Sen. Affie Ellis

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 123 allows children of active-duty military members to transfer between public schools within their school district at any time. To transfer, parents must provide proof they filed a discrimination complaint with a military base equal opportunity office. School districts may deny transfers only for lack of space at the requested grade level or if the student is suspended/expelled. Districts must report denials to the state superintendent within 10 days, and parents can seek review under Wyoming's administrative procedures. The bill directly affects military-connected students and school districts in Wyoming, effective July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryWyoming bill SF 157 amends a state law to explicitly allow the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and Northern Arapaho Tribe to apply for participation in emergency insect management programs. The bill updates the application process so these tribes, along with state agencies, can submit applications directly to the Department of Agriculture for such programs. This change removes previous barriers by formally including the tribes as eligible applicants under the existing statutory framework. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 169 requires Wyoming school districts to ensure high school students in grades 9-12 have access to at least 12 college credits through partnerships with accredited institutions like the University of Wyoming or community colleges. School boards must make these post-secondary options "reasonably accessible" to eligible students, working with higher education providers. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, directly impacting Wyoming public high school students and school district obligations. It modifies existing requirements for school-district collaboration with post-secondary institutions to guarantee credit access.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the dollar threshold requiring legislative approval for projects funded by Wyoming's wildlife and natural resource trust. It raises the "large project" definition from $200,000 to $400,000 for total grants sought or awarded under the trust. Projects under $400,000 no longer need specific legislative authorization, streamlining approvals for smaller initiatives. The trust board must still notify the legislature within 30 days for any additional grants exceeding $200,000 on a single project. The change applies to all projects approved on or after July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 132 requires the state superintendent of public instruction to study the state's K-12 education standards and graduation requirements. The study examines whether current standards adequately prepare students for college, careers, and civic participation, reviews alignment with assessments, and considers adjustments to the number or structure of standards. It allocates $72,000 specifically for this study, to be completed by August 2023 and reported to the legislature. The bill does not change existing standards but aims to inform potential future updates to education policy.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 37 adds podiatry services provided by licensed podiatrists to the list of medical services covered under the state's Medicaid program (Medical Assistance and Services Act). This bill directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who need foot care and licensed podiatrists seeking reimbursement through Medicaid. The key provision authorizes $56,500 in state funds and $56,500 in federal funds specifically for these services during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The funding is restricted to podiatry services only and must be spent within that period, with unspent funds reverting to the state. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 20 of each year as "Moon Landing Day" in Wyoming to honor astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin and the team behind the 1969 moon landing. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging state and local governments, plus organizations, to observe the day through appropriate activities. The bill explicitly states it does not authorize public schools, businesses, or government offices to close, nor does it affect commercial or legal proceedings. This is a purely commemorative measure with no new legal requirements or impacts on daily operations.

Maddy summaryHB 104 allows Wyoming hunters to use artificial light technologies - including thermal or infrared imaging - for night hunting of predatory animals (like coyotes or wolves) on both private and public land. It directly affects landowners (with written permission), residents managing property, and hunters on public land. The bill requires the Game and Fish Commission to create specific rules governing the permitted technology and hunting methods. The changes take effect July 1, 2023, with rulemaking provisions active immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 56 designates Wyoming public schools as "Purple Star Schools" if they meet specific requirements to support military-connected students - defined as children of active or former military members (including National Guard/Reserve) or those who lost a parent in service. To qualify, schools must appoint a military liaison to identify these students and coordinate services, maintain a dedicated website with relocation, academic, and support resources, implement student transition programs, and provide staff training. Schools must also complete at least one community action, such as hosting military family events or partnering with local military installations. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, and applies to all qualifying Wyoming public schools seeking the designation.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 84) requires the state superintendent of public instruction to develop model definitions for "unexcused absence," "habitual truant," and "willful absenteeism" for public schools. School districts are not required to adopt these model rules but must define these terms themselves under existing law. The bill specifies that absences due to illness, family health issues, mental health needs, or approved activities (like the state fair) should not count as unexcused. The superintendent must complete the model rules and report them to the education committee by July 1, 2023. The bill directly affects public school districts and their student attendance policies across Wyoming.