Rep. David Northrup

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Wyoming's property tax exemption for veterans from $3,000 to $6,000 annually on assessed property value. It directly affects veterans who own property in Wyoming by reducing their annual property tax burden. The state appropriates $8.2 million from the general fund to reimburse counties for the increased exemption cost, with funds expiring June 30, 2027. The change applies to property taxes assessed on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 45 creates a property tax exemption for single-family homes in Wyoming, directly affecting homeowners with residential structures. The exemption covers increases in a home's value above 5% of the previous year's assessed value, meaning homeowners pay tax only on growth exceeding that threshold. However, the exemption doesn't apply if the value increase comes from new construction, additions, or if the property was purchased in the prior year. The law requires tax assessment notices to include exemption details and applies to tax years starting January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 52 establishes a homestead property tax exemption for Wyoming homeowners based on age: up to $50,000 exemption for owners 64 or younger, $100,000 for ages 65-74, and $150,000 for those 75+ on January 1 of the tax year. It requires annual claims by May 4th to the county assessor, limits exemptions to one per property per year, and defines "primary residence" as where the owner lives most of the year. The bill includes an $88.4 million state appropriation to reimburse local governments for lost revenue from the exemption, ending December 31, 2027. It expires on that date, with no renewal automatic.

Maddy summaryHB 81 removes mandatory fiscal training requirements for state public officers in Wyoming, effective July 1, 2024. It specifically eliminates the requirement that public officers complete minimum fiscal training within one year of taking office and excludes members of governing bodies (like city councils or school boards) from the definition of "public officer" under this law. The bill repeals existing provisions that required the state auditor to establish training rules and monitor compliance. This change directly affects state-level officials handling public funds, removing a compliance obligation that previously applied to them.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming to issue separate hunting licenses and establish distinct hunting seasons for mule deer and whitetail deer. It directly affects hunters of both species, including residents and nonresidents who purchase licenses, by mandating separate management under state wildlife regulations. The key mechanism involves amending existing laws to create new rules for license issuance, season scheduling, and preference point systems specific to each deer type. This change aims to improve wildlife management by allowing targeted conservation efforts for each species, without altering license fees or quotas.

Maddy summaryHB 54 designates the third Tuesday in May as "Wyoming Reads Day" to recognize efforts supporting early childhood literacy, primarily honoring John and Sue Jorgensen. The bill requires public schools, state/local governments, and organizations to appropriately observe the day through celebrations that promote reading. It mandates the governor issue an annual proclamation for the observance but explicitly states the day does not authorize school or business closures, nor affect legal agreements or court proceedings. This is a ceremonial measure with no new funding or regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 110) eliminates a sunset date for Wyoming school districts to hold cash reserves at 30% of their foundation program funding - previously limited to 2026. It directly affects all Wyoming public school districts by permanently allowing them to maintain higher operating balances without returning excess funds to the state. The key mechanism adjusts how districts calculate excess reserves: any balance exceeding 30% must be separately reported and cannot fund capital construction (though major facility repairs are exempt). The change takes effect July 1, 2024, making the 30% reserve threshold permanent instead of temporary.

Maddy summarySF 92 prohibits adult sex offenders required to register under Wyoming law for offenses involving minor victims from applying for or accepting employment or volunteer positions involving direct interaction with minors (either as co-workers or when providing services to unaccompanied minors). Offenders may seek court relief through a petition requiring proof they pose no substantial risk of reoffending, with a hearing and prosecutor notification. Violations are punishable as misdemeanors with up to six months in jail or a $750 fine. The law applies to positions beginning July 1, 2024, and does not affect existing positions.

Maddy summaryHB 175 allows Wyoming school districts to request fingerprint-based background checks for volunteers who regularly interact with or have unsupervised access to minors in K-12 schools. Previously, such checks applied only to school employees, but this bill extends the requirement to volunteers meeting these specific access criteria. School districts must cover all costs for the fingerprinting and background check process. The law takes effect July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 154 amends the Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act to update rules for rent-to-own contracts, directly affecting consumers and merchants who use these agreements for items like furniture or electronics. The bill requires clear, plain-language disclosures in agreements - such as a mandatory notice in bold type about the right to terminate without penalty - and mandates that merchants provide digital notices with consumer consent. It also adds specific requirements for liability damage waivers, including a clear warning that they are optional and a recommendation to check existing insurance coverage. These changes standardize disclosures, expand digital agreement options, and enhance consumer transparency for rental-purchase transactions.