Wyoming's HB 247 amends the state's broadband development program by updating the definition of "unserved area" to reflect current technology standards. It requires the Wyoming Business Council to revise the definition by July 2022, raising the minimum broadband speed thresholds from 25 Mbps download/1 Mbps upload to higher speeds appropriate for prevailing technology. This change directly affects which rural and underserved areas qualify for state broadband funding under the program. The bill modifies eligibility criteria through rulemaking authority rather than creating new funding or programs.
HB 116 requires vehicle manufacturers in Wyoming to pay new dealers for labor and parts costs related to vehicle preparation, warranties, and incentives within 30 days of claim approval. If a claim isn't denied in writing within 30 days, it's automatically approved. Manufacturers may audit claims for up to one year (or four years if fraud is suspected) to correct errors but cannot delay payment beyond the 30-day deadline. The bill directly affects new vehicle dealers and manufacturers, taking effect July 1, 2019.
HB 159 expands Wyoming's state self-insurance program to cover liability claims against volunteer reserve peace officers. It directly affects part-time and reserve officers employed by entities like the Wyoming State Board of Outfitters, the University of Wyoming, or local governments. The bill adds a new provision requiring the state self-insurance account to cover up to $20,000 per claim for these officers, paid dollar-for-dollar with their employing organization. This change ensures volunteer reserve officers receive the same liability coverage as full-time officers under the state's existing self-insurance framework.
HB 291 allows local governments in Wyoming to restrict liquor licenses based on existing zoning rules but prohibits licensing authorities from adding extra restrictions beyond what the law already permits. It directly affects businesses seeking or renewing alcohol licenses and local officials managing licensing decisions. The law prevents authorities from imposing additional conditions (like special fees or location limits) that aren't already specified in state law. The bill took effect on July 1, 2019.
HB 219 allows alcohol manufacturers in Wyoming to obtain catering permits, which previously they could not hold under state law. This change directly affects alcohol manufacturers who want to sell beverages at off-site events like meetings, conventions, or private dinners. The bill amends existing laws to permit manufacturers with specific licenses to apply for these catering permits, while requiring sales to occur only at the event location (not off-premises) and excluding closed-container sales at nonprofit auctions. The key provision removes a prior restriction preventing manufacturers from holding catering permits, effective July 1, 2019.
HB 49 requires that any unspent or uncommitted general funds allocated to Wyoming's Division of Forestry at the end of a two-year budget cycle (biennium) must automatically transfer to the state's Emergency Fire Suppression Account. This directly affects the Division of Forestry's budget management, ensuring unused funds are redirected to wildfire response efforts rather than remaining in the forestry account. The bill amends state law to mandate this reversion process, overriding previous provisions about fund handling. It became effective July 1, 2019, creating a concrete policy change for state fund allocation.
HB 90 allows current Wyoming community college police officers to choose between two retirement plans. It amends the law to include them under the "law enforcement officer" definition, enabling them to switch to the law enforcement retirement plan starting July 1, 2019. Officers had until April 30, 2019, to elect this change in writing to the Wyoming Retirement Board, with no option to reverse the decision. Service credit from prior retirement plans would not count toward the new law enforcement plan.
HJ 8 is a Wyoming legislative resolution urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment to regulate political spending. It argues that corporations should not have the same constitutional rights as natural persons regarding election funding, based on Wyoming's constitution. The resolution does not create new laws but asks Congress to clarify that states can regulate campaign contributions and expenditures. Introduced in 2019, it was referred to a committee but remains a non-binding request.
This bill removes a legal barrier that previously prevented illegitimate children from inheriting from their parents under Wyoming's estate laws. It amends the definition of "child" in the estate code to include illegitimate children (aligning them with adopted children), repealing the prior exclusion. The change applies to all probate cases filed on or after July 1, 2019, ensuring illegitimate children have equal inheritance rights to legitimate children. It directly affects illegitimate children in Wyoming who now inherit under the same rules as other children.
Wyoming's HB 228 requires the Department of Transportation and Game and Fish Department to study wildlife-vehicle collisions on highways and wildlife deaths along specific railroad corridors (near U.S. Highway 30). The bill mandates collecting data on accident locations, injuries, animal deaths, and injury locations from 2019-2023, then creating priority maps and lists of high-risk areas. It appropriates $5 million for wildlife safety projects like signage, crossings, and fences on identified highways, with projects requiring local matching funds (5-30% depending on the entity). This directly affects drivers, wildlife conservation efforts, and communities along Wyoming highways and railroads, focusing on reducing collisions through data-driven infrastructure improvements.
HB 265 modifies Wyoming's property offense laws by raising the value threshold for felony charges from $1,000 to $2,000 for theft, shoplifting, property destruction, and related crimes. This means offenses involving property valued between $1,000 and $2,000 will now be classified as high misdemeanors (with penalties up to 1 year in jail and $5,000 fines) instead of felonies. The bill also doubles the maximum civil penalty for shoplifting from $1,000 to $2,000 per incident. These changes directly affect individuals committing property crimes in Wyoming, particularly those involving items valued under $2,000. The law updates sentencing classifications and penalties to better align with property values.
Wyoming's HB 175 revises the state's Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association Act to clarify coverage rules and financial responsibilities. It creates new definitions (like "covered policy" and "member insurer"), sets a $5 million annual premium cap for multiple non-group life insurance policies owned by one person, and updates eligibility requirements for policyholders based on residency and insurer domicile. The bill directly affects licensed insurers operating in Wyoming, policyholders with multiple high-value policies, and health maintenance organizations. Key changes include clearer limits on the association's financial obligations and revised procedures for assessing member insurers.
