Sen. Chris Rothfuss

Maddy summaryHB 138, the "Reproductive Freedom Act," proposes to protect abortion access in Wyoming by prohibiting the state from interfering with a person's right to have an abortion before fetal viability (when the fetus can survive outside the womb) or to protect the person's life or health. It defines key terms like "abortion" and "viability," sets penalties for unauthorized abortions (misdemeanor with up to one year in jail or $5,000 fine), and ensures state regulations must be medically necessary and impose the least restrictions possible. The bill also allows healthcare providers and facilities to refuse participation in abortions without discrimination and prohibits state penalties for aiding abortion seekers. This proposed bill, introduced in February 2026 but not yet considered for debate, would replace current abortion laws if enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 166 reclassifies marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance under Wyoming law, directly affecting medical users and providers who previously relied on state-recognized prescriptions. The bill amends definitions to clarify that "edible products" containing THC (like gummies or baked goods) and "analog" substances with similar effects to marijuana are included in this classification. Crucially, it prohibits practitioners from prescribing or dispensing marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or synthetic equivalents - even for medical use - unless the substance has U.S. FDA approval (like dronabinol). This would effectively ban medical marijuana in Wyoming while maintaining existing penalties for possession under Schedule III rules. The bill is pending, having been assigned a number in 2026 but not yet considered for introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 149 prohibits individuals convicted of specific offenses against minors or under investigation for child abuse/neglect from administering home-based educational programs in Wyoming. It bans parents/guardians with recent convictions (within 7 years) for offenses like child abuse, sexual assault, or crimes involving minors (as listed in subsection 21-4-102(b)(i)), unless the conviction was reversed, annulled, or pardoned. The bill also restricts anyone advised by child protective services not to start home schooling during an active abuse/neglect investigation. Parents already running home schools before an investigation may continue, but must appeal restrictions through administrative hearings if challenged.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 181 prohibits all state and local government entities from using biometric data (like facial recognition or fingerprints) to identify people or verify identities, geolocation data to track individuals or vehicles, and automatic license plate reader systems for vehicle identification or toll collection. The bill requires governments to adopt compliance policies, creates a civil lawsuit option for violations, and amends the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act to address liability. It specifically excludes school bus cameras, anonymized health data, and certain utility infrastructure from the restrictions. The law directly affects all state agencies, counties, cities, and law enforcement entities by restricting their use of these surveillance technologies. The bill is currently in early procedural stages and has not advanced beyond introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 183 (Renters' Property Tax Relief) expands eligibility for Wyoming's property tax refund program to include renters of their principal residence, not just homeowners. To qualify, renters must meet income limits (not exceeding 145% of their county’s median household income), have total household assets under $150,000 (adjusted annually), and provide proof they are not behind on rent. The bill caps refunds at 75% of the prior year’s property tax paid or half the county’s median residential tax liability, whichever is lower. It becomes effective January 1, 2027, and requires the Department of Revenue to establish rules for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 74 requires Wyoming public school districts to provide free feminine hygiene products (like tampons and pads) in restrooms designated exclusively for female students, starting with the 2026-2027 school year. It directly affects schools serving students in grades 6-12, mandating that districts ensure these products are available, accessible, and that students are informed of their location. The bill appropriates $487,500 to reimburse schools based on actual costs, with limits of $1,100 per 100 female students for 2026-2027 and $850 per 100 for 2027-2028. The bill is pending (failed introduction on Feb. 11, 2026) and would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain retail electricity sales from regulation by Wyoming's Public Service Commission. It allows non-regulated entities, electric cooperatives, and municipal utilities to sell electricity to specific customers without being classified as public utilities. The exemption applies to single customers within a utility's service area, up to four customers with a combined load of at least five megawatts, or up to four customers who cannot get service from the existing utility after a six-month response period or one-year service timeline. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply only to new contracts and agreements made on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 37 makes several county elected offices nonpartisan in Wyoming, directly affecting county clerks, treasurers, assessors, coroners, sheriffs, county prosecutors, district attorneys, and clerks of the district court. The bill requires nonpartisan primary elections for these positions, changes ballot order to group them together, and sets a minimum of 25 write-in votes needed for candidates to appear on future ballots. It also modifies vacancy procedures for these nonpartisan offices and updates related election laws. The bill does not change eligibility rules or create new offices, only altering election procedures for existing county positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming public school districts to provide age-appropriate, evidence-based suicide prevention education to all students. It mandates that schools use programs consistent with existing state materials and training standards outlined in related statutes. The requirement applies to all K-12 public schools and takes effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation directly affects students and school districts by establishing a new mandatory educational component focused on suicide prevention.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows special purpose depository institutions (SPDIs) in Wyoming to convert into public trust companies. It removes restrictions requiring SPDIs to serve only legal entities and lowers the minimum deposit requirement from $5,000 to $1,000. The bill also repeals a supervision fee for banks offering digital asset custodial services and creates a formal application process for conversion, including shareholder approval and detailed asset/liability plans. SPDIs converting under this law must adopt a new business name and operate as public trust companies without using terms like "bank" or "special purpose depository institution."