HB 189 prevents homeowners associations (HOAs) in Wyoming from banning political campaign signs on members' property. It directly affects HOA members and associations by requiring them to allow such signs indoors or outdoors, with specific exceptions. Key provisions allow HOAs to set reasonable rules for sign size (max 4x6 feet), placement (ground-mounted only), timing (90 days before primaries to 30 days after general elections), and to prohibit signs attached to vehicles or that threaten safety. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, and violations could result in misdemeanor penalties.
HB 231 modifies Wyoming's public defender funding formula by removing federal funds from the calculation of the state public defender budget. This means the 85% state share (determined by the total budget) will no longer include federal funds that the state receives. As a result, counties will pay a larger portion of the state's required contribution toward public defender services. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, altering how state and county funding responsibilities are determined.
Wyoming's SF 175 requires all public school districts, the University of Wyoming, and community colleges to adopt written policies prohibiting hazing. These policies must define hazing (as intentional acts causing harm or embarrassment for group membership), include reporting procedures (with anonymous options), specify consequences for violations, and protect against retaliation for reporting. The law mandates that school districts create these policies by July 1, 2024, with the state education department developing model guidelines by November 2023. It directly affects students, staff, and school communities by establishing clear standards to prevent hazing in educational settings.
Wyoming's HB 247 prohibits the intentional waste of edible portions from trophy game animals (like elk or deer) and bans possessing parts of wasted animals. It requires hunters to transport and properly care for carcasses within 48 hours of harvest, and forbids abandoning meat at processing plants for more than 45 days without agreement. Processing plants must report abandoned meat to wildlife authorities, and confiscated meat may be sold to cover storage costs after a conviction. The bill directly affects hunters and meat processing facilities, taking effect July 1, 2023.
HB 235 would have required Wyoming school district board trustees to be sworn in and begin serving their duties on the same day as their election, replacing the current requirement that allowed them until December 1st or within 10 days of notification. This change would directly affect newly elected or appointed school board members across all Wyoming school districts. The bill amended Wyoming Statute 21-3-106 to eliminate the existing deadline for taking the oath. The bill was introduced in January 2023 but died in committee in February 2023 and never became law.
This Wyoming bill grants the state a "right of first refusal" for property owners selling to the federal government. Property owners must notify the state (via the Director of State Lands) 45 days before selling to the U.S. or federal agencies, including the sale price. The state has 30 days to decide whether to purchase the property at the same price offered by the federal government, using existing funds. If purchased, the land becomes state property managed by the Board of Land Commissioners.
HB 212 establishes a new standing committee on federal review in Wyoming's legislature, directly affecting state lawmakers by creating a dedicated body to monitor federal actions. The committee must review all federal laws, regulations, and executive orders to assess whether they infringe on Wyoming's sovereignty or violate the U.S. Constitution's enumerated powers, without considering Supreme Court interpretations of those actions. This procedural bill creates a formal mechanism for the legislature to evaluate federal overreach and potentially sponsor related legislation, effective immediately upon enactment.
Wyoming's HJ 10 is a joint resolution asking Congress to propose a constitutional amendment requiring public identification of who funds political ads and limiting corporate spending in elections. It specifically seeks to allow states and Congress to identify the natural person sources behind campaign contributions and restrict or ban spending by corporations or non-human entities. The resolution exempts groups composed of natural persons that publicly disclose their members and donors. This is a symbolic request to Congress, not a law, and it died in committee without moving forward.
This bill repeals restrictions that previously prohibited concealed weapons in government meetings and legislative sessions. It allows Wyoming residents with valid concealed carry permits to carry concealed weapons in those locations, specifically in "any meeting of a governmental entity" and "any meeting of the legislature or a committee thereof." The State Building Commission must create implementing rules within 30 days of the bill's effective date. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law, removing existing prohibitions without additional conditions for permit holders.
HB 146 prohibits former Wyoming state legislators from engaging in lobbying for two years after leaving office, with exceptions for lobbying on their own behalf. The bill increases penalties for failing to register as a lobbyist, raising fines from $200 to $5,000 for violations. It applies to legislators leaving office on or after July 1, 2023, and requires registration for any lobbying activity covered under existing rules. The law aims to limit post-office lobbying by former legislators while strengthening registration requirements for all lobbyists.
SF 90 creates the Wyoming Property Tax Relief Authority to provide property tax loans to eligible homeowners. The authority, governed by a 5-member board appointed by the governor, will administer a loan program to help Wyoming residents with primary residences who face increased property tax burdens. Key provisions include authorizing the authority to borrow funds, issue bonds (not state obligations), and require assessment notices to inform homeowners about the loan program. All loan applications will be kept confidential under the Public Records Act.
HB 261 creates a new misdemeanor offense for disturbing peace in health care facilities, applying to individuals who cause unreasonably loud noise, use threatening or abusive language, or engage in violent actions with knowledge they will disturb others. The law specifically covers facilities including hospitals, clinics, and offices of licensed health care providers like doctors, dentists, and nurses. Violations carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail, a $750 fine, or both. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023, and defines "health care facility" per existing Wyoming law to include all licensed provider settings.
