HB 46, the "Homeschool Freedom Act," removes a requirement for homeschooling families in Wyoming to submit their annual curriculum to local school boards. It eliminates the provision that treated failure to submit a curriculum as proof the program didn't meet state educational standards. The bill directly affects homeschooling parents and guardians by reducing administrative burdens related to curriculum reporting. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter the requirement that homeschool programs meet basic academic standards.
HB 97 requires county clerks to report all real estate transactions (including sales, leases, and mineral rights) within 5 miles of designated critical infrastructure zones to homeland security agencies. This affects property buyers/sellers in those areas and county clerks who must submit these reports. The law enables investigations to determine if such transactions involve foreign adversaries (as defined by federal regulations) or threaten national/state security. It repeals prior requirements for counties to maintain lists of critical infrastructure zones. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 5 requires outfitters and professional fishing guides who provide paid fishing services to register their boats, vehicles, and trailers with Wyoming's Game and Fish Commission. The bill mandates an annual fee and display of a registration sticker for each registered item, with the Commission setting limits on boat numbers in waterways to protect fisheries. It directly affects commercial fishing guides and outfitters by adding a registration requirement for their operational equipment. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and establishes rules for tracking boat usage through public meetings and Commission rulemaking.
This bill requires Wyoming law enforcement agencies to accept all reasonable reports of missing persons without delay, unless specific exceptions apply (such as knowing the person's location, confirming their safety, or verifying they are not a Wyoming resident). It mandates that reports be entered into state and national databases within 8 hours and requires agencies to compile detailed records - including photos - after 30 days, forwarding them to the attorney general and criminal investigation division. The law affects all Wyoming law enforcement agencies and ensures consistent handling of missing persons cases, improving data sharing for investigations. It also updates a related law to allow public sharing of missing person information to aid recovery efforts.
HB 181 updates rules for prepaid funeral contracts in Wyoming. It allows funeral homes to invest buyer funds in special trust accounts (compliant with existing laws) instead of requiring direct deposits in banks, while clarifying that investment earnings benefit the seller, not the buyer. The bill requires sellers to notify buyers about investment types and risks, and specifies that contracts become irrevocable once funds enter the trust. It also ensures that bond requirements for these funds won’t exceed existing minimums. This directly affects funeral homes selling prepaid services and their buyers.
Wyoming's SF 77 prohibits state and local governments from requiring employees or contractors to use another person's preferred pronouns as a condition of employment, contracts, grants, or other government benefits. It directly affects government workers, contractors, and individuals receiving state services who might face such requirements. The bill allows affected individuals to file lawsuits seeking injunctions, damages, or attorney fees if their rights are violated. This policy change prevents government entities from mandating pronoun usage, focusing on preventing compelled speech in official interactions.
This bill (SF 75) clarifies how county coroners handle property found on deceased individuals when no personal representative or next of kin claims it. It requires coroners to release low-value personal items ($50 or less) or essential items to next of kin, but if unclaimed after a reasonable time, the property must be sold at public auction or through county-approved methods. Proceeds first cover burial expenses as specified in the law, with any remaining funds deposited into the county’s general fund. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects coroners, counties, and families of unclaimed decedents.
Wyoming's SF 61 clarifies that carbon dioxide (CO₂) is not considered pollution for the purpose of a property tax exemption. The bill amends a tax code section to explicitly exclude CO₂ from the definition of pollution that qualifies for the exemption, which applies to property used for controlling air, water, or land pollution. This change affects property owners who previously might have claimed tax exemptions for CO₂-related pollution control systems, now making those systems ineligible. The exemption remains available for other pollution control methods, and the Department of Revenue must create rules to implement the change, effective January 1, 2026.
This bill clarifies that park rangers, superintendents, and assistant superintendents at Wyoming state parks, recreation areas, historic sites, and archeological sites are defined as "peace officers" under state law. It specifies they may exercise authority within these sites or assist other law enforcement officers when requested. The change applies to all such personnel who have completed required training under Wyoming Statute 9-1-701 through 9-1-707. This update ensures clear legal authority for park staff to perform their duties and collaborate with other officers without expanding existing powers.
Wyoming's SF 98 requires candidates for school board trustee to have their political party affiliation printed on general election ballots. This applies directly to school board trustee candidates and modifies ballot requirements for nonpartisan offices. The bill mandates the Secretary of State to create implementing rules and takes effect July 1, 2025. It does not change election rules for other offices but specifically adds party labels to school board candidate ballots.
Wyoming's SF 23 expands who can approve handicap placards by adding advanced practice registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, and optometrists to the list of healthcare providers authorized to issue the required letters for applicants. This directly affects individuals with disabilities needing placards, as they can now seek approval from a wider range of licensed medical professionals. The bill modifies existing law to include these providers in the eligibility criteria, ensuring their letters meet the same requirements as physician approvals. It does not change the placard display rules or expiration process but streamlines the application pathway by broadening provider options. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.
HB 82 sets clear timelines for health insurers to process provider credentialing applications. Insurers must notify applicants within 7 days of receiving an application and complete the review within 60 days (pausing if applications are incomplete), with written outcomes required. It mandates reimbursement for covered services starting from when the application was received, if a provider becomes credentialed before services are provided. Dental and vision insurers are exempt from using a uniform application form. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to all health insurance carriers in Wyoming.
