HB 103 modifies Wyoming election rules for voters changing political party affiliation. It clarifies that voters can submit a written request to change or cancel their party affiliation at any time except during the prohibited period before primary elections. The bill specifies deadlines for submitting applications (filed with county clerks before primary nomination deadlines for primaries, or 14 days before general elections), and states that requesting a partisan primary ballot automatically declares current party affiliation. This affects all Wyoming voters who wish to change their party registration for upcoming elections.
Wyoming's SF 112 creates confidentiality protections for peer support counseling sessions involving law enforcement officers and emergency services personnel (including volunteers). The bill prohibits disclosure of all communications, notes, or records from these sessions - such as those addressing trauma from critical incidents - and explicitly excludes them from public records under Wyoming's disclosure laws. Exceptions include threats of suicide or criminal acts, required abuse reports, admissions of criminal conduct, or consented disclosures by participants or survivors. This policy directly affects peer support specialists, their teams, and the personnel they assist, ensuring sensitive discussions remain private unless specific safety exceptions apply.
HB 9 clarifies that Wyoming's juvenile courts have concurrent jurisdiction over cases involving adults aged 18 and older who are alleged to have committed criminal offenses while they were minors. The bill explicitly states that juvenile courts can handle these cases alongside adult criminal courts, applying to all criminal offenses committed before the person turned 18. This change ensures juvenile courts can address cases where the alleged offense occurred during minority, without requiring transfer to adult court. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.
This Wyoming bill (SF 100) automatically cancels property transfers to a former spouse in wills, trusts, or other estate plans upon divorce or annulment. It directly affects individuals who divorce and had designated their ex-spouse as beneficiary or fiduciary in legal documents. Key provisions include revoking all dispositions to the former spouse (including their relatives), severing joint property ownership into tenancies in common, and reviving these transfers if the divorced person remarries. The law applies to all existing and future wills and estate documents without requiring changes to the original documents. It does not impact third-party property buyers who relied on survivorship rights in good faith.
HB 11 allows current full-time Wyoming state park rangers to choose between the standard retirement plan and the law enforcement retirement plan under the Wyoming Retirement Act. It amends definitions to explicitly include full-time state park rangers as "law enforcement officers" for retirement benefits, making them eligible for disability and death benefits if injuries or deaths occur during duty. Rangers must elect their preferred plan by April 30, 2023, with no option to change the election after that date, effective July 1, 2023.
This is a ceremonial joint resolution (SJ 5) recognizing the U.S. Air Force's 75th anniversary. It formally commends the Air Force for its service, acknowledges Wyoming's historical ties to the military (including Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, the oldest continuously active base, and the Wyoming Air National Guard), and reaffirms the state's partnership with the Air Force. The resolution has no policy changes or funding impacts - it is purely symbolic, directing the Secretary of State to share it with federal officials, military leaders, and Air Force ROTC. As a procedural resolution, it does not affect any laws or regulations.
SF 116 (Wyoming) protects firearm manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations from most civil lawsuits related to their products. The bill grants immunity from liability in "qualified civil liability actions" (claims about criminal misuse of firearms), unless specific exceptions apply. Key exceptions include cases involving criminal convictions for illegal transfers, negligent sales, knowing violations of firearm laws, product defects causing injury when used as intended, or gross negligence. It directly affects manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations by limiting their civil liability for firearm-related incidents. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.
HB 81 updates Wyoming's Private Hospital Assessment Act to expand eligibility for hospital payment assistance. It adds healthcare providers affiliated with hospitals and psychiatric residential treatment facilities (owned/operated by hospitals) to the definition of "hospital services," allowing them to participate in the assessment program. The bill increases administrative fees, sets a maximum 1% annual assessment rate increase, and allocates $3.85 million from hospital assessments plus $3.85 million in federal funds for provider payments during FY2023-2024. These changes aim to align state Medicaid payments with federal requirements and ensure continued access to hospital services for Medicaid beneficiaries.
Wyoming's SF 123 allows children of active-duty military members to transfer between public schools within their school district at any time. To transfer, parents must provide proof they filed a discrimination complaint with a military base equal opportunity office. School districts may deny transfers only for lack of space at the requested grade level or if the student is suspended/expelled. Districts must report denials to the state superintendent within 10 days, and parents can seek review under Wyoming's administrative procedures. The bill directly affects military-connected students and school districts in Wyoming, effective July 1, 2023.
This bill allows Wyoming National Guard members serving on state active duty to be reimbursed for their personal medical insurance premiums. The reimbursement amount is capped at the daily cost of TRICARE Reserve Select (or its successor) multiplied by the number of days served. It authorizes $48,000 for a part-time position to administer the program and $55,000 in reimbursements, both expiring June 30, 2024. The policy directly affects Guard members who pay for their own health insurance while on state duty.
HB 118 directs 60% of Wyoming's fire insurance premium tax revenue to the volunteer firefighter, EMT, and search and rescue pension account, while 40% goes to a legislative reserve fund. It also appropriates $9 million from the state general fund directly to the pension account. The bill increases funding for these volunteer emergency responders' retirement benefits by changing tax distribution and adding new state money. It becomes effective July 1, 2023.
Wyoming's SF 32 prohibits using drones to photograph, deliver contraband, or bring weapons into prisons or correctional facilities. It directly affects individuals or entities attempting drone operations near these facilities, excluding authorized government, law enforcement, and emergency agency uses. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties (up to 1 year in jail or $2,000 fine) for contraband delivery, and felony penalties (up to 10 years or $10,000 fine) for weapon delivery. Prison officials may take reasonable actions to stop violations, with the Corrections Department required to create implementing rules.
