HB 177 removes the requirement for prosecutors to consent before defendants can join court-supervised treatment programs in Wyoming. Previously, defendants needed agreement from the prosecutor, judge, and program team; this bill now requires only the judge and defendant's consent, plus program team acceptance. The change applies to all criminal cases filed on or after July 1, 2019, streamlining access to treatment options. This policy shift does not alter prosecutors' authority in charging or prosecuting cases, only the process for program enrollment.
This bill allows private buyers to purchase retiring Wyoming coal-fired power plants without becoming regulated public utilities, while requiring utilities to make good-faith efforts to sell such plants before retirement. It prevents utilities from recovering costs for replacement facilities unless the commission determines they attempted to sell the retiring plant and received no reasonable offers. The Public Service Commission must approve all sale agreements and evaluate offers based on cost savings, risk reduction, and public interest - not potential lost utility revenues. It directly affects Wyoming utilities owning retiring coal plants, potential private buyers, and the commission overseeing approvals.
SF 9 exempts fire protection districts and water and sewer districts in Wyoming from the requirement to undergo an annual financial audit under the Uniform Municipal Fiscal Procedures Act. Previously, these districts were mandated to have an annual audit by a certified public accountant, but this bill removes that specific obligation. The districts must still comply with other financial oversight provisions, such as those outlined in Wyoming Statute 9-1-507(a)(iii). The exemption takes effect immediately upon the bill's enactment.
HB 194 requires Wyoming Medicaid to cover air ambulance transport services for all residents, addressing the high costs (up to $75,000) that often cause financial hardship. It mandates a capped copay (up to 20% of costs for non-Medicaid-eligible residents) and creates an "air ambulance coverage account" funded by insurer assessments. The bill also requires state agencies to cover air ambulance services through Medicaid, with claims processed retroactively within 90 days. This policy directly affects Wyoming residents needing emergency air transport and aims to prevent bankruptcy from unaffordable medical bills.
Wyoming's HB 99 designates the fourth Saturday in September each year as "Public Lands Day" to recognize the importance of public lands for the state's economy, open spaces, wildlife, and recreation. The bill requires the governor to issue a proclamation by September 1 each year encouraging public and school observances, though it does not mandate school closures or affect business operations. Public schools may hold appropriate events, but the designation has no impact on commercial agreements, court proceedings, or government office hours. This is a ceremonial observance with no new regulations or funding, effective July 1, 2019.
HB 199 allows Wyoming school districts to enter direct agreements for virtual instruction without state regulation. It permits one district to hire a teacher from another district to teach students remotely, provided the agreement specifies compensation, requires the teacher to be employed by the teaching district, and ensures courses align with state academic standards. This bill exempts these specific agreements from standard virtual education oversight rules. It directly affects school districts seeking cross-district virtual learning partnerships and became effective July 1, 2019.
Wyoming's HB 171 legalizes hemp production and processing by setting a 0.3% THC limit (on a dry weight basis) for hemp and hemp products. It requires licenses for producers and processors (with background checks and $500 annual fees), while allowing unrestricted possession and use of hemp products by all residents. The bill establishes enforcement through annual inspections, corrective action plans for violations, and misdemeanor penalties for intentional breaches. It also mandates a state regulatory plan, authorizes tribal agreements, and repeals conflicting laws.
HB 125 increases filing fees for probate cases in Wyoming district courts from $50 to $75 and for civil cases from $85 to $110. It specifies that $25 of the civil filing fee funds court automation and $10 supports indigent civil legal services, with the remaining amounts covering court operations. This bill directly affects individuals and organizations filing probate or civil cases in Wyoming district courts. The fee changes took effect on July 1, 2019.
HB 59 modifies Wyoming's legislative constituent service allowance by creating a new reimbursement option for lawmakers. Instead of the standard $750 quarterly allowance, legislators can choose to receive up to $1,500 per quarter for actual mileage and lodging expenses incurred while serving constituents. Reimbursement requires submitting verified claims 14 days before quarter-end (or within 7 days after) with itemized details. This change affects all Wyoming state legislators and takes effect July 1, 2019.
HB 297 requires Wyoming school districts to implement a reading screening program for all kindergarten through third-grade students, including early checks for dyslexia and other reading difficulties. It mandates annual reporting on student progress toward an 85% goal for third graders reading at grade level, with schools failing to meet this target required to submit improvement plans addressing staffing ratios and evidence-based interventions. The law also directs the state superintendent to create supporting rules and provide direct assistance to schools developing these plans. This bill directly affects K-3 students, school districts, and educators by establishing standardized assessment, intervention, and accountability measures for early literacy.
HB 180 modifies Wyoming's mixed martial arts (MMA) regulation by updating bond requirements and inspector duties. It requires promoters to submit a verified, good-faith estimate of match expenses (based on similar venues) to secure a bond, replacing the prior $10,000 cap. The bill also clarifies that inspectors and deputy inspectors must verify rule compliance at all profit-based matches, report ticket sales and proceeds to the board, and may be compensated from fees in the MMA board account. These changes directly affect MMA promoters, clubs, and organizations seeking licenses, as well as county-appointed inspectors. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
HB 212 allows microbreweries and wineries in Wyoming to hold both their existing permits and a manufacturer's license simultaneously. This changes existing rules by removing restrictions that previously prevented these small producers from owning both license types, specifically exempting them from Section 12-5-401's ownership rules. The bill directly affects microbrewery and winery owners who wish to expand production or retail operations under a single business structure, effective July 1, 2019.
