Sen. Affie Ellis

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's financial institution approval process to prevent customer confusion. It requires new banks or credit unions to choose names that don't closely resemble existing institutions in the same county or state. The key change adds a specific naming criterion to the approval standards, effective July 1, 2023, directly affecting applicants seeking state licensing.

Maddy summaryHB 82 changes Wyoming's rules for mental health examinations of criminal defendants. It specifically requires that defendants charged only with misdemeanors cannot be examined on an inpatient basis at the Wyoming State Hospital; instead, their examinations must be outpatient at the state hospital, a local mental health center, or their detention facility. Courts must choose examination sites considering factors like location, examiner availability, and security needs. This directly affects misdemeanor defendants and the courts managing their cases, with the rule taking effect July 1, 2023. Felony cases remain unaffected by this amendment.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 122 extends temporary vehicle registration options for nonresident workers employed in the state. It allows nonresident employees to purchase a temporary permit ($50 per month, max 180 days) instead of full registration, provided their vehicle already displays valid out-of-state plates and insurance. The permit must be visibly displayed and replaces the need for standard registration fees, with collected funds going to county general funds. This directly affects nonresident workers driving vehicles registered in other states.

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 summaryHB 230 establishes a 60-day deadline for Wyoming's Department of Transportation to impose driver's license penalties after a conviction for offenses like driving under the influence (DUI). Specifically, the department must initiate administrative actions - such as license revocation, suspension, or requiring an ignition interlock device - within 60 days of a court's conviction order or deferral of prosecution, or the penalty cannot take effect. This bill does not change the penalties themselves but ensures they are applied within a clear timeframe, directly affecting individuals convicted of traffic offenses and the department's enforcement process.

Maddy summarySF 165 creates a mental health telehealth pilot program for Wyoming public school students in grades K-12. It authorizes the Department of Education to contract with a telehealth provider to offer free counseling services starting January 1, 2024, using $250,000 in state funding. The bill requires strict confidentiality for student participation and mandates a report to legislative committees by June 2025 on program implementation. The program will end when funds are exhausted or June 30, 2027, whichever comes first. This directly affects students by providing accessible mental health support within their schools.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 272 amends state law to expand the definitions of prostitution and soliciting prostitution to explicitly include "sexual contact" and "sexual intrusion" as defined in other statutes. This change directly affects individuals engaging in or offering money for sexual acts, as these activities would now fall under the existing misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months in jail or a $750 fine). The bill does not alter penalties or create new enforcement mechanisms - it simply updates the legal language to cover additional sexual acts. The amendment is set to take effect July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 100) amends the state's stalking law to explicitly prohibit using electronic devices to surveil others without permission. It directly affects individuals who might use GPS, digital tools, or internet tracking to monitor someone's location or online activity without their authorization. The key provision adds a new section banning unauthorized surveillance via electronic devices, including tracking internet/wireless activity, to the existing stalking statute. The law became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Wyoming's "seal of biliteracy" and "advanced distinction seal of biliteracy" for high school graduates. It allows school districts to award these seals to students who demonstrate proficiency in English plus one or more world languages (including American Sign Language, classical languages, and indigenous languages). The state superintendent designs the program, sets assessment standards, and requires districts to report annually on the number of seals issued, languages used, and seal types. The program applies to all Wyoming high school students meeting the proficiency criteria, with implementation beginning July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 77 reduces the residency requirement for filing a name change petition. It changes the rule from requiring 2 years of county residency to just 60 days immediately before filing. This directly affects individuals seeking to legally change their names in Wyoming county courts. The bill amends Wyoming Statute 1-25-102 and takes effect immediately upon becoming law. The change simplifies the process for residents who have lived in a county for a shorter period.