Sen. Stephan Pappas

Maddy summaryWyoming's SJ 9 is a joint resolution urging Congress to protect the state's access to federal public lands while ensuring local communities have a say in land management decisions. It opposes broad or indiscriminate sales of public lands and demands federal agencies respect Wyoming's existing land-use plans, county-level input, and multiple-use frameworks that support recreation, agriculture, hunting, fishing, and resource development. The resolution also calls for funding to streamline efficient land exchanges under current laws when they benefit local communities and public access, without advocating for specific policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 145 replaces multiple existing fees for electric vehicles with a single per-kilowatt-hour tax on electricity used to power them. It reduces the annual decal fee for plug-in hybrid vehicles from $200 to $100 and sets a $200 annual fee for all-electric vehicles (previously subject to overlapping taxes). The bill allows EV owners to receive refunds for electricity purchased for vehicle use and requires clear display of the new electricity-based tax. This directly affects Wyoming residents who own electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles by eliminating "triple taxation" on their vehicles and shifting the tax burden to electricity usage.

Maddy summarySF 95 authorizes Wyoming's Department of Motor Vehicles to partner with third-party organizations (like businesses or community centers) to provide specific driver's license and motor vehicle services, such as written and driving tests. The bill creates a "Motor Vehicle Division Partner Program" requiring the department to establish rules for third-party provider qualifications, training, background checks, and monitoring to ensure service quality and security. It specifies that these third parties are not considered government entities and must follow all federal and state laws. The program aims to expand service access points while maintaining regulatory oversight through defined standards and fee structures. (Effective July 1, 2026.)

Maddy summarySF 107 creates a statewide electronic system for processing motor vehicle registrations and license plates in Wyoming. The Department of Transportation must implement this system by July 1, 2028, to handle all registration transactions (like renewals and transfers), plate issuance, and fee processing for registration, specialty plates, and sales taxes. County treasurers are required to use this system for their vehicle registration duties instead of older methods, and the state may charge a $5 transaction fee to cover system costs. The bill also mandates electronic record-sharing between counties and the state, with development part of replacing the existing revenue system.

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 summaryWyoming's SF 72 creates the "Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact," enabling teachers licensed in one participating state to more easily obtain licensure in another member state. The bill directly affects teachers seeking employment across state lines, particularly military spouses relocating due to service. Key provisions establish a streamlined process for recognizing out-of-state licenses, require states to share disciplinary information, and remove barriers to hiring qualified educators. It does not apply to ongoing licensing requirements after initial placement. The compact aims to simplify mobility while maintaining each state's authority over teacher regulation.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Wyoming's zoning protest rules to make it easier for neighbors to block certain property changes. It lowers the required vote from city councils to approve zoning changes from three-quarters (3/4) to two-thirds (2/3) when a protest meets specific owner thresholds. To trigger this lower vote requirement, protesters must either own 33%+ of the affected lots or represent 33%+ of adjacent property owners within 300 feet (not counting streets). The change applies to zoning decisions made on or after July 1, 2026. This directly affects property owners near proposed zoning changes who wish to challenge them through the protest process.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 140 allows building owners or contractors to hire licensed architects, engineers, or ICC-certified third-party inspectors (not involved in the project's design or construction) to perform most building permit inspections, rather than relying solely on local building departments. Owners must notify the local authority in writing before inspections (via email or online systems), provide the inspector's details, and share inspection reports electronically within deadlines. Third-party inspectors must carry $1 million in liability insurance and cannot conduct final inspections required for certificate of occupancy, which remains the local authority's responsibility. This bill directly affects construction project owners, contractors, and local building departments in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 96 clarifies that tobacco wholesalers cannot sell nicotine products to anyone under 21. It extends tobacco taxation to cigars and pipe tobacco, setting a maximum tax rate of 20% or $0.30 per cigar, and requires remote sellers (online retailers) to obtain a license and pay this tax on sales to Wyoming consumers. The bill also defines key terms like "remote retail sale" (online orders with delivery) and "wholesaler" to clarify who must comply. This directly affects tobacco wholesalers, remote online sellers, and consumers purchasing cigars or pipe tobacco in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryHB 67 expands Wyoming's property tax exemption to include additional veterans and military members. It provides a property tax break for honorably discharged veterans who served 18+ consecutive months in U.S. armed forces or Wyoming National Guard, active/reserve Wyoming National Guard members, and surviving spouses/parents of qualifying veterans. The exemption applies only to Wyoming residents who have lived in the state for at least three years (with one year immediately before applying). The changes take effect for taxes due in 2026.