HB 59 extends tuition assistance benefits for Wyoming National Guard members, allowing them to cover higher education costs in exchange for longer service commitments. It requires members to commit to six years of active service plus two additional years after completing their education, and permits transferring unused benefits to spouses or dependents if the member agrees to serve four more years. Payments cover tuition and mandatory fees (up to 100% of costs, combining with federal aid if used), paid directly to educational institutions after enrollment verification. The bill affects current and future Guard members, their spouses, and dependents who meet residency and service requirements.
Wyoming's HB 67 creates a special decal for honorably discharged women veterans to attach to their existing veteran license plates. It directly affects eligible Wyoming women veterans who already qualify for veteran plates, requiring them to submit proof of service and gender to apply. The decal must be placed in the lower left corner of the plate, with a $5 administrative fee per vehicle, and the program became effective July 1, 2023. This is a recognition measure, not a new plate type, and does not alter existing veteran plate eligibility requirements.
Wyoming's SF 144 prohibits physicians and health care providers from performing or prescribing certain medical procedures related to gender transition for children under 18. The bill bans surgeries like hysterectomy or orchiectomy, mastectomies, and specific drugs that suppress puberty or alter hormone levels, with an exception for children with certain genetic disorders of sex development. It also prohibits health insurance from covering these procedures for minors and states that violating this law can lead to license suspension or revocation for medical professionals. The law applies to insurance policies issued after July 1, 2023, and takes effect on that date for medical procedures.
HB 190 creates a select committee to coordinate Wyoming's energy and industrial development projects, directly affecting state government (legislature and governor) and future project developers seeking state support. The bill establishes a committee with 6 members (3 from each chamber, including committee chairs) to review project proposals and task force recommendations, requiring a November 2023 report to relevant committees. Key provisions include authorizing task forces to study specific projects like natural gas export facilities, manufacturing plants, and market access strategies for Wyoming's energy resources. The committee may also draft new legislation to advance these projects, focusing on maximizing public benefits through coordinated state efforts.
This bill appropriates $10 million from Wyoming's general fund to the Department of Transportation for school crosswalk improvements and pedestrian bridge projects on state highways and local roads (cities, towns, counties) through June 2028. It requires funds to be used only for specific locations: crosswalks in school zones with reduced speed limits, adjacent to school facilities, or identified in local transportation plans, with improvements covering signage, signals, lighting, or new pedestrian bridges/underpasses. Priority for funding is given to crosswalks where fatalities or injuries occurred within the past two years, followed by other identified needs. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2028, with no more than 2% of funds allowed for administrative costs.
This bill amends Wyoming's Safe School and Climate Act to clarify and update school district requirements for addressing bullying. It requires all public school districts (K-12) to adopt policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying by students, staff, or volunteers, including specific provisions for anonymous reporting procedures and consequences. The bill mandates that districts involve parents, students, and staff in policy development, incorporate the policy into staff training, and provide annual reviews. The Department of Education must create model policies and offer training to support districts, with the law effective July 1, 2023.
Wyoming's SJ 11 is a joint resolution requesting Congress to call a state-led convention to propose constitutional amendments. It specifically seeks changes to restrain federal spending, limit federal government power, and impose term limits on federal officials and Congress. The resolution includes specific rules for the convention, such as prohibiting consideration of changes to the Bill of Rights and requiring one state, one vote. This is a procedural request (not a law) from Wyoming's legislature to Congress, aiming to build state support for a constitutional convention under Article V.
Wyoming's SF 159 requires companies seeking state contracts to certify they do not engage in "economic boycotts" as defined by the bill. This directly affects businesses bidding on state government contracts (e.g., for goods or services) by mandating written verification that they avoid specific actions, such as refusing to work with fossil fuel, agriculture, or firearms companies, or opposing certain environmental standards. Key provisions include defining "economic boycott" broadly to cover actions targeting industries or policies related to energy, firearms, environmental goals, or abortion access, and requiring contractors to certify compliance annually. The law would apply to all state agencies, universities, and local governments entering contracts, with limited exceptions. If enacted, it would alter how Wyoming selects vendors for state-funded projects.
This bill increases state funding for the University of Wyoming's transportation technology transfer center program by appropriating $300,000 annually from the general fund. It requires counties to contribute $25,000 to $31,250 each year (depending on federal funding), with at least $150,000 of county funds designated specifically for the program's gravel road inventory initiative. The program provides training for county and municipal employees on transportation technology, administered by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. The funding applies to all Wyoming counties and directly supports local road maintenance and technology adoption efforts.
HB 3 clarifies that Wyoming's state department, not local counties, is responsible for valuing and assessing property owned by independent power producers (like electricity generators and transmission facilities) for property tax purposes. The bill requires the state to share this valuation information confidentially with the county assessor where the property is located, but only for the county to review the valuation. County assessors must sign a confidentiality agreement before receiving this information, and the state must keep all valuation details protected. This bill directly affects independent power producers and county tax officials by changing who handles property tax assessments for these facilities.
This Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 2) commemorates Wyoming's former U.S. Senator and Governor Lester C. Hunt, honoring his public service career, advocacy for social programs, and courageous opposition to McCarthyism during the 1950s. It includes the Wyoming Legislature's commitments to uphold civility, respect, and collaborative problem-solving among legislators, and to address issues contributing to suicide. The resolution has no policy changes or direct impact on the public - it is purely symbolic recognition of Hunt's legacy and a pledge for legislative conduct.
Wyoming's SF 172 requires state investment managers and trustees to consider **only financial factors** when managing state funds, such as retirement systems and government accounts. It prohibits considering social, political, or environmental goals (like climate action, diversity initiatives, or gun industry divestment) as part of investment decisions. The bill mandates that investment entities and their fiduciaries provide written commitments to follow this rule, restricts proxy voting to outside advisors who comply, and requires annual public reporting of voting records. This directly affects the Wyoming Retirement System, state treasurer, and all investment managers handling state funds.
