HB 75 requires Wyoming's political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and school districts) to hold bond elections only on days when a primary or general election is scheduled, aligning bond votes with existing statewide election cycles. Exceptions allow bond elections on specific dates in May or August for natural disasters or emergencies, with the secretary of state mandated to create emergency rules by July 1, 2022. The bill also requires local governments to provide 110 days' written notice of bond elections to the county clerk, detailing bond purposes and terms. This change directly affects how local entities schedule and conduct bond elections for projects like infrastructure or public facilities.
Wyoming's HB 58 requires all public high school students to pass a civics exam to graduate, using the same test used for U.S. citizenship (minimum 60% score). The bill mandates that schools teach the U.S. Constitution (including the Bill of Rights), Wyoming's constitution, and American ideals from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students graduating in 2022-2023 or later must pass this specific exam as a graduation requirement. The law affects all Wyoming public high school students and takes effect July 1, 2022.
HB 130 requires biennial salary adjustments for most full-time state employees in Wyoming, including those working for state agencies, the University of Wyoming, and community colleges, but excluding elected officials. The adjustments are based on a three-year average of Wyoming's cost-of-living index, applying to salaries up to $80,000, with a minimum of 0% and maximum of 3% per adjustment. The first adjustment takes effect July 1, 2024, and will occur every even-numbered year after. The bill also directs school districts to consider these same cost-of-living adjustments when calculating external cost adjustments for school funding.
Wyoming's HB 133, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act-2," prohibits state officials from enforcing federal laws or actions that the state deems unconstitutional restrictions on firearm ownership within Wyoming. It directly affects Wyoming residents (defined as legally present citizens without certain disqualifications) and state officials who might otherwise comply with federal gun regulations. Key provisions include allowing citizens to sue officials for enforcing such federal actions and establishing that Wyoming retains authority to regulate firearms under state law and the Second Amendment. The bill asserts state sovereignty by declaring federal actions that infringe on firearm rights - like data collection or possession restrictions - unconstitutional within Wyoming's borders.
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Wyoming's legislature to reimburse students for non-public school education costs, but only for students aged 6-21 who are otherwise eligible for public school. The amendment would permit reimbursement up to the cost of public education in Wyoming, excluding expenses for out-of-state education, non-K-12 schooling, or education for students ineligible for public school. It does not require the legislature to fund such reimbursements, nor does it authorize payments exceeding public school costs. The proposal must be approved by Wyoming voters to become part of the state constitution.
HB 57 allows residents and taxpayers to take local government entities to court if they fail to file required financial reports with the Wyoming Department of Audit. Specifically, a person who lives in the affected area or paid taxes/fees to the local government in the past year can file a lawsuit to compel compliance. If the court rules in the citizen's favor, they are entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees. The law became effective July 1, 2022.
HB 113 imposes an annual tax on Wyoming businesses providing digital asset custodial services. It requires corporations, LLCs, statutory trusts, and statutory foundations (excluding banks) to pay $0.0002 for every $1 of digital assets they hold in custody, based on annual reports to the Secretary of State. The tax applies to entities engaging in "custodial services" as defined in Wyoming law, with banks subject to similar requirements under separate provisions. The tax revenue must be deposited into the Financial Institutions Administration account and becomes effective July 1, 2022.
HB 143, the "Wyoming Patient Cannabis Act of 2022," proposes a legal framework for medical cannabis in Wyoming. It would allow patients with qualifying conditions (like chronic pain, cancer, or multiple sclerosis) to access cannabis products through licensed dispensaries, with caregivers permitted to assist them. The bill establishes licensing for cultivation facilities, testing labs, and dispensaries under the Wyoming Department of Revenue Liquor Division, prohibits local governments from banning such operations, and defines medical cannabis products while banning synthetic marijuana prescriptions. This would be the first state-regulated medical cannabis program in Wyoming, affecting patients, caregivers, and licensed businesses.
HB 153 designates Wyoming Highway 258 (locally known as Wyoming Boulevard) as the "President Donald J. Trump Highway" with commemorative signage. The bill requires the state transportation department to install signs only using private donations - no state funds may be used - and mandates signage installation with city of Casper consultation. It became effective July 1, 2022, as a symbolic honorific measure with no substantive policy changes to transportation operations.
HB 104 amends Wyoming law to allow veterans with disabilities who hold a valid disabled veteran license plate to park in spaces reserved for handicapped persons. This directly affects veterans with disabilities who display such a plate on their vehicle. The bill requires identical signage for both groups and mandates that at least 2% of public parking spaces (minimum one space in lots of 10+) be reserved for these designated areas, with spaces needing to be accessible, near building entrances, and on level ground. The law became effective July 1, 2022.
HB 126 creates a new "conditional operating permit" for sports wagering companies in Wyoming that don't yet meet full regulatory requirements. To obtain this permit, entities must pay fees, submit financial details (including cash reserves and betting volume), pass background checks, and avoid endangering patrons or the industry. During the two-year permit period, companies must submit bi-weekly risk reports and quarterly financial updates to the Gaming Commission. After meeting requirements, they can apply for a full "sports wagering operator permit" (requiring a $60,000 fee) without needing to operate in three or more states, unlike standard qualified gaming entities. This bill directly affects sports betting companies seeking to operate in Wyoming under a phased regulatory path.
HB 50 would allow Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to apply for state and federal education grants as if they were local school districts, directly affecting BOCES and participating school districts. It requires approval from at least two school districts' boards before BOCES can apply for grants on their behalf, and participating districts would not be eligible to apply for the same grants individually. The bill also requires the state education department to treat BOCES as local education agencies for grant purposes and to create rules for the application process. This change aims to streamline grant access for rural or collaborative school systems without preventing non-participating districts from applying separately.
