Rep. Mike Yin

Maddy summaryWyoming's SJ 9 is a joint resolution urging Congress to protect the state's access to federal public lands while ensuring local communities have a say in land management decisions. It opposes broad or indiscriminate sales of public lands and demands federal agencies respect Wyoming's existing land-use plans, county-level input, and multiple-use frameworks that support recreation, agriculture, hunting, fishing, and resource development. The resolution also calls for funding to streamline efficient land exchanges under current laws when they benefit local communities and public access, without advocating for specific policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 145 replaces multiple existing fees for electric vehicles with a single per-kilowatt-hour tax on electricity used to power them. It reduces the annual decal fee for plug-in hybrid vehicles from $200 to $100 and sets a $200 annual fee for all-electric vehicles (previously subject to overlapping taxes). The bill allows EV owners to receive refunds for electricity purchased for vehicle use and requires clear display of the new electricity-based tax. This directly affects Wyoming residents who own electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles by eliminating "triple taxation" on their vehicles and shifting the tax burden to electricity usage.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 39 clarifies that individuals who have had their firearm rights restored under the laws of another state may legally possess firearms in Wyoming. The bill amends statutes (W.S. 6-8-102 and 6-10-106) to explicitly recognize out-of-state rights restoration as valid for Wyoming residents convicted of felonies or violent misdemeanors. This directly affects people with prior convictions who had their firearm rights restored in another jurisdiction but faced uncertainty under Wyoming law. The change takes effect immediately upon becoming law, removing barriers for these individuals to legally own firearms in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 55) amends regulations for Special Purpose Depository Institutions (SPDIs) - financial institutions that handle specific types of deposits, like those for government entities or nonprofits. It increases minimum capital requirements ($5 million), shortens the timeframe for SPDIs to begin operations from 6 months to 1 year, and creates a new "resolution fund" funded by supervisory fees to address failures. SPDIs must pay annual fees based on assets, with a portion deposited into this fund for resolution costs. The bill also revises application rules, appeal processes, and repeals outdated contingency account requirements for SPDIs.

Maddy summarySF 54 establishes a formal process for special purpose depository institutions (SPDIs) to convert into state banks and for state banks to convert into SPDIs. It requires institutions seeking conversion to submit detailed plans for handling assets and liabilities, obtain shareholder approval, and meet capital requirements before applying to the banking commissioner. The commissioner must review applications within 90 days and issue a certificate of authority for operation within 30 days of approval, with strict deadlines for denials or corrections. This bill directly affects SPDIs and state banks wishing to change their charter status under Wyoming law.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 102 requires the Wyoming Energy Authority to complete a two-phase study of the state's electricity transmission system. Phase one (due November 2027) analyzes how three load growth scenarios (low, moderate, high) would impact current infrastructure through 2046, identifying potential bottlenecks and solutions. Phase two (due September 2028) examines integrating Wyoming's grid into regional markets and evaluates economic benefits for each scenario. The study will inform future legislative recommendations on transmission needs and upgrades.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates kratom products sold in Wyoming by banning certain types and requiring specific labeling. It prohibits selling kratom products containing more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, designed to appeal to children (like candy-shaped products), or intended for vaporization. Retailers must label products with full ingredients, age restrictions (under 21), health warnings about potential addiction and medication interactions, and precise dosage information. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, with repeat offenses risking business injunctions. The bill directly affects kratom retailers and consumers, particularly minors.

Maddy summaryHB 26 exempts vehicles owned by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes (Wind River Indian Reservation) from Wyoming's county and state vehicle registration fees. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include tribal government vehicles under the exemption list, which previously covered federal/state/local governments and certain districts. This change applies only to vehicles used for tribal operations, not commercial activity. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects tribal governments' operational costs for their official vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 159 protects students' religious, political, and ideological speech in Wyoming public schools. It prohibits schools from discriminating against students for expressing these views in class discussions, assignments, club activities, or clothing - similar to how other student speech is treated. The bill creates a legal cause of action for violations, allowing students or clubs to seek at least $5,000 in damages plus other remedies. Exceptions include unprotected speech (per the First Amendment) or conduct that disrupts school operations or creates a hostile environment.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 19 allows schools to stock and administer epinephrine using auto-injectors, nasal sprays, or other FDA-approved devices for severe allergic reactions without requiring a student-specific prescription. It directly affects schools, school nurses, and trained staff by enabling them to provide emergency treatment to students experiencing anaphylaxis. The bill requires schools to develop allergy management guidelines, track incidents, and maintain records of trained personnel, while also providing liability protection for good-faith administration (excluding gross negligence). It updates definitions to include all approved epinephrine delivery methods and specifies that administering stock epinephrine does not constitute the practice of medicine.