HB 214 allows owners of commercial trailers to permanently register their trailers for a one-time $350 fee instead of paying annual registration fees. This applies to trailers qualifying as commercial vehicles under existing law (defined in W.S. 31-1-101(a)(i)). The bill repeals previous weight restrictions on permanent trailer registrations and exempts permanently registered trailers from annual fees, with the $350 fee split 50/50 between county treasurers and the highway fund. It affects commercial trailer owners who choose this registration option, requiring them to display a distinct permanent license plate and prohibiting transfer of the registration to new owners upon sale.
HB 201 requires Wyoming's State Auditor to publish detailed vendor payment information on the auditor's public website. It mandates posting, within 30 days of payment, the date, vendor name, state agency, total amount, and payment description for all payments made over the previous five fiscal years. This applies to all state payments made on or after July 1, 2024, directly affecting state agencies and vendors receiving public funds. The bill aims to increase transparency by making vendor payment data accessible for public inspection and download.
HB 132 bans public school teachers, administrators, and state employees from teaching or using public funds for instruction on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin. It prohibits lessons that claim any group is inherently superior/inferior, blame individuals for past actions of their group, or label people as inherently racist or oppressive - except when teaching historical oppression or using approved primary sources. The bill allows private lawsuits against violators and imposes civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation for schools or state agencies. It also prohibits public employers from requiring training on these concepts and exempts sexual harassment training. The law directly affects K-12 educators, school districts, and state agencies using public funds for instruction or employee training.
HB 162 changes Wyoming law to require public hearings for most appointments of public officers, professionals, or employees by local government bodies (like city councils or county commissions). It removes the option for these bodies to hold private "executive sessions" when making such appointments, unless the employee themselves requests a private hearing. The law applies to all agency appointments made on or after July 1, 2024, and mandates that decisions be made in open meetings. This directly affects how local governments handle hiring, employment, and disciplinary actions for public staff.
HB 172 designates Wyoming State Highway 24 in Crook County as the "Purple Heart Memorial Trail." The bill requires the Wyoming Department of Transportation to install appropriate signage identifying this highway segment, in compliance with federal and state laws. This ceremonial bill has no policy changes or financial impact - it simply establishes a named route for commemorative purposes and takes effect immediately upon enactment.
HB 171 requires anyone proposing to exchange state-owned land (including private individuals, governments, or agencies) to submit a formal application with land valuation documentation to Wyoming's Board of Land Commissioners. The board must then post online public notice about each proposed exchange, including how to comment, until a final decision is made. This applies to all land exchange proposals starting July 1, 2024, and mandates the board to create implementing rules. The bill increases transparency by ensuring public access to exchange details before any transaction occurs.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to add a right to privacy in Wyoming's state constitution. It would insert Article 1, Section 40 stating: "The right of individual privacy is essential to the well-being of a free society and shall not be infringed." If approved by voters, this would enshrine a privacy right directly affecting all Wyoming residents by limiting government actions that infringe on personal privacy. The proposal is currently in the introduction stage and requires voter approval at the next general election to become part of the state constitution.
HB 219 requires Wyoming corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) to file annual reports with the Secretary of State by the first day of their registration month each year. These reports must include current details on the business's Wyoming capital, property, and assets, certified under penalty of perjury, and include a license fee of either $60 or 0.0002% of reported value (whichever is greater). The bill affects all Wyoming-organized corporations, foreign corporations operating in Wyoming (excluding banks/insurance), and all Wyoming LLCs. It takes effect for reports filed on or after July 1, 2024, with the Secretary of State tasked with creating implementing rules.
HB 205 creates a new legal framework for cities, towns, and counties in Wyoming to enter into development agreements with property owners. The bill requires these agreements to lock in existing zoning, building codes, and land use rules at the time of signing - meaning future changes to those rules won't override the agreement. Key provisions include specifying agreement duration, permitted land uses, building height limits, public facility requirements, and construction timelines. It also ensures agreements remain enforceable even if local land use plans change, and sets conditions for annexation of unincorporated land. This directly affects local governments, developers, and property owners by stabilizing development terms during project planning.
HB 206 requires criminal background checks for all personnel directly involved in Wyoming's horse racing and pari-mutuel betting events. It specifically applies to roles like jockeys, trainers, mutuel employees, grooms, farriers, and others with access to restricted areas or wagering systems. The bill mandates that these individuals submit fingerprints for checks through the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation before working at events. This policy aims to prevent individuals with criminal histories from participating in regulated betting activities, as defined by the Wyoming Gaming Commission's rules.
HB 183 prohibits foreign governments, businesses, or individuals (defined as citizens of Russia, China, state sponsors of terrorism, or countries under specific arms regulations) from owning most land in Wyoming, allowing only personal residences under one acre. It requires existing foreign owners to sell their land by July 2026 (unless for a qualifying personal residence) and mandates annual registration with the Secretary of State for all foreign land ownership, including personal residences. Owners who fail to register face daily civil penalties of $5,000, and county clerks must report violations to the Attorney General for enforcement, which may include court-ordered forfeiture and sale of the land. The bill also requires tax assessment notices to inform owners about the foreign ownership restrictions and registration requirements.
HB 199 modifies Wyoming's absentee ballot processing rules. It allows absentee ballots postmarked by election day but received before the county canvassing board meets to be counted, instead of being rejected if received after 7:00 p.m. election day. The bill also changes the deadline for county canvassing boards to convene, requiring them to meet no later than the first Friday after the election. These changes directly affect voters who mail ballots late but have valid postmarks and county election officials handling ballot processing. The law takes effect July 1, 2024.
