HB 178 authorizes Wyoming's Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources to host revenue-generating events (like weddings, concerts, or corporate gatherings) on specific state land parcels in Teton County, subject to approval by the Board of Land Commissioners. The bill limits each parcel to five event sites, requires temporary structures to be dismantled after use, and mandates that all event revenues be deposited into the common school account within the permanent land income fund. It appropriates $3 million for implementation, including site assessments, business planning, and securing concessionaires, with funds usable through June 2026. The law also requires the department and state lands office to develop implementing rules.
Wyoming's HB 252 allows propane dealers to fill or refill propane containers during emergencies declared by the governor, overriding other laws to comply with federal relief from transportation regulations. It directly affects propane dealers, container owners, and users during declared emergencies, such as severe weather or supply disruptions. Key provisions include shielding both container owners (if they authorize filling) and fillers from liability for injuries caused by the filling action itself. The bill does not require dealers or owners to fill containers but provides legal protection when they do during emergencies. It takes effect immediately upon becoming law.
Wyoming's SF 163 requires voters to declare or change their political party affiliation before the first day nominations for primary elections can be filed. This applies specifically to voters seeking a partisan primary ballot, moving the deadline earlier than current practice. Voters must submit a signed application to the county clerk before the nomination filing deadline, rather than changing affiliation later. The bill does not affect nonpartisan ballots or general election voting procedures. It becomes effective immediately upon enactment.
HB 197, the "Defend the Guard Act," would have prohibited the Wyoming National Guard from being deployed into active duty combat unless the U.S. Congress officially declared war or took specific constitutional action under Article I, Section 8, Clause 15. It defines "active duty combat" as participation in armed conflicts, hazardous services related to conflicts abroad, or duties involving "instrumentality of war." The bill allows domestic deployments under Title 32 for civil authority missions within the U.S. but blocks combat deployments without explicit congressional authorization. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and did not become law.
This is a non-binding joint resolution (not a law) expressing support for phasing out new electric vehicle sales in Wyoming by 2035. It does not impose any legal requirement but encourages Wyoming industries and citizens to limit new EV purchases toward this goal. The resolution cites concerns about oil/gas industry stability, lack of charging infrastructure, and mineral disposal challenges as justification. The measure died in committee in February 2023 and has no legal effect.
This proposed constitutional amendment would limit annual spending from Wyoming's "rainy day" fund (the legislative stabilization reserve account) to 25% of its balance at the start of each budget period. It requires a three-fourths vote in both legislative chambers to exceed this limit during a fiscal emergency. The fund currently holds approximately $2 billion. If approved by voters, this would establish clear spending rules for the state's budget stabilization fund.
HB 37 requires Wyoming public safety dispatchers to complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training focused on providing emergency cardiovascular care instructions to callers during cardiac incidents. The bill mandates the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to establish specific training standards and continuing education requirements for dispatchers by January 1, 2024. This would directly affect dispatchers handling 911 calls, ensuring they can relay step-by-step CPR guidance to bystanders before emergency responders arrive. The law would take effect on January 1, 2024, with related commission rule amendments required by July 1, 2023.
This non-binding joint resolution (HJ 5) directs Wyoming's state agencies to research and coordinate with neighboring states on expanding passenger rail service. It requires the Wyoming Department of Transportation and governor's office to study funding opportunities, collaborate with Colorado and Montana on rail planning, and prepare a report for the legislature and congressional delegation. The bill does not create new funding or mandate rail service but focuses on gathering data and building regional partnerships. It died in committee in February 2023 and directly affects state transportation officials and regional stakeholders.
HB 225 requires that any proposition to impose or continue a mill levy (a local tax) for a senior citizen service district must be submitted to voters every four years after the initial approval, rather than just once. This applies to districts serving seniors and directly affects county voters who must approve these ongoing taxes. The bill specifies that if a levy proposition is defeated, it cannot be resubmitted to voters for at least one year. The law would take effect July 1, 2023, but the bill died in committee and did not become law.
SF 115 prevents insurance companies from restricting how dentists bill patients for dental services. It prohibits insurers from requiring dentists to combine separate procedures into one bill (bundling) or reclassify complex procedures as simpler, lower-cost ones (downcoding). The bill also allows dentists to bill patients directly for services not fully covered by insurance, provided they first inform patients about limited coverage, obtain written consent, and provide a copy of that consent to the insurer. These changes apply to all dental insurance contracts issued, renewed, or delivered in Wyoming on or after July 1, 2023.
This bill would require Wyoming's worker's compensation rates to be no higher than the lowest third of nationwide state rates. It directly affects all employers in Wyoming by capping their premiums based on national averages, rather than state-specific rates. The state department of workforce services would determine national rates by state and adjust Wyoming's rates annually. Employers could contest their rate classification through administrative procedures if they disagree with the department's determination.
This bill (SF 104) sets annual limits on property tax mill levies for Wyoming school districts, counties, and cities/towns based on inflation adjustments. It requires that tax rates for schools (max 25 mills), counties (max 12 mills), and municipalities (max 8 mills) be adjusted each year to match the previous year's revenue when adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index. The bill would directly affect local governments and property owners by preventing tax increases that exceed inflation. It would take effect January 1, 2024, if enacted.
