HB 115 requires blood donation centers to ask donors if they've received a COVID-19 or mRNA vaccine during their lifetime. Blood from vaccinated donors must be clearly labeled, and in non-emergency situations, transfusion recipients can request blood based on the donor's vaccination status if available. The bill applies to blood collectors, donation centers, and patients receiving transfusions. It takes effect July 1, 2024.
HB 107 requires Wyoming's Department of Transportation to downgrade a commercial driver's license (CDL) if a driver fails to provide a current federal medical certificate within 60 days after it expires. The bill mandates that the department must reinstate the CDL without requiring the driver to retake knowledge or driving tests once they provide a valid medical certificate before the original CDL's expiration date. This applies directly to commercial drivers who temporarily lack medical certification. The law takes effect July 1, 2024, and requires the department to create necessary implementing rules.
HB 195, the "Defend the Guard Act," prohibits the Wyoming National Guard from being deployed into active duty combat unless the U.S. Congress has officially declared war or taken specific constitutional action under Article I, Section 8. It defines "active duty combat" as participating in armed conflicts, hazardous services related to conflicts abroad, or duties involving war instruments. The bill requires the governor to prevent such deployments without these congressional actions, while allowing Title 32 deployments for domestic missions within the U.S. and its territories. This law directly affects Wyoming National Guard members and their deployment authority, taking effect July 1, 2024.
HB 160, the "Protect Firearms Rights Act," prohibits Wyoming state and local governments from implementing or enforcing extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), which are court orders restricting firearm access for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. The bill directly affects Wyoming residents who might otherwise be subject to such orders, while explicitly excluding existing protection orders (e.g., domestic violence orders) and mental health hospitalization orders from this prohibition. Key provisions include preempting conflicting local laws, banning state/local use of funds or personnel to enforce ERPOs, and defining ERPOs to exclude specific existing legal mechanisms. The law takes effect July 1, 2024, and is currently in the introduction stage (received February 12, 2024).
HB 178, the Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act, would prevent state government from restricting religious practices unless it proves the restriction is necessary for a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive option. It applies to individuals, businesses, and religious groups whose religious exercise is burdened by government actions like denying permits, benefits, or access to facilities. Those affected could sue in court to challenge such restrictions. The bill explicitly states it does not override laws protecting public health, safety, or order.
HB 97 modifies Wyoming's eviction law (forcible entry and detainer actions) to require a judge-only trial when a landlord (plaintiff) waives all claims for money owed, such as unpaid rent or damages. This applies to cases filed on or after July 1, 2024, directly affecting landlords who choose to pursue only the return of property without seeking monetary compensation. The bill mandates that if a plaintiff waives monetary restitution, the court must deny any jury trial demand and proceed with a bench trial. This change streamlines the process for landlords focused solely on regaining possession, removing the option for jury trials in these specific scenarios.
HB 159 prohibits unauthorized fees for advising on veterans benefits, directly affecting veterans seeking benefits and third-party advisors (like claim assistants). The bill requires written fee agreements meeting federal standards, mandates clear disclosures that free government services exist (including Wyoming Military Department and county agencies), and bans guarantees of specific benefit outcomes or pre-disagreement fees. It also prohibits excessive fees and requires advertising disclosures about free alternatives. Violations are treated as deceptive trade practices under Wyoming law.
HB 189 requires electric utilities (excluding cooperatives) to purchase electricity from natural gas power plants that would otherwise close, provided the plant owner offers to sell power. It establishes "avoided cost" pricing - what the utility would pay to generate or buy equivalent power - as the basis for these sales, and allows the utility commission to set this price in advance. Large commercial customers (over 1 megawatt demand) in the utility’s service area may receive power from these plants, but must also continue buying partial service from the utility to prevent rate increases for other customers. The bill aims to extend the operational life of retiring natural gas facilities by creating a market for their electricity, directly affecting utilities, plant owners, and eligible commercial customers.
HB 161 amends Wyoming law to change how vacancies in county commissioner seats, other county elected offices, and state legislature positions are filled. If a county board fails to appoint a replacement within the required timeframe, a qualified voter can petition the district judge to fill the vacancy. The judge must appoint one of three qualified candidates submitted by the county central committee, or, if the committee fails to provide names, a person from the same political party as the previous officeholder (or any qualified person if no party was represented). This process applies to all affected offices starting July 1, 2024.
HB 187 amends Wyoming's rules for historic horse racing permits, directly affecting racetracks and gambling facilities seeking simulcast wagering licenses. It sets minimum requirements: each live racing day must include at least six races with six horses per race, and permits are limited to no more than 50 electronic betting devices per qualifying racing day. Facilities failing to meet the required racing days in a year must reduce their betting devices by 50 for each day short in the following year. The bill also requires permits to have at least 20 betting devices and aims to balance economic viability with fair access for all stakeholders. It takes effect July 1, 2024.
HB 188 creates a centralized online system for government notices in Wyoming, replacing newspaper publication for most public and legal notices. It requires all governmental entities (including state agencies, counties, cities, school districts, and special districts) to post required notices on this system starting January 1, 2030, instead of in newspapers. The system must preserve notices for seven years, allow public subscriptions for alerts, and charge a $10 fee per notice to cover operational costs. This change eliminates the need for government entities to designate newspapers for notice publication after 2030.
HB 123 repeals mandatory immunization requirements for children attending child care facilities (such as daycares and preschools) in Wyoming. The bill removes existing laws requiring immunizations for enrollment at these facilities, effective July 1, 2024. Current requirements will remain in place until that date, after which child care facilities cannot enforce immunization mandates. This change specifically applies to child care settings and does not affect immunization rules for public schools or other health regulations.
