Sen. Larry Hicks

Maddy summaryHB 178 prohibits public employers from automatically deducting union dues or fees from public employees' paychecks. It requires public employee unions to annually report detailed financial information to members, including membership numbers, revenue sources, and spending over $5,000 (such as political activities or legal services), with reports distributed to members, posted online, and available upon request. The bill applies to all public employee unions in Wyoming, including those representing firefighters, and takes effect July 1, 2026. Violations are punishable as misdemeanors, and unions already filing federal LM-2 reports are exempt from the annual reporting requirement.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 126, the "Human heartbeat act," prohibits most abortion procedures after a detectable fetal heartbeat is identified (typically around 6 weeks gestation), directly affecting pregnant individuals seeking abortions and healthcare providers performing them. The bill requires healthcare providers to confirm a detectable heartbeat via standard medical equipment before proceeding with an abortion, except in cases of medical emergencies that threaten the patient's life or major bodily function. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by up to five years in prison or $10,000 fines, and healthcare professionals face mandatory license revocation for noncompliance. The law creates new definitions, exceptions for medical emergencies, and penalties for violations, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 119 repeals the Strategic Investments and Projects Account, transferring its remaining funds (excluding penitentiary construction funds) to the state general fund by July 1, 2026. The bill preserves $10 million annual transfers from the repealed account to the Wyoming State Penitentiary Capital Construction Account until 2038, ending the dedicated funding stream for that project. All unexpended funds previously tied to the Strategic Investments account must be moved to the general fund by the 2026 deadline, with reports required to the legislature. This procedural bill directly affects state budget management and the penitentiary construction project's funding continuity.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal right for electric utilities to maintain existing power lines installed before 2006 across private land, without requiring written agreements. It directly affects landowners with pre-2006 lines and utilities that historically relied on informal neighborly cooperation for rural electrification. Key provisions require lines to be visibly installed, continuously used, and limit easements to 30 feet wide, while preventing utilities from expanding rights beyond original historic use. The law protects landowners from unreasonable utility burdens and ensures existing informal arrangements receive legal recognition.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 123 creates the Wyoming Energy Dominance Fund, administered by the Wyoming Energy Authority, to support the state's traditional energy industries. The fund receives a portion of severance tax revenues (50% for fiscal years 2027-2028, then 50% for 2029 onward) that would otherwise go to the permanent mineral trust fund or school accounts. It provides grants and loans for projects like coal innovation, natural gas, uranium processing, and pipeline infrastructure - requiring a 1:1 match from non-state funds - but explicitly excludes wind and solar energy projects. The fund aims to bolster Wyoming's energy sector, which supports over 60,000 jobs and generates significant state revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows hunters who have shot a black bear to use one leashed blood-trailing dog to track and recover the animal within 72 hours of the shot. It directly affects hunters who harvest black bears in Wyoming, permitting this specific tracking method under defined conditions. The key provision requires the dog to remain leashed and limits tracking to wounded or killed bears within the 72-hour window. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 110 establishes a lower property tax assessment rate for primary residences owned by residents who live there year-round. It sets an 8.3% assessment rate for owner-occupied primary homes (down from 9.5%) while maintaining a 9.5% rate for other residential properties. To qualify for the lower rate, homeowners must submit an annual claim to their county assessor by May 4th, demonstrating they occupy the property as their primary residence for at least six months. The bill repeals an existing exemption for primary residences and takes effect for the 2027 tax year.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from Wyoming's tourism reserve fund to support the development of a rodeo and cowboy museum and hall of fame in Wyoming. The funds will be distributed in three installments of $5 million each on July 1, 2026, 2027, and 2028, contingent on the Wyoming Tourism Board certifying that relocation efforts will boost tourism, jobs, and state revenue. Applicants must provide matching funds (at least $1 for every $1 granted) and relocate to Wyoming by June 30, 2028, or repay the grant. The Wyoming Office of Tourism must report annually on fund usage until 2036.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Wyoming cities, towns, and counties from imposing fees, conditions, or concessions related to workforce housing, unmet housing needs, or affordable housing on new residential or commercial development projects. It applies to all permit applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, and does not affect existing contracts or obligations for projects approved before that date. The law creates new state code sections (15-1-612 for municipalities and 18-5-209 for counties) to enforce this prohibition, directly affecting local governments and developers by removing potential requirements for affordable housing projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a requirement that conservation district supervisors in Wyoming must have all funds immediately available to cover a contract before signing it. It directly affects local conservation district supervisors who manage contracts for district operations. The key change removes the pre-contract financial availability rule, allowing supervisors to enter agreements without needing full funds upfront. The repeal takes effect on July 1, 2026.