Sen. Laura Pearson

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 summaryThis bill designates April 26 as "Shared Parenting Day" in Wyoming through a ceremonial resolution. It does not change custody laws or create new obligations; instead, it formally recognizes the state's commitment to raising awareness about shared parenting arrangements. The resolution cites research on child well-being benefits when children maintain relationships with both parents after separation or divorce. This designation applies statewide and aims to promote community reflection on shared parenting, affecting all Wyoming residents through annual observance.

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 HB 92 prohibits individuals convicted of sex offenses from holding specific public offices. The bill bars registered sex offenders (as defined by Wyoming law) from running for or serving as school district trustees, community college board members, county/district attorneys, county commissioners, city/town governing body members, mayors, or county sheriffs. Election officials must refuse to certify ineligible candidates, and those already in office would be deemed vacant. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to all offices filled on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 102 prohibits the creation and distribution of AI-generated sexual images of children without consent (Section 6-4-307) and bans developing or distributing AI systems specifically designed to create or promote child sexual material (Section 6-4-308). It makes these acts felonies punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 fines, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses. The bill also clarifies that using AI to commit crimes isn’t a defense (Section 6-1-206) and provides limited immunity for AI developers who didn’t intend illegal use. It directly affects developers of AI tools, distributors of nonconsensual deepfakes, and individuals using AI to exploit children.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 96 lowers the minimum age to obtain a concealed carry permit from 21 to 18 years. It directly affects 18- to 20-year-olds who previously could not legally carry concealed weapons under state law. The bill amends permit eligibility requirements in statute and adds legal immunity for officials issuing or denying permits. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new monthly death benefit for the surviving spouses of Wyoming law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty after July 1, 2026. The benefit equals 90% of the officer's salary plus 6% of that salary for each child under 18. It applies to death benefits distributed on or after the effective date, specifically amending retirement program provisions for law enforcement members. The policy directly affects surviving spouses and dependent children of qualifying officers who die while performing official duties.

Maddy summaryHB 157 creates a civil lawsuit right for parents if Wyoming state agencies or local governments infringe their parental rights under Wyoming law (specifically W.S. 14-2-206). It removes standard government immunity and waives the typical 2-year notice requirement for filing such claims. Parents who win these lawsuits can recover attorney fees and court costs. The law applies to state agencies and political subdivisions (like school districts) and takes effect July 1, 2026.

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 prohibits Wyoming state agencies and local law enforcement from using state funds to enforce federal gun regulations that conflict with Second Amendment rights. It creates criminal penalties (up to 1 year in jail or $2,000 fine) and civil penalties of $50,000 per violation for agencies that enforce such federal rules. The law specifically exempts cooperation with federal authorities on non-gun-related matters and defines key terms like "federal regulation" and "law abiding citizen."