This is a procedural "Revisor's bill" (SF 70) that makes technical corrections to Wyoming's existing statutes. It amends 17 specific statute sections to fix errors, update outdated references, and remove obsolete provisions - such as correcting a typo in the definition of "works of art" (W.S. 16-6-801) or updating child welfare agency references (W.S. 14-2-308). The bill does not create new policies or affect any specific group; it simply ensures the legal code accurately reflects current law. This type of bill is routine and focuses solely on clarity, not policy change.
This bill prohibits the use of chemical abortion drugs (such as RU-486, mifepristone, and misoprostol) for abortions in Wyoming, affecting healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer these drugs. Exceptions include contraceptive use before pregnancy confirmation, treatment for natural miscarriages, and medical care for immediate physical threats to a woman's life (excluding mental health concerns or self-harm risks). Violating the ban would result in misdemeanor charges with penalties of up to six months in jail or a $9,000 fine. Women undergoing abortions with chemical drugs would not face criminal prosecution under this law.
Wyoming's SF 62, the Civics Transparency Act, requires all public K-12 school districts to publish an annual online list of instructional materials (including textbooks, videos, websites, and activities) on their district websites by July 1 each year. The bill also mandates specific civics instruction in fourth grade and beyond, covering Wyoming's suffrage history, constitutional principles, and anti-discrimination education. This affects every Wyoming public school district and impacts students, teachers, and parents by increasing visibility into classroom materials and curriculum content. The law took effect July 1, 2022, with lists required to remain online for at least one year.
This bill requires water and sewer districts serving 1,000 or more service connections to hold board member elections during statewide general elections starting January 1, 2024. It applies only to larger districts (those with 1,000+ connections), not smaller ones. The law aligns district elections with existing general election cycles to reduce administrative costs and voter confusion. Districts must adjust term lengths to maintain staggered board service periods as required by existing rules.
SF 84 creates refunds for Wyoming coal and oil/gas producers when federal royalty rates increase. Starting January 1, 2023, producers of coal (surface/underground) and oil/gas from federal land can apply annually for refunds equal to 75% of the increased federal royalty value they paid, after accounting for Wyoming’s share. The refund amount is capped at the producer’s total annual severance tax liability for that resource. Funds for these refunds come from a dedicated state account, with annual reporting to the legislature required.
Wyoming's SF 36 (Pharmacy Benefit Managers Act Enhancements) regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to ensure fair reimbursement for pharmacies. It requires PBMs to report quarterly on drug reimbursement appeals, prohibits retroactive claim denials or fees like point-of-sale charges, and mandates that pharmacies receive reimbursement at least equal to the national average drug cost (or wholesale cost if unavailable). The bill also bans PBMs from basing payments on patient outcomes without pharmacy agreement, prevents unfair network accreditation requirements, and protects pharmacies from sudden contract changes or retaliation. These provisions directly affect pharmacies and PBMs operating in Wyoming's healthcare system.
This Wyoming bill (SF 76) requires financial institutions (like banks and broker-dealers) to report suspected financial exploitation of vulnerable adults - defined as adults aged 18+ with impaired capacity - to the Department of Family Services within 5 business days. It mandates internal policies for staff to report exploitation and allows institutions to temporarily block transactions related to suspected cases for up to 30 days if requested by authorities. The bill also permits notifying third parties (e.g., family members) about suspected exploitation, unless the third party is suspected of exploitation themselves. These provisions directly affect vulnerable adults, financial institutions, and the Department of Family Services.
HB 9 clarifies that the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes can directly participate in Wyoming’s economic development programs without needing separate agreements. The bill amends existing laws (like the Wyoming Business Ready Community Program and Community Facilities Program) to explicitly include tribes as eligible applicants alongside cities, towns, and counties. It defines the "cooperative tribal governing body" as the joint council of these tribes, ensuring tribal participation continues in existing agreements. This change streamlines tribal access to grants and loans for projects like infrastructure, economic development, and community facilities, directly affecting tribal governments and their ability to apply for state funding.
HB 46 amends Wyoming's Partnership Challenge Loan Program to add new financing options for businesses. It creates "succession financing" (up to $500,000) to help businesses with ownership transitions after at least seven years of operation, and establishes "contract financing" (up to $200,000) using business contracts as collateral. The bill increases the bridge financing loan limit from $1 million to $2.5 million (or 50% of project cost, whichever is less) and prohibits new loan guarantees or guarantee participations after July 1, 2022. These changes directly affect Wyoming businesses seeking loans for succession planning, project financing, or contract-based liquidity, while updating program rules and reporting requirements.
SF 23 amends Wyoming’s nursing home administrator licensure laws to enhance oversight and safety standards. It requires criminal background checks for all applicants (via fingerprinting under W.S. 7-19-201), removes the ex officio health director position from the licensing board, and clarifies board membership to include specific professional backgrounds (e.g., licensed nurses, consumer representatives, nursing home operators). The bill authorizes the board to establish continuing education requirements for license renewal and sets July 1, 2022, as the effective date for most provisions. These changes directly affect nursing home administrators seeking or renewing their licenses in Wyoming.
This bill clarifies that Wyoming's Governmental Claims Act applies to government healthcare providers (like contract physicians, nurses, and dentists working in state institutions or county jails) only for claims of medical malpractice, not general negligence. It specifically amends statutes to replace "negligence" with "medical malpractice" in liability standards and ensures volunteer healthcare providers delivering services under state contracts are treated as public employees for liability purposes. The law applies to all cases occurring on or after July 1, 2022, and requires the state to defend providers against malpractice claims when they cooperate with specified procedures. This change narrows the scope of liability for government healthcare providers while maintaining existing claim processes.
SF 24 allows pharmacy technicians and interns in Wyoming to administer vaccines without requiring a licensed pharmacist to be physically present (removing the prior "direct supervision" requirement). The bill also requires these technicians to register with the state board if they administer vaccines, while explicitly stating they are not obligated to vaccinate children under 13 years old. Employers cannot discriminate against technicians who choose not to administer vaccines to minors. The Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy must create implementing rules by July 1, 2022, for this change to take effect.
