SF 7 amends Wyoming's protection order laws for victims of domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual assault. Key changes include extending the time to set a hearing from 72 hours to 10 days, allowing protection orders to be served by mail to respondents, and clarifying who can file petitions (victims, prosecutors, or authorized representatives for minors/vulnerable adults). The bill also specifies that orders remain effective during incarceration, pausing the expiration clock but keeping conditions in place, with extensions requiring proof of ongoing danger. These updates aim to streamline the process for victims and courts while ensuring timely legal protections.
This Wyoming bill (SF 8) ensures protection orders related to stalking, sexual assault, and domestic violence remain active while an appeal or review is pending. It directly affects victims of these crimes and the courts handling their cases by requiring orders to stay in effect unless a court specifically orders a temporary pause (a "stay"). The key provision amends two state laws (W.S. 7-3-510 and W.S. 35-21-106) to clarify that orders don't automatically expire during legal challenges. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
This bill allows public school districts in Wyoming to equip non-school-bus vehicles used for student transportation (e.g., vans or shuttles for field trips or after-school activities) with flashing white and amber lights. It specifically amends vehicle lighting laws to authorize these lights for such vehicles, distinguishing them from standard school buses. The change applies immediately upon enactment and directly affects school districts managing student transport outside of traditional school bus operations.
Wyoming's SF 64 is a state policy resolution opposing a federal rule requiring electronic ear tags for livestock. It states Wyoming's position that the state will continue using traditional identification methods (like brands, ear tags, and tattoos) under existing law, rather than adopting mandatory electronic devices. The bill requires state and local veterinarians to inform livestock producers about these traditional options and clarifies that Wyoming livestock buyers in other states would be responsible for electronic tagging if required there. This bill does not change Wyoming's current identification rules but formally rejects the federal mandate as unnecessary and costly.
SF 130 expands Wyoming’s existing civil immunity for emergency responders to include mental health crises. It protects licensed healthcare providers, volunteer ambulance/rescue staff (earning under $1,000 annually or per call), hospitals, and trainees who provide emergency mental health assistance in good faith. The immunity applies to acts or omissions during mental health emergencies but excludes gross negligence or willful misconduct. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, and aligns mental health crisis response with existing emergency medical service protections.
SF 151 amends Wyoming's rules for distributing monthly ad valorem taxes collected from mineral production. It requires county treasurers to distribute these taxes by the 10th day of the following month, except for taxes collected after final reconciliation. Crucially, it prohibits distributing taxes to government entities that don't levy taxes under specific statutes (W.S. 39-13-104(k)), and mandates holding such taxes until reconciliation is complete. This bill directly affects county treasurers and local governments receiving mineral tax revenue, effective July 1, 2025.
HB 42 requires all surgical abortion facilities in Wyoming to obtain a separate license as an ambulatory surgical center, with facilities performing three or more first-trimester abortions monthly or one or more second/third-trimester abortions annually subject to this rule. It mandates that physicians performing surgical abortions must be state-licensed, have hospital admitting privileges within 10 miles of the facility, and report each procedure to the health department. Violations carry penalties: misdemeanor fines up to $1,000 per day for unlicensed facilities, and felony charges (1-14 years imprisonment) for unlicensed providers performing abortions. The bill defines "surgical abortion" as procedures using instruments or devices to terminate pregnancy with intent to cause fetal death, excluding exceptions like ectopic pregnancy treatment or miscarriage care.
SF 143 allows Wyoming state funds to be deposited in credit unions that meet specific requirements, directly affecting the state treasurer, government entities managing public money, and qualifying credit unions. The bill amends state law to require credit unions seeking to hold state funds to apply through the board of deposits, provide financial statements, and maintain security like bonds or mortgages. Credit unions must submit annual financial updates and notify the state if facing regulatory action. This change expands where public funds can be held beyond traditional banks, while maintaining oversight through the state’s board of deposits.
HB 39 clarifies eligibility rules for Wyoming's property tax refund program, affecting homeowners seeking refunds on taxes paid for their principal residence. It specifies that qualifying households must have total income not exceeding 165% or 145% of their county's median income (depending on the county) and total household assets under $150,000 per adult member (adjusted annually for cost of living). Applicants must verify income using federal tax returns or other department-approved methods. Counties may also choose to implement additional local refund programs under these updated guidelines.
This bill repeals Wyoming's "budget reserve account" and changes how excess state funds are managed. Instead of holding surplus general fund money in this account, it requires transferring unobligated balances above a set amount directly to the "legislative stabilization reserve account" at the end of each biennium. The bill also removes outdated references to the repealed account from state statutes and adds reporting requirements. This is a procedural budget adjustment affecting state financial management, not specific programs or services.
HB 226 creates special "Search and Rescue" license plates for Wyoming residents registering non-commercial vehicles. Owners pay a $100 one-time eligibility fee (waiving the first year's $25 annual fee) and can donate additional voluntary amounts. All fees and donations go directly to the state's Search and Rescue Account under Homeland Security, managed per existing law. The plates must feature Wyoming's bucking horse and rider symbol and will stop production if fewer than 1,000 sets are issued by 2032. This program directly affects vehicle owners who choose to participate in funding search and rescue services.
HB 172 repeals restrictions on concealed weapons in specific public spaces, allowing permit holders to carry guns in government meetings, school athletic events on public property, and school facilities (like classrooms and offices). It also strengthens Wyoming’s state law by preventing local governments from regulating firearms, declaring that only the state legislature can set rules for guns, ammunition, and weapons. The bill includes exceptions for health facilities, explosive materials, and private property rules, and adds penalties for blocking someone from entering permitted areas. School districts must establish training rules for employees carrying concealed weapons, requiring 16 hours of initial training and annual 12-hour recertification.
