Sen. Chris Rothfuss

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 120 creates "industrial sovereign zones" where natural gas producers and manufacturers can transform gas into new products (like hydrogen or ammonia) through substantial chemical changes. It provides tax exemptions for facilities in these zones, fast-track permitting for new manufacturing operations, and establishes a voluntary "gold standard" certification for products with low methane emissions (under 0.2%). The bill directly affects natural gas producers selling to these facilities and manufacturers building new processing plants within designated zones. Key provisions include streamlined licensing, tax breaks for machinery and gas sales, and certification standards to promote Wyoming-made products as distinct from raw fossil fuels.

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 The bill also revises application rules, appeal processes, and repeals outdated contingency account requirements for SPDIs.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 summaryHB 75 establishes licensing requirements for businesses operating virtual currency kiosks in Wyoming. It requires operators to either hold a Wyoming money transmitter license or be a licensed financial institution, prohibiting unlicensed operation. The bill creates penalties for violations, including up to 3 years in jail or a $10,000 fine, and directs the banking commissioner to create rules for kiosk operations. It takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting businesses seeking to offer virtual currency exchange services through physical kiosks in the state.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 104 creates a dedicated $51.2 million university faculty research project account at the University of Wyoming to fund faculty research. The bill requires universities to secure at least 1:1 nonstate matching funds for most projects (except graduate student stipends), which can cover equipment, donor-aligned research, or business-requested projects matching the university's strengths. Profits from funded research must be split equally between the university and faculty researchers, with annual reports required to state committees on project details and spending. This directly affects University of Wyoming faculty, graduate students receiving stipends (up to $1,500/month), and external donors or businesses partnering on research.

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 summaryThis bill creates a select committee on gaming within the Wyoming legislature to study gaming-related issues. The committee, composed of six legislators (three appointed by the Senate president and three by the House speaker, balanced by party representation), will examine gaming regulations, community impacts, and fiscal matters like taxes and revenue. It will gather input from local governments and stakeholders on topics including responsible gaming and problem gambling. The bill appropriates $34,000 for the committee's operations through June 2028, with the goal of producing recommendations for potential future legislation.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 19 allows schools to stock and administer epinephrine using auto-injectors, nasal sprays, or other FDA-approved devices for severe allergic reactions without requiring a student-specific prescription. It directly affects schools, school nurses, and trained staff by enabling them to provide emergency treatment to students experiencing anaphylaxis. The bill requires schools to develop allergy management guidelines, track incidents, and maintain records of trained personnel, while also providing liability protection for good-faith administration (excluding gross negligence). It updates definitions to include all approved epinephrine delivery methods and specifies that administering stock epinephrine does not constitute the practice of medicine.

Maddy summaryThis Wyoming bill prohibits state and local government agencies from using artificial intelligence to assign "social scores" based on personal behavior or characteristics, which could lead to unfair treatment (like denying services for unrelated reasons). It specifically bans AI systems from identifying individuals using biometric data (e.g., fingerprints, facial recognition) without consent, except for health data covered under HIPAA. The law applies broadly to all government entities - including counties, schools, and departments - excluding universities and certain health districts. It takes effect July 1, 2026.