SF 115 changes how people can challenge government agency decisions in court. It requires individuals to first use all agency-level appeals before seeking court review, specifies which district courts can handle these cases (based on where harm occurred or property is located), and explicitly excludes most public employment disputes from judicial review - unless the dispute involves a formal hearing or other law allows it. The law applies to agency actions taken on or after July 1, 2025. This bill directly affects citizens, businesses, and organizations seeking to contest agency decisions but does not alter substantive agency rules.
Wyoming's HB 171 amends the legal definition of "explicit sexual conduct" under the state's child exploitation statute (W.S. 6-4-303(a)(iii)). The bill specifically expands the definition to include acts like genital-genital contact, oral-genital contact, bestiality, masturbation, and lascivious exhibitions of genitals or breasts. This change directly affects how prosecutors define and prosecute cases involving the sexual exploitation of children in Wyoming. The amendment will take effect on July 1, 2025, strengthening the legal framework for addressing such crimes.
SF 164 adds three specific definitions to Wyoming's gaming laws related to pari-mutuel rodeo events. It defines "groom" (a person caring for rodeo animals), "rodeo contestant" (a competitor), and "rodeo stock contractor" (a person providing livestock). These definitions clarify who must obtain licenses and undergo background checks under the Wyoming Gaming Commission rules. The bill directly affects rodeo event staff, competitors, and livestock providers participating in events with betting. It takes effect July 1, 2025.
SF 27 expands Wyoming's National Guard referral program to include retired military service members and current military department employees as eligible for referral bonuses. The bill allows these individuals to refer new recruits by submitting contact information through a designated form, with bonuses paid only after the referred person completes enlistment. It clarifies definitions, such as requiring a "successful referral" to result in a new member joining the Guard, and specifies that recruits must already be Guard members before referring others. The program aims to boost recruitment through peer referrals while maintaining clear administrative rules. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
This bill requires individuals who file business documents with Wyoming's Secretary of State on behalf of multiple businesses for compensation (but aren't direct employees of those businesses) to register with the Secretary of State after filing 10 documents in a calendar year. To register, they must submit a notarized application with personal details, a state ID copy, and pay a $50 fee (non-refundable if withdrawn). Failure to register results in a $500 penalty per violation, and the Secretary of State must keep registration records confidential except for court orders or criminal investigations. The bill appropriates $100,000 to develop a filing system for this registration, with most provisions taking effect January 1, 2026.
SF 172 establishes Wyoming's participation in the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing physical therapists licensed in Wyoming to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill creates a framework for mutual recognition of licenses between member states, requiring criminal background checks for new applicants and enabling states to share disciplinary information through a centralized data system. This directly affects licensed physical therapists seeking to practice across state lines, particularly military spouses relocating with their families, and improves patient access to physical therapy services. The compact preserves each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety while streamlining licensure for therapists.
HB 282 establishes that for certain properties (like recently purchased residential real estate), the purchase price (acquisition value) is presumed correct for property tax assessment, unless proven otherwise. This directly affects property owners who recently bought land or buildings, as it shifts the burden to tax assessors to justify using a different value. The bill clarifies that sworn statements about acquisition value must remain confidential but can be used by county assessors and the state board of equalization to determine tax value, while maintaining privacy protections. It amends Wyoming's property tax code to formalize this presumption and update related definitions and procedures. The bill does not change tax rates but changes how property value is initially determined for tax purposes.
HB 307 amends Wyoming election law to regulate poll watchers, who are certified volunteers from political parties. The bill limits poll watchers to one per political party per polling place (with exceptions for multiple precincts), requires electronic certification to county clerks before voting begins, and specifies they may observe voter check-in, ballot counting, and polling place setup/shutdown without challenging voters or disrupting voting. It mandates polling places provide chairs for watchers and allows optional ID badges, while prohibiting removal for failure to schedule. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 173 modifies requirements for independent candidates running for partisan offices in Wyoming. It requires candidates to swear they are unaffiliated with major parties or not registered with one, increases the signature requirement from 2% to 5% of votes cast for the relevant office in the last general election, and extends the petition filing deadline from 70 to 81 days before the primary election. These changes directly affect independent candidates seeking statewide, county, or district offices. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
This Wyoming joint resolution (SJ 8) requests Congress to propose a constitutional amendment allowing states and Congress to establish reasonable limits on money spent to influence elections. It specifically seeks authority to distinguish between natural persons (individuals) and artificial entities like corporations, unions, or AI when setting these limits. The resolution argues that current Supreme Court interpretations equating unlimited spending with free speech undermine political equality, election integrity, and local representation. It does not create new laws but formally asks Congress to initiate a constitutional amendment process to address these concerns.
This is a ceremonial resolution (SJ 7) passed by the Wyoming Legislature to recognize the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) on its 50th anniversary in 2025. It commends NCSL for its role in supporting state legislatures and fostering bipartisan cooperation, as detailed in the resolution's preamble. The resolution directs Wyoming's Secretary of State to send copies to Wyoming's Congressional delegation and NCSL's leadership. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups or policies.
HB 190 requires local governments (like cities or counties) to submit proposed bond election questions to Wyoming's Secretary of State for review and approval at least 130 days before a vote. The Secretary must approve or modify the wording to ensure it clearly states the bond's purpose, maximum amount, repayment term, and interest rate at least 120 days before the election. This change aims to standardize how bond questions are worded for voters, ensuring transparency about what projects or funding are being voted on. The bill does not change funding levels or create new bonds, only the process for how election questions are written and approved.
