Sen. Jared Olsen

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 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 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 SF 113 requires county clerks to conduct hand counts of election ballots for the 2026 primary and general elections. Specifically, counties must physically examine approximately 5% of ballots for one federal race, one statewide race (selected by the state secretary of state), and all legislative races on the ballot. The hand count results must be compared to electronic tabulation results within nine days of the county canvass, with any discrepancies reported to the secretary of state. This bill directly affects county election officials who will implement the hand count audits. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with reports due by May 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill (SF 55) amends regulations for Special Purpose Depository Institutions (SPDIs) - financial institutions that handle specific types of deposits, like those for government entities or nonprofits. It increases minimum capital requirements ($5 million), shortens the timeframe for SPDIs to begin operations from 6 months to 1 year, and creates a new "resolution fund" funded by supervisory fees to address failures. SPDIs must pay annual fees based on assets, with a portion deposited into this fund for resolution costs. The bill also revises application rules, appeal processes, and repeals outdated contingency account requirements for SPDIs.

Maddy summarySF 54 establishes a formal process for special purpose depository institutions (SPDIs) to convert into state banks and for state banks to convert into SPDIs. It requires institutions seeking conversion to submit detailed plans for handling assets and liabilities, obtain shareholder approval, and meet capital requirements before applying to the banking commissioner. The commissioner must review applications within 90 days and issue a certificate of authority for operation within 30 days of approval, with strict deadlines for denials or corrections. This bill directly affects SPDIs and state banks wishing to change their charter status under Wyoming law.

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 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 summaryThis bill regulates kratom products sold in Wyoming by banning certain types and requiring specific labeling. It prohibits selling kratom products containing more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, designed to appeal to children (like candy-shaped products), or intended for vaporization. Retailers must label products with full ingredients, age restrictions (under 21), health warnings about potential addiction and medication interactions, and precise dosage information. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, with repeat offenses risking business injunctions. The bill directly affects kratom retailers and consumers, particularly minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the expiration date (sunset) for Wyoming's property tax exemption that benefits long-term homeowners, making the exemption permanent. It directly affects homeowners who have owned their primary residence in Wyoming for a specified period, typically 10 or more years under existing law. The key provision removes the scheduled end date for this tax break, ensuring eligible homeowners continue to receive the exemption without needing future legislative action. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies statewide to qualifying properties.