Sen. Jared Olsen

Maddy summaryHB 236 creates a new legal entity type called "statutory foundations" in Wyoming, establishing specific rules for their formation, operation, and management. The bill sets out procedures for creating foundations (including required documents), defines roles like "founders" and "beneficiaries," and clarifies liability protections for contributors. It directly affects organizations seeking to form or operate as foundations in Wyoming, as well as foreign foundations wanting to establish operations in the state. Key provisions include standardized governance rules, fee structures for registration, and mechanisms for transferring foundation assets, all designed to provide a clear legal framework for this entity type.

Maddy summaryHB 125 increases filing fees for probate cases in Wyoming district courts from $50 to $75 and for civil cases from $85 to $110. It specifies that $25 of the civil filing fee funds court automation and $10 supports indigent civil legal services, with the remaining amounts covering court operations. This bill directly affects individuals and organizations filing probate or civil cases in Wyoming district courts. The fee changes took effect on July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 113 establishes rules for electric utilities to enter special service agreements with large commercial or industrial customers using over 10 megawatts of electricity. The bill requires that such agreements must generate revenue exceeding the utility's cost to serve the customer, and must not shift related costs (like power supply or grid investments) to other ratepayers. Any profits or losses from these agreements remain with the utility company, not shared with other customers. The law applies only to agreements under tariffs approved by Wyoming's utility commission and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 143 gives judges more discretion in sentencing by allowing them to skip or limit presentence investigation reports for felony defendants. The bill amends Wyoming law to state that courts may dispense with the report requirement or restrict its scope to factors relevant to sentencing, instead of mandating full reports in all felony cases. It specifically maintains the requirement for substance abuse assessments in certain felony cases (like third misdemeanors or felonies) and keeps the cost assessed to the offender. This directly affects felony defendants and courts by changing when detailed pre-sentence reports are needed before sentencing.

Maddy summaryHB 98 streamlines the process for communications companies (including internet and VoIP providers) to install equipment like fiber optic cables along public roads in Wyoming. It requires companies to first get permission from local authorities (city councils for city roads or state/county officials for highways) before installing infrastructure. The bill defines "communications company" to cover internet-based services and voice over internet protocol (VoIP), clarifying which providers the rule applies to. This change, effective July 1, 2019, updates existing statutes to standardize rights-of-way access without creating new fees or restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Wyoming's Children's Trust Fund can spend money. Until the fund's total assets reach $5 million, the board may spend up to 90% of annual contributions plus prior year's interest. Once the fund exceeds $5 million, only interest income and specific other funds (like those from certain state fees) can be used. The rules took effect July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 270 would remove a legal shield that currently prevents lawsuits against Wyoming's Transportation Commission for issues arising from its contracts. If passed, the bill would amend state law to eliminate the Commission's ability to claim immunity under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act when defending contract-related lawsuits. This change would directly affect the Transportation Commission and individuals or entities seeking legal recourse over contractual disputes with the Commission. The bill, introduced in 2019 but never enacted, was intended to take effect July 1, 2019.

Maddy summaryHB 112, introduced in Wyoming in 2019, proposed a change to how electric utilities' service areas are defined. The bill would have amended state law to specify that an electric utility's certificated service area is determined at the point where electricity is delivered to a customer, rather than at another location. This change would directly affect electric utilities and the Public Service Commission, which oversees utility service areas. The bill was introduced but died in committee in February 2019 and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 183 repeals restrictions that previously banned concealed weapons in certain public spaces, allowing permit holders to carry concealed firearms in government meetings, the legislature, and most public schools (with exceptions for specific school district policies under existing law). It establishes that only the Wyoming state legislature can regulate firearms, weapons, and ammunition, preempting local governments from creating their own firearm restrictions. The bill explicitly preserves private property owners' rights to ban firearms on their land and maintains existing prohibitions in courtrooms. This directly affects concealed carry permit holders, local governments seeking to regulate firearms, and school districts managing firearm policies on school property.

Maddy summaryHB 170 amends Wyoming law to require child protective service workers to complete training on specific federal and state child welfare laws. The bill directly affects all state-employed child protective service workers by mandating they understand key legislation, including the Adoption and Safe Families Act, Indian Child Welfare Act, Multi-Ethnic Placement Act, Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act, and Family First Prevention Services Act. This training requirement ensures workers are knowledgeable about legal standards governing child welfare practice. The law took effect on July 1, 2019.