Sen. Darin Smith

Maddy summaryHB 156 requires voters in Wyoming to prove they have been a bona fide resident of the state for at least 30 days before an election. It mandates that voters provide documentation verifying their residency when registering and prohibits registration based on documents showing noncitizen status. The bill defines "proof of residence" and directs the Secretary of State to establish acceptable documents through rulemaking. This affects all individuals registering to vote in Wyoming elections by adding a residency verification step to the registration process.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 196) prohibits state and local government entities from using state funds to enforce federal gun regulations that conflict with the Second Amendment. It specifically bans using Wyoming state or federal funds (originating in Wyoming) to support federal enforcement of firearm laws regarding "law-abiding citizens." Violating this prohibition subjects agencies to civil penalties of $50,000 per violation and allows affected citizens to sue for damages. The bill creates new legal protections for Wyoming residents against enforcement of federal gun laws that infringe on Second Amendment rights, while allowing limited exceptions for federal cooperation in specific criminal investigations.

Maddy summaryHB 133 prohibits cities, towns, counties, and the state of Wyoming from implementing or designating "sanctuary" policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It specifically bans local governments from adopting rules that prevent officials from sharing immigration status information with federal law enforcement or declaring their jurisdiction a "sanctuary." Violations could result in withholding state funding from non-compliant localities and criminal penalties of up to 10 years in prison or $20,000 fines for local officials refusing to share such information. The bill also explicitly prohibits the governor from designating Wyoming as a sanctuary state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wyoming's state treasurer and retirement board to make all investment decisions based solely on financial factors ("pecuniary factors") that maximize returns while managing risk. It prohibits considering environmental, social, governance, political, or ideological interests - explicitly stating such factors "have crippled, corrupted, disadvantaged, subverted, damaged or otherwise harmed" Wyoming's financial well-being. The law mandates that investment entities (like the retirement board) avoid "nonpecuniary diversions," vet vendors to ensure compliance, and may use proxy voting or divestment to enforce financial focus. It directly affects how state retirement funds and other public investments are managed, ensuring decisions prioritize financial outcomes over external policy goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new alternative teaching certification pathway for K-12 teachers in Wyoming. It requires alternative certification programs to meet specific criteria: operating in at least five states, having run for 10+ years, requiring subject and teaching methods exams, and having certified 10,000+ teachers. The certification would be limited to the exact subject areas and grade levels the applicant completed through the program. This directly affects new teachers seeking certification through approved alternative programs, not current certified educators.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution requests Wyoming's Governor to prioritize promoting the state's existing stable power sources - coal, natural gas, uranium, and hydroelectric - over taxpayer-funded wind and solar projects. It directs the Governor to oppose subsidies for commercial wind/solar generation and instead advocate for Wyoming's "stable dispatchable base load energy" exports to other states and globally. The resolution does not create new laws but urges a shift in energy policy focus. It directly affects state energy promotion efforts and the Governor's role in shaping Wyoming's energy strategy.

Maddy summaryHB 246 designates every Wednesday as "Wyoming Wednesday - Brown and Gold Day," encouraging residents to wear brown and gold to celebrate the state. The bill requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation by August 1 each year, but explicitly states it does not affect commercial transactions, legal agreements, or require closures of schools, businesses, or government offices. This symbolic measure, effective July 1, 2025, has no binding requirements beyond voluntary community participation.

Maddy summarySF 152 creates a Wildfire Management Task Force to study wildfire impacts on state lands, local fire agencies, and communities. The task force, including legislative members, state officials, and industry representatives, must report by October 2025 with recommendations for future legislation. The bill also updates the state forester’s duties to include managing fire control programs on state lands, pre-positioning resources during high-risk periods, and setting standards for privately contracted fire services. It appropriates $50,000 total ($25,000 each for legislative and non-legislative members) to fund the task force, which will operate until December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act (HB 207) protects individuals and religious organizations from government actions that interfere with their religious practices, unless the government proves it has a compelling reason and uses the least restrictive approach possible. It defines government interference as denying benefits, imposing penalties, excluding from programs, or blocking access to facilities, and requires strict justification for such actions. People affected by these government actions can challenge them in court to seek remedies like injunctions, compensation, or other relief. The law applies to all state and local laws, rules, and policies, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 147 prohibits all Wyoming state and local government entities - including state agencies, schools, universities, counties, and cities - from implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, activities, or policies. It defines "institutional discrimination" as concepts like claiming inherent superiority based on race or requiring individuals to acknowledge guilt based on their race, and bans governmental entities from requiring attendance at related trainings. The bill mandates that all affected entities comply by July 1, 2025, including creating necessary rules. It directly affects all public institutions in Wyoming that receive state funding or operate under state authority.