HB 266 requires Wyoming's legislature to approve any refugee resettlement plan before it takes effect, replacing the previous process of submitting plans directly to federal authorities. The governor must submit detailed plans by April 1, 2023, outlining how the state will support refugees' self-sufficiency, provide language/employment services, handle unaccompanied minors, address medical needs, and detail funding sources. A legislative committee will review the plans, hold public hearings, and recommend actions to the full legislature. This bill directly affects state agencies and the governor's office by adding legislative oversight to federal refugee resettlement programs.
HJ 9 proposes a constitutional amendment to adjust Wyoming's timeline for legislative redistricting after the federal census. Currently, the legislature must complete redistricting by December 10 following census data. The amendment would allow the legislature to set a new deadline, enabling primary elections to be held in May with runoff elections if needed. If redistricting is required, the legislature would still need to convene a special session of up to 10 days. This amendment must be approved by voters to take effect.
HB 115 reorganizes Wyoming's election administration by designating the state canvassing board (led by the secretary of state) as the central authority responsible for overseeing elections statewide. It directly affects county clerks, who will now operate under the board's supervision, and voters, whose felony conviction status will be verified through the board's electronic voter registration system instead of county-level processes. Key provisions include defining the "state canvassing board" in statute, requiring the board to maintain election law uniformity, and streamlining voter registration checks for felony convictions without requiring fingerprints or fees. The bill amends over 40 election code sections to centralize these responsibilities but was not advanced beyond introduction in 2023.
HB 205 prohibits K-12 public school educators and state employees from using public funds to teach or require training on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans instruction claiming any group is inherently superior/inferior, that individuals should be discriminated against based on identity, or that people are inherently racist due to their background. Exceptions allow teaching historical oppression or using primary sources in approved curricula. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident, private lawsuits for damages, or disciplinary action against educators. The bill is pending in Wyoming's legislature (introduced January 2023, not yet considered for debate).
HB 237, the "Beer Freedom Act," repeals Wyoming's excise tax on malt beverages (beer), which was $0.005 per liter. This change directly affects beer wholesalers, retailers, and consumers by eliminating the tax on beer sales within the state. The bill amends specific statutes (W.S. 12-3-101(a), 12-2-201(c), and others) to remove the tax requirement, meaning no tax will be collected or reported on beer. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2023, and does not impact taxes on wine or distilled spirits.
Wyoming's HB 224 prohibits state government and election officials from accepting private money for conducting elections. The bill requires all election costs to be paid with public funds, with exceptions only for food provided during election training/education or for poll workers on election day. Officials violating this prohibition face felony charges punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. Federal funds for elections remain permitted under the bill. It becomes effective July 1, 2023.
HB 162 allows Wyoming counties to voluntarily impose an excise tax on high-value real estate sales to fund affordable housing. Specifically, counties must first get voter approval (via petition or resolution) to tax sales exceeding $1.5 million at a 1% rate, with all revenue dedicated exclusively to local affordable housing projects for low/moderate-income households. The bill requires counties to define "affordable housing" based on local income standards and exempts common transfers like spousal gifts, deeds correcting prior records, and property transfers under $1.5 million. It does not mandate the tax but creates a framework for counties to adopt it through democratic processes.
HB 206 requires Wyoming's Department of Administration to establish and operate a free certified child care facility within the state capitol complex for eligible state employees. The facility will serve children of employees from the executive branch, judiciary, and legislature, with no cost to the employees. The bill mandates the Department of Administration to either run the facility directly or contract with certified providers, while also requiring the department to submit a budget request for funding by July 2024. It amends existing laws to define key terms and specifies that the facility must comply with state child care certification standards. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.
HB 273 amends Wyoming's game and fish trespass law to require that a person must "knowingly" enter private property to hunt, fish, collect antlers, or trap without permission for it to be a violation. This change clarifies that accidental or unintentional entry does not constitute a trespass under this statute. The bill directly affects hunters, anglers, and trappers who might enter private land without authorization, ensuring the law applies only to intentional violations. It does not change penalties or create new regulations, merely specifying the required mental state for the offense. The amendment becomes effective July 1, 2023.
HB 258 establishes licensing for denturists in Wyoming, allowing them to make and fit dentures under specific rules. It requires denturists to graduate from accredited programs (like those approved by the National Denturist Association) and limits their work to dental laboratory tasks directed by a licensed dentist. The bill also adds a denturist position to the state dental board and specifies that denturist students performing work as part of their training are exempt. This directly affects denturists seeking licensure, dentists overseeing their work, and patients receiving denture services.
HB 149 creates new criminal offenses for assault, threats of violence, and battery against healthcare workers while requiring healthcare facilities to implement safety measures. It establishes misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine) for first offenses and felony penalties (up to 3 years jail or $1,000 fine) for repeat offenses against workers performing their duties. Healthcare facilities must post clear anti-violence signs (18x18 inches, English, visible locations) and develop workplace violence prevention plans including staff training. The law directly affects healthcare workers, facilities, and anyone committing violence against them during work duties. The Wyoming Department of Health must also create public resources on prevention strategies and best practices.
HB 187 prohibits male students from competing on teams designated for female students in Wyoming public and private schools that compete against public schools. It defines "sex" as biological sex at birth and requires schools to designate teams as male-only, female-only, or coed. The bill also establishes a process for the state board of education to determine eligibility exceptions for students seeking to participate on teams inconsistent with their sex assigned at birth, based on physical characteristics and other factors. This provision is contingent on court rulings invalidating prior related laws, as specified in the bill. The law directly affects K-12 students and school athletic programs across Wyoming.
