Wyoming bill SF 157 amends a state law to explicitly allow the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and Northern Arapaho Tribe to apply for participation in emergency insect management programs. The bill updates the application process so these tribes, along with state agencies, can submit applications directly to the Department of Agriculture for such programs. This change removes previous barriers by formally including the tribes as eligible applicants under the existing statutory framework. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.
HB 100 requires Wyoming's Department of Revenue to hire a consultant to study converting the state's residential property tax system from current assessed value to one based on a property's original purchase price (acquisition value). The study must analyze revenue impacts across Wyoming, develop at least three implementation options - including one using 2017 values with annual 2% inflation - and address technical details like agricultural properties, new construction, and sales exclusions. The consultant must report findings to the Joint Revenue Committee by September 1, 2023, with the committee then determining if legislative action is needed. The bill appropriates $10,000 for this study, which is a preliminary step toward potential future tax system changes, not an immediate policy shift. This study directly affects how Wyoming might eventually calculate property taxes for homeowners.
This bill authorizes Wyoming's transportation department or local authorities to designate specific roadways or lanes as high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, reserved for vehicles carrying at least two occupants. It exempts motorcycles, bicycles, and public transportation vehicles from the occupancy requirement, and permits vehicles turning from an HOV lane to use it without meeting the occupancy rule. The bill requires the department to establish rules for HOV lane signage, operation, and maintenance, and imposes a misdemeanor penalty for drivers violating HOV lane rules with non-exempt vehicles. It directly affects drivers, transportation planners, and public transit operators using or managing roadways in Wyoming.
This bill increases the dollar threshold requiring legislative approval for projects funded by Wyoming's wildlife and natural resource trust. It raises the "large project" definition from $200,000 to $400,000 for total grants sought or awarded under the trust. Projects under $400,000 no longer need specific legislative authorization, streamlining approvals for smaller initiatives. The trust board must still notify the legislature within 30 days for any additional grants exceeding $200,000 on a single project. The change applies to all projects approved on or after July 1, 2023.
This bill (SF 9) adds licensed pharmacists' professional services to Wyoming's Medicaid program as a covered benefit. It directly affects Medicaid recipients who can now access pharmacist consultations and services under Medicaid coverage, and pharmacists who can bill Medicaid for these services. The key provision amends the state's Medicaid statute to explicitly authorize payment for pharmacist services, effective July 1, 2023. This changes how Medicaid reimburses for certain pharmacy-related care without altering other program rules.
HB 128 clarifies that voyeurism occurs when someone secretly views another person in an enclosed space where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy (such as bathrooms, locker rooms, or changing areas). The bill expands the definition of voyeurism to specifically include looking into such private spaces without consent, making this conduct a misdemeanor. It does not change existing penalties (up to 6 months in jail or $750 fine) but defines where voyeurism is legally prohibited. The law takes effect July 1, 2023, directly affecting individuals who secretly observe others in private settings.
HB 108 prohibits the sale of THC-containing edibles (like gummies or baked goods) and vaping products to anyone under 21 years old in Wyoming. It defines "edible products" as consumables with THC and "vaping products" as devices that deliver THC vapor, including e-cigarettes and vape pens. Retailers face fines up to $750 for violations (increasing for repeat offenses within 24 months) and may face temporary sales bans for third offenses. An exception allows parents/guardians to purchase CBD oil with ≤0.3% THC for minors’ use. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023.
Wyoming's SF 102, the Food Freedom Act, allows home producers to directly sell homemade eggs, dairy, and non-hazardous foods (like baked goods) without state inspection, provided they follow specific rules. It prohibits Wyoming from enforcing food inspection standards stricter than those set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Sellers must clearly label products as "not inspected" and avoid displaying them alongside commercially inspected foods in stores. The law applies to sales at farmers markets, farms, homes, or agreed-upon locations, with producers or designated agents (named in writing) facilitating transactions. It explicitly aligns state rules with federal requirements, preventing stricter state oversight for these home-based food sales.
Wyoming's SF 129 requires criminal background checks for all employees, interns, and job applicants in the governor's office who handle confidential information. It amends state law to mandate fingerprinting and criminal history record checks as a condition for employment or internships in the governor's office. The bill explicitly grants the governor authority to obtain these background checks and specifies that such checks are required for anyone accessing sensitive state records. The law took effect immediately upon becoming law in January 2023.
Wyoming's SF 38 creates special license plates for motor vehicles (non-commercial) to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. Residents can apply for these plates through county treasurers, with an optional $1 donation to fund public education on donation awareness. The plates feature a distinctive symbol, match standard size/color, and require registration fees like regular plates. If fewer than 1,000 plates are issued by December 31, 2031, production will end by January 2033.
HB 199 allows Wyoming vehicle owners to voluntarily purchase a special license plate decal featuring a breast cancer ribbon symbol. The decal must be placed in the lower left corner of the license plate without covering other text or numbers. Owners pay a $5 fee (capped at the cost to administer the program) when applying through their county treasurer's office. This bill directly affects drivers who choose to display the decal to support breast cancer awareness, with the program effective July 1, 2023.
This Wyoming bill (SF 91) clarifies how married couples can establish "tenancy by the entirety" for real property. It allows spouses to automatically create this ownership type simply by listing themselves as "husband and wife" or "spouses" on a property deed, without needing additional legal steps. The change directly affects married couples purchasing or transferring real estate in Wyoming, ensuring their joint ownership is legally recognized as tenancy by the entirety. This provision streamlines property ownership for married couples but does not alter other aspects of property law.
