HB 257 requires written consent from surface landowners (who are not the mining operator or mineral owner) before any revisions to mining permits or reclamation plans can be approved by Wyoming's environmental agencies. The bill specifically applies to all mining permits except surface coal mining permits and affects landowners who lease or own land where mining occurs but do not operate the mine. Key provisions mandate that operators must obtain this written landowner approval for any permit or reclamation plan changes, including boundary adjustments or operational modifications. The law became effective July 1, 2023, for all applications submitted after that date.
HB 233 allows emergency medical services providers to transport and treat injured police dogs during emergencies when no human patients require immediate ambulance transport. The bill specifies that providers may administer care like controlling bleeding, opening airways, or giving oxygen, and requires a law enforcement officer to accompany the dog during transport. It also grants immunity to EMS providers who act in good faith to aid police dogs, protecting them from civil liability for such actions. The law applies to police dogs owned or employed by law enforcement or corrections agencies (including search and rescue and fire dogs) and takes effect July 1, 2023.
Wyoming's HB 120 prohibits police from asking drivers or passengers to exit a vehicle during a traffic stop unless they have reasonable suspicion of a serious crime (punishable by jail), a search warrant, notification of an out-of-state crime, or immediate danger of bodily harm. The law directly affects drivers, passengers, and law enforcement officers during routine traffic stops. If officers violate this rule, any evidence found as a result cannot be used in court. The bill, which died in committee in 2023, would have taken effect July 1, 2023.
HB 243 simplifies how creditors (like banks) establish legal claims on vehicles financed through loans. It removes the requirement to use a security agreement to "perfect" (officially record) a security interest, instead allowing a financing statement or a new "transitional ownership document" to be submitted to the county clerk. This affects creditors and vehicle owners involved in secured loans, making the process faster and less paperwork-heavy. The bill, which died in committee in 2023, would have required filing the actual title within 90 days of using the transitional document to maintain validity.
HB 143 prohibits the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) from having jurisdiction in Wyoming. It explicitly states that requirements, mandates, or guidance from these organizations - such as mask, vaccine, or testing rules - cannot be enforced in the state or used to justify such mandates. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, and directly affects Wyoming residents and state/local authorities by blocking the use of federal or international health directives for public health enforcement. The bill creates a new statutory provision (W.S. 35-4-1001) to nullify CDC and WHO mandates within Wyoming's borders.
The Grace Smith Medical Freedom Act requires Wyoming health officials to grant waivers for K-12 students to skip school immunization requirements and mask mandates upon written request by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult. For immunizations, waivers must be approved within seven business days for religious or medical reasons (consistent with existing law), while mask mandate waivers must be granted within the same timeframe for any written request. The law applies to all public and private K-12 schools in Wyoming and becomes effective immediately upon enactment.
Wyoming's HB 210 creates a "restricted financial institution list" for banks that discriminate against energy companies without a valid business reason. It requires the state treasurer to maintain this list after board approval, providing 45 days' notice to institutions before listing them and allowing removal if they stop discriminatory practices. The state must then refuse to enter into banking contracts with institutions on the list, affecting state and local government financial relationships. This bill directly impacts financial institutions that target fossil fuel companies, with definitions clarifying "discrimination" includes refusing service based on energy sector activities. The policy change focuses on state contracting practices, not altering banking regulations for institutions.
This bill (SF 30) clarifies that beekeeping (apiculture) is explicitly considered an "agricultural purpose" for Wyoming property tax classification. It directly affects landowners and beekeepers who use land for beekeeping operations, ensuring such land qualifies for agricultural tax treatment. The bill amends Wyoming's tax code by adding "apiculture" to the list of defined agricultural land uses under Section 39-13-101. This change took effect July 1, 2023, aligning tax treatment with the agricultural use of beekeeping.
HB 178 authorizes Wyoming's Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources to host revenue-generating events (like weddings, concerts, or corporate gatherings) on specific state land parcels in Teton County, subject to approval by the Board of Land Commissioners. The bill limits each parcel to five event sites, requires temporary structures to be dismantled after use, and mandates that all event revenues be deposited into the common school account within the permanent land income fund. It appropriates $3 million for implementation, including site assessments, business planning, and securing concessionaires, with funds usable through June 2026. The law also requires the department and state lands office to develop implementing rules.
Wyoming's HB 252 allows propane dealers to fill or refill propane containers during emergencies declared by the governor, overriding other laws to comply with federal relief from transportation regulations. It directly affects propane dealers, container owners, and users during declared emergencies, such as severe weather or supply disruptions. Key provisions include shielding both container owners (if they authorize filling) and fillers from liability for injuries caused by the filling action itself. The bill does not require dealers or owners to fill containers but provides legal protection when they do during emergencies. It takes effect immediately upon becoming law.
Wyoming's SF 163 requires voters to declare or change their political party affiliation before the first day nominations for primary elections can be filed. This applies specifically to voters seeking a partisan primary ballot, moving the deadline earlier than current practice. Voters must submit a signed application to the county clerk before the nomination filing deadline, rather than changing affiliation later. The bill does not affect nonpartisan ballots or general election voting procedures. It becomes effective immediately upon enactment.
HB 197, the "Defend the Guard Act," would have prohibited the Wyoming National Guard from being deployed into active duty combat unless the U.S. Congress officially declared war or took specific constitutional action under Article I, Section 8, Clause 15. It defines "active duty combat" as participation in armed conflicts, hazardous services related to conflicts abroad, or duties involving "instrumentality of war." The bill allows domestic deployments under Title 32 for civil authority missions within the U.S. but blocks combat deployments without explicit congressional authorization. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and did not become law.
