This bill replaces Wyoming's current preference point system for ram bighorn sheep and antlered moose hunting licenses with a weighted bonus points system. Under the new system, applicants would earn points based on factors like residency duration or prior hunting history, which would increase their chances in random draws for these licenses. It removes the existing preference point drawing process for these species and requires the wildlife commission to create specific rules for calculating the weighted points. The change directly affects hunters applying for these two specific big game licenses, aiming to adjust how license allocation is prioritized.
This bill clarifies that multipurpose vehicles (like SUVs or vans used for personal and light commercial purposes) are eligible for existing special license plate programs in Wyoming. It amends multiple statutes to explicitly include "multipurpose vehicle" alongside passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles in the list of qualifying vehicle types for special plates. This affects owners or lessees of multipurpose vehicles seeking special plates for veterans, firefighters, University of Wyoming affiliation, or other designated groups, ensuring they can apply for these plates without eligibility confusion. The change does not create new plate types but updates current rules to include these vehicles.
Wyoming's SF 175 reduces the maximum duration of unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 20 weeks for eligible claimants. The bill amends sections 27-3-304 and 27-3-316(c)(ii) to lower the weekly benefit calculation cap from 26 to 20 times a claimant's weekly benefit amount, and reduces extended benefits from 13 to 6.5 times the weekly amount. It also renames the "Unemployment Insurance Commission" to the "Unemployment Reemployment Insurance Commission" and appropriates $18,000 for system updates. The changes apply to all claims filed on or after January 1, 2026.
HB 134 prohibits state and federal funds from being used by public entities - including government agencies, schools, universities, and local governments - to sponsor or contribute to events deemed "sexually explicit." It defines such events as those depicting nudity or sexual conduct (excluding age-appropriate sex education) and establishes a process where specific entities (e.g., school boards or the governor) must determine if an event qualifies within 30 days. If funds were improperly used, recipients must repay the money within 20 business days, with appeals allowed through a formal hearing process. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 131 prohibits the use of drop boxes for returning absentee ballots in Wyoming. The bill amends state election law to require voters to mail or hand-deliver absentee ballots directly to county clerks, banning all receptacles designed for ballot collection outside these methods. It directly affects voters and election officials by eliminating a common alternative to postal delivery for absentee voting. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 273, the "Wyoming Pregnancy Center Autonomy and Rights of Expression (CARE) Act," prohibits Wyoming state and local governments from enacting laws, rules, or policies that target pregnancy centers based on their opposition to abortion. It specifically bans requirements for centers to offer or refer for abortions, abortion-inducing drugs, contraception, or counseling favoring abortion. The bill defines "pregnancy center" as private nonprofits providing pregnancy support services (like counseling, ultrasounds, and adoption referrals) and establishes legal remedies for violations. It directly affects pregnancy centers across Wyoming by shielding them from government mandates conflicting with their mission. The bill is currently in the House Labor committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
Wyoming's SF 109 allows any student residing in a school district to enroll in any public school within that district starting with the 2026-2027 school year. Students living within a school's attendance area get priority, followed by those with siblings already enrolled at that school. School districts may deny enrollment only if a school lacks space at the requested grade level or if a student is suspended/expelled. Districts must publish open enrollment vacancies online every 12 weeks and report enrollment data to the state superintendent annually. This policy affects all K-12 students and school districts across Wyoming, without requiring new programs at individual schools.
This Wyoming bill (SF 71) affects individuals convicted of causing death while driving illegally (aggravated homicide by vehicle under W.S. 31-5-233). It prohibits these individuals from obtaining an ignition interlock restricted license until they complete the full license revocation period required by law. The bill amends existing law to ensure that such drivers cannot access restricted licenses early, requiring full compliance with revocation terms first. It applies to all relevant convictions occurring before, on, or after its effective date of July 1, 2025.
HB 148 increases the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees from 12 to 19 members, with 14 voting trustees (7 appointed by the governor and 7 elected by voters) and 5 nonvoting ex officio members (including the governor, university president, and education officials). The bill establishes elections for the 7 elected trustees every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, requiring at least one elected trustee per designated district. It specifies that appointed trustees serve six-year terms after 2026, replaces outdated provisions, and clarifies vacancy procedures for elected members. This directly affects how the university's governing board is selected, shifting part of the process from gubernatorial appointment to voter elections.
Wyoming's HB 224 restricts land ownership by "foreign adversaries" (defined as entities or individuals linked to Russia, China, terrorism-designated countries, or specific international sanctions lists) in all Wyoming real property, except for personal residences under one acre. Owners must register with the Homeland Security office within 60 days of acquisition or July 1, 2025 (whichever is later), and update annually. Failure to register incurs a $5,000 daily civil penalty, and county clerks must report violations to Homeland Security. The law also requires tax assessment notices to inform property owners about the ownership restrictions and registration requirements.
HB 63, the "Working Animal Protection Act," prevents Wyoming counties and cities from banning or unduly restricting the use of "working animals" in lawful commerce or animal enterprises. It directly affects local governments by overriding conflicting ordinances, though it allows zoning, health, and safety rules to remain in place. The bill defines "working animals" as non-food animals used for duties like ranching, transportation, or tourism (excluding cattle, chickens, or other food/fiber animals). It becomes effective July 1, 2025.
This Wyoming bill (SF 116) creates new criminal offenses for money laundering and illegal investments. It defines money laundering as knowingly handling property derived from crime (like cash from theft or fraud) or structuring transactions to evade reporting rules. The law imposes penalties of up to 10 years in prison or $10,000 fines for these offenses, effective July 2025. It directly affects individuals, businesses, and financial institutions involved in transactions that conceal criminal proceeds or bypass required reporting. The bill updates Wyoming's criminal code to align with federal anti-money laundering standards.
