Sen. Chris Rothfuss

Maddy summaryHB 96 increases the annual salaries for five Wyoming state elected officials following the 2022 general election. The governor's salary rises from $105,000 to $140,000, while the secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer, and superintendent of public instruction each see their salaries increase from $92,000 to $125,000. The bill also establishes a process for future cost-of-living adjustments to these salaries, tied to budget appropriations and requiring specific footnote disclosures in budget bills. These changes took effect July 1, 2022, with funding allocated for the 2023-2024 fiscal period.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 106 authorizes the state treasurer to issue "Wyoming stable tokens," a digital currency backed 1:1 by U.S. dollars held in a dedicated trust fund of Treasury bills. Token holders can redeem each token for exactly one U.S. dollar, with the state required to maintain at least 100% of all issued tokens' value in this reserve fund. The bill mandates annual reporting on the program's operation and explicitly states tokens are not state-insured or guaranteed beyond the reserve fund's value. This directly affects individuals and businesses holding these tokens, providing a state-backed digital currency option with clear redemption terms.

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 summaryHB 123 establishes rules for disposing of specific materials during mine reclamation. It requires mining operators to pay fees (25% for wind turbine blades/towers in coal mines, 10% for inert material in non-coal mines) to the state department, with fees credited to the general fund. The bill defines "inert material" as non-reusable waste and sets requirements like burying it below aquifers at minimum depths, removing mechanical parts, and following solid waste management standards. These rules apply to operators using such materials for backfilling reclamation sites in Wyoming, effective 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.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 101 expands access to emergency treatments for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and opioid overdoses. It allows healthcare providers to prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors (like EpiPens) and opioid antagonists (such as naloxone) without a direct patient relationship, specifically enabling standing orders for schools, universities, and other organizations. The bill requires organizations to create treatment policies, train staff, and report incidents to the health department, while granting immunity from liability for good-faith administration. It directly affects staff in educational institutions and public settings who may encounter these medical emergencies. The law applies to all Wyoming community colleges and the University of Wyoming, as clarified in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 65 clarifies that property tax protest appeals mailed by Wyoming taxpayers are considered timely filed if postmarked by the deadline date (within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice), rather than requiring physical receipt by the county by that date. This directly affects property owners challenging their tax assessments who use mail to submit appeals. The key provision replaces the previous uncertainty about mailing deadlines with a clear, objective standard based on the postmark date. The law became effective July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 135 creates Wyoming's "General Regulatory Sandbox Program," allowing businesses to temporarily test new products or services without full compliance with certain state regulations. It directly affects businesses seeking to innovate in Wyoming by requiring them to apply to the state council for limited, time-bound waivers of licensing or regulatory requirements. Key provisions include mandatory consumer safety assessments, requirements for businesses to maintain operations and records within Wyoming, and council oversight to ensure waivers don't violate federal law or endanger public health. The program aims to support business development while protecting consumers through structured testing protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 144 establishes a $40 million grant program to fund active transportation and recreation projects across Wyoming. The Wyoming Department of Transportation will administer 90% of the funds ($36 million) for projects like bike paths, sidewalks, safe routes to schools, and walkable downtown corridors, while the Department of State Parks will manage 10% ($4 million) for natural surface trails (hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking) and related planning. Applicants must provide a 20% local match and projects must align with specific eligible categories outlined in the bill. The program is funded through June 30, 2024, with unspent funds reverting to the state treasury.

Maddy summaryHB 106 decriminalizes small amounts of marijuana in Wyoming by replacing criminal penalties with civil fines. It eliminates jail time for possessing up to 3 ounces of marijuana in plant form or equivalent amounts in edibles (up to 16 ounces), paraphernalia, or other forms. The bill also removes marijuana possession as a criminal offense but does not legalize recreational use or expand medical access - doctors remain restricted to prescribing only FDA-approved products like dronabinol. This change affects individuals caught with specified small quantities, shifting enforcement from criminal courts to civil penalties. The bill was introduced in 2022 but was not advanced for consideration.