notices on a statewide digital repository (maintained by a newspaper organization representing most Wyoming papers) and on their own website, in a free, open location with no extra cost to the person publishing the notice. This applies to all legal notices currently required to be published in print, ensuring public access to these notices online without additional fees. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 122 establishes a licensing system for anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) in Wyoming, directly affecting AAs seeking to practice and supervising anesthesiologists. The bill requires AAs to graduate from approved programs, pass national certification exams, and work under the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist who must be physically present during procedures. Key provisions define the AA's scope of practice - including performing preoperative evaluations, airway management, administering anesthesia, and managing medications - all while working within the supervising anesthesiologist's approved scope and requiring their co-signature within 24 hours. This creates formal requirements for licensure, supervision, and practice boundaries, replacing the previous unregulated status for AAs in the state.