Sen. Brian Boner

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 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 summaryWyoming's SF 57, the Hospital Price Transparency Act, requires licensed hospitals to publicly list standard prices for at least 300 "shoppable" medical services (like procedures or supplies patients can schedule in advance) on their websites. Hospitals must display specific charges - including gross charges, discounted cash prices, and negotiated rates - with clear descriptions, in a machine-readable format, and without requiring user accounts or personal information. The Department of Health will monitor compliance and enforce penalties for non-compliance, with hospitals required to update the price lists annually. This directly affects all Wyoming hospitals providing inpatient or outpatient services, aiming to make healthcare pricing more accessible to patients.

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 summaryWyoming's SF 90 limits fees charged by school districts for non-school activities using district property, such as youth clubs or community groups. It requires these fees to be capped at the actual hourly costs incurred by the district (including staff, equipment, and utilities) and mandates an itemized cost statement within 15 days of a request. The bill applies to all such rentals starting July 1, 2026, and does not affect contracts signed before that date. This policy ensures transparency and cost-based pricing for facility rentals, directly affecting community groups and organizations seeking to use school spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wyoming's state guard laws to remove the requirement that the National Guard must be activated into federal service before the state guard can be organized. It allows the governor to directly establish and maintain the Wyoming state guard without federal involvement, specifying that state funds - not federal - will cover personnel costs. Eligibility is updated to include Wyoming residents aged 17-65, and the bill appropriates $25,000 from the state general fund to establish the state guard and council of defense through June 2028. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 41 creates "portable benefit accounts" to help independent contractors access benefits like health insurance or retirement savings. The bill allows hiring parties (companies or individuals) or contractors themselves to voluntarily contribute funds to these accounts, with strict rules requiring written opt-in agreements and clear disclosure. It prohibits using these contributions to determine employment status and mandates that accounts be managed by approved financial institutions. The law requires the Department of Workforce Services to create implementing rules and takes effect July 1, 2026. This directly affects independent contractors who currently lack employer-provided benefits.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 28 amends the legal definition of "explicit sexual conduct" under the state's child exploitation law. It adds specific examples like bestiality, masturbation, and sadistic/masochistic abuse to the existing definition, clarifying what constitutes the crime. This change directly affects law enforcement and prosecutors handling child exploitation cases by providing a more detailed standard for charging offenders. The updated definition 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.