Sen. Chris Rothfuss

Maddy summaryHB 190 creates a select committee to coordinate Wyoming's energy and industrial development projects, directly affecting state government (legislature and governor) and future project developers seeking state support. The bill establishes a committee with 6 members (3 from each chamber, including committee chairs) to review project proposals and task force recommendations, requiring a November 2023 report to relevant committees. Key provisions include authorizing task forces to study specific projects like natural gas export facilities, manufacturing plants, and market access strategies for Wyoming's energy resources. The committee may also draft new legislation to advance these projects, focusing on maximizing public benefits through coordinated state efforts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 2) commemorates Wyoming's former U.S. Senator and Governor Lester C. Hunt, honoring his public service career, advocacy for social programs, and courageous opposition to McCarthyism during the 1950s. It includes the Wyoming Legislature's commitments to uphold civility, respect, and collaborative problem-solving among legislators, and to address issues contributing to suicide. The resolution has no policy changes or direct impact on the public - it is purely symbolic recognition of Hunt's legacy and a pledge for legislative conduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a certificate of completion for high school students with disabilities in Wyoming, as defined under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It requires the state education board to establish rules ensuring these certificates align with each student's individualized education program (IEP). School districts must report annually by November 1 to the state education department to confirm compliance with these requirements. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryHB 121 modifies Wyoming's property tax deferral program to help homeowners with primary residences on parcels ≤40 acres. It caps deferred taxes at 50% of annual real estate taxes, sets interest rates at 4% compounded annually (or treasury-based for specific cases), and requires the Department of Revenue to confirm funding availability before approving deferrals. Eligibility now requires annual financial status verification, and deferred taxes become due immediately if property value exceeds 50% of the property's fair market value. The bill also mandates county rulemaking, public outreach, and annual reporting to the Department of Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits posting unauthorized signs that restrict access to or use of state or federal lands where lawful wildlife hunting is permitted. It specifically targets signs placed with intent to hinder hunting activities on public lands. Landowners retain the right to prevent trespass on private property, which is explicitly excluded from the law. The law applies to all public lands used for hunting and takes effect July 1, 2023.

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 summaryHB 197, the "Defend the Guard Act," would have prohibited the Wyoming National Guard from being deployed into active duty combat unless the U.S. Congress officially declared war or took specific constitutional action under Article I, Section 8, Clause 15. It defines "active duty combat" as participation in armed conflicts, hazardous services related to conflicts abroad, or duties involving "instrumentality of war." The bill allows domestic deployments under Title 32 for civil authority missions within the U.S. but blocks combat deployments without explicit congressional authorization. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (SJ 10) seeks to remove the Wyoming Legislature's authority to set "reasonable and necessary restrictions" on individuals' rights to make healthcare decisions and direct payment for care. It would repeal Article 1, Section 38(c) of the Wyoming Constitution, which currently allows the legislature to define such restrictions. The amendment would directly affect all Wyoming residents by eliminating legislative power to limit personal healthcare choices and payment decisions. If approved, it would change the constitutional framework governing healthcare autonomy, though it does not create new rights - it removes existing legislative authority to impose restrictions.

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 summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 119, "Defend the Guard Act") prohibits deploying Wyoming National Guard members to active combat roles without a formal U.S. Congress declaration of war. It directly affects all Wyoming National Guard members and requires the governor to prevent such deployments. The law allows domestic deployments under Title 32 for civil support missions within the U.S. but mandates that combat deployments only occur after a congressional war declaration or specific constitutional authorization (enforcing laws, repelling invasion, or suppressing insurrection). The bill became effective July 1, 2023.