This is a procedural "Revisor's bill" (SF 70) that makes technical corrections to Wyoming's existing statutes. It amends 17 specific statute sections to fix errors, update outdated references, and remove obsolete provisions - such as correcting a typo in the definition of "works of art" (W.S. 16-6-801) or updating child welfare agency references (W.S. 14-2-308). The bill does not create new policies or affect any specific group; it simply ensures the legal code accurately reflects current law. This type of bill is routine and focuses solely on clarity, not policy change.
This bill prohibits the use of chemical abortion drugs (such as RU-486, mifepristone, and misoprostol) for abortions in Wyoming, affecting healthcare providers who prescribe, dispense, or administer these drugs. Exceptions include contraceptive use before pregnancy confirmation, treatment for natural miscarriages, and medical care for immediate physical threats to a woman's life (excluding mental health concerns or self-harm risks). Violating the ban would result in misdemeanor charges with penalties of up to six months in jail or a $9,000 fine. Women undergoing abortions with chemical drugs would not face criminal prosecution under this law.
HB 54 authorizes Wyoming's Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources to lease state lands for recreational use and sell permits allowing public access to these areas. The bill establishes a system where funds from permit sales must be used for operations and maintenance of leased recreational sites, and permits may include restrictions like per-person or vehicle limits. It also allows the department to lease concessions (such as boat rentals or cabins) on leased lands under specific terms. The bill directly affects state parks management and recreational users who purchase permits or use concession services on state lands. This legislation modifies existing statutes (W.S. 36-4-103, 36-4-104, etc.) to clarify and expand the department's authority for managing recreational lands.
HB 1 is Wyoming's two-year state budget bill for fiscal years 2022-2024, appropriating $84.55 million to fund state agencies and programs. It directly affects all state departments and offices receiving funding, including the Governor's Office, Homeland Security, and Natural Resources, by allocating specific sums for their operations and programs. Key provisions include $1.25 million for infrastructure grant efforts (with $650,000 effective immediately), requirements for reporting on grant outcomes, and defined budget categories for fund transfers and carryovers. The bill establishes spending limits, reporting requirements, and specific funding allocations for agencies without changing existing laws or creating new regulations.
HB 22 modifies Wyoming's tax exemption rules for industrial development projects. It requires developers of new industrial projects (initiated on or after July 1, 2022) to pay an annual fee instead of property taxes during the bond term. This fee must fully compensate state and local governments for 50% of the ad valorem taxes they would have collected. The fee is distributed to counties and other government entities in the same way as regular property tax revenue.
SF 99 allows Wyoming state agencies and local governments to deposit public funds into credit unions that meet state approval requirements, expanding options beyond traditional banks. The bill amends state law to explicitly include credit unions as "approved depositories" under the same rules as banks, requiring all deposits to be fully insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUA) or FDIC. It maintains existing requirements for security, withdrawal terms (including 30-day notice for some accounts), and approval by the state board of deposits. This change directly affects state treasurers, county governments, and other political subdivisions managing public funds, giving them access to credit unions as a deposit option. The law took effect July 1, 2022.
This bill codifies Wyoming's existing education funding formula into law, creating a standardized system for distributing state education resources to public schools. It specifies how funding is allocated across categories like instructional materials, energy costs, non-professional staff (e.g., clerical workers), and professional staff (e.g., teachers), with calculations based on student enrollment and school type. For example, it sets teacher staffing ratios (like one teacher per 16 students in elementary schools over 49 enrollment) and minimum teacher requirements for different school configurations. The bill directly affects all Wyoming public schools by formalizing how state funds are distributed for staffing and resources under the current block grant model.
Wyoming's HB 133, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act-2," prohibits state officials from enforcing federal laws or actions that the state deems unconstitutional restrictions on firearm ownership within Wyoming. It directly affects Wyoming residents (defined as legally present citizens without certain disqualifications) and state officials who might otherwise comply with federal gun regulations. Key provisions include allowing citizens to sue officials for enforcing such federal actions and establishing that Wyoming retains authority to regulate firearms under state law and the Second Amendment. The bill asserts state sovereignty by declaring federal actions that infringe on firearm rights - like data collection or possession restrictions - unconstitutional within Wyoming's borders.
This bill corrects a drafting error in a 2021 law that accidentally repealed Wyoming’s entire 2020 gaming commission law instead of just one section. It specifically amends the 2021 law to clarify that only Section 1 of the 2020 law was intended to be repealed. The bill also retroactively ensures Wyoming Gaming Commission law enforcement officers are covered under the state retirement system from April 5, 2021, including all contributions made during that period. It directly affects Gaming Commission personnel by fixing the legal error and securing their retirement benefits.
HB 1001 prohibits Wyoming employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment, except in limited circumstances. It mandates employers to provide medical and religious exemptions, offer reasonable alternatives (like reassignment or testing), and pay severance to employees who leave due to non-compliant mandates. The law applies broadly but specifically addresses critical staffing shortages in healthcare, requiring employers to document workplace safety justifications for any exceptions. It also creates programs for employer-funded testing and adjusts worker's compensation to cover vaccine-related injuries.
Wyoming's SF 1003 prohibits discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccination status in health insurance and public services. It bans insurers from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or limiting benefits due to vaccination status (Section 26-20-901), and prohibits requiring vaccination for access to services, employment, education, or public accommodations (Section 35-4-140). The bill also forbids asking about vaccination status or using "immunity passports" as a condition for services. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months jail or $750 fine) and allow civil lawsuits for affected individuals. This law directly affects health insurers, businesses, schools, and employers operating in Wyoming.
H 2nd Reading:Passed
