Wyoming's HB 133 requires that all electrical generation equipment - including solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric generators, power inverters, and power optimizers - must be installed by licensed electricians. This applies directly to electricians, contractors, and installers working with these systems. The bill clarifies existing law to explicitly include renewable energy equipment under the requirement for licensed installation, waiving the requirement only for specific exemptions listed in the law. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.
HB 191 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Wyoming to protect pharmacies and patients. It requires PBMs to report quarterly on drug reimbursement appeals, including denial reasons and cost adjustments, and prohibits retroactive claim denials or fees for claim processing. The bill bans PBMs from basing pharmacy payments on patient outcomes without prior agreement, restricting point-of-sale fees, and preventing unfair contract changes without 45 days' notice. These provisions directly affect pharmacies and pharmacy designees that contract with PBMs, aiming to ensure fair reimbursement practices and transparency.
HB 198 authorizes city clerks (or their designees) to serve as ex officio clerk for civil service commissions without additional pay. It also clarifies that preliminary expenses for these commissions can be covered from existing funds or included in the next budget cycle. This procedural bill affects local government administration in Wyoming cities and towns, streamlining civil service commission operations.
HB 186 prohibits courts in Wyoming from charging fees or costs to minors or their custodial parents/guardians for court-appointed legal services in cases involving minors. The bill amends Wyoming Statutes 7-6-106(j) and repeals 14-6-235(c), ensuring that when a minor needs a court-appointed attorney, the minor or their responsible family members cannot be required to pay for these services. This directly affects minors in legal proceedings (such as child welfare or juvenile cases) and their parents or guardians who might otherwise face financial responsibility for legal representation. The law applies to all cases beginning after its effective date, removing previous mechanisms that allowed courts to seek reimbursement from families.
HB 136 modifies Wyoming's rules for state capital construction projects by removing a requirement that public works contracts must first be offered to Wyoming residents. The bill allows state agencies to award contracts to nonresident contractors when no qualified resident contractor is available for the specific work. It clarifies definitions of terms like "capital construction project," "renovation," and "routine maintenance" to ensure consistent application of the new rules. These changes directly affect state agencies managing public building projects and contractors bidding on construction work for state facilities. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.
HB 271 creates a dedicated endowment fund for the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture (specifically its life sciences and natural resources programs). The bill requires all annual investment earnings from this fund to be fully distributed to the college for direct use on approved agricultural programs, including academic courses supporting Wyoming's farming/ranching industry, extension services, the state veterinary lab, agricultural research, equipment, and faculty recruitment. It mandates detailed annual reporting to state committees on exactly how funds are spent, broken down by program type and faculty positions funded. This endowment directly affects the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and its ability to support Wyoming's agricultural sector through targeted funding.
HB 242 would prevent Wyoming cities, towns, and counties from banning or charging fees for packaging used with consumer goods like food, household items, or retail products. It amends state law to override local ordinances that restrict packaging types or fees, defining "consumer merchandise" as items sold for personal, family, or household use (including containers for takeout or transport). Any existing local rules conflicting with this law would become void as of July 1, 2023. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and did not become law.
HB 194, the Wyoming Freedom Scholarship Act, creates education savings accounts (ESAs) providing eligible Wyoming students with $6,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) to cover approved educational expenses. It directly affects K-12 students who are Wyoming residents and not yet graduated, allowing parents to use funds for tuition at qualified schools, online programs, tutoring, textbooks, technology, and other approved educational services. The state treasurer administers the program, prohibits using local tax revenues for funding, and requires parents to sign agreements outlining permitted uses. The bill died in committee in February 2023 and was never enacted.
HB 277 allows Wyoming county treasurers to issue vehicle registration certificates electronically instead of on paper. It extends the grace period for displaying license plates from the current requirement to 30 days after registration, meaning vehicle owners have up to 30 days to display physical plates after receiving their registration. The bill directly affects all Wyoming vehicle owners who register their vehicles, updating how registration documentation is provided and displayed. These changes take effect July 1, 2023, and amend specific sections of Wyoming law regarding registration issuance and plate display requirements.
HB 238 sets a maximum fee for newspaper publications required in Wyoming probate cases involving heirship notices. It limits the cost to the lowest display advertising rate charged to counties by local newspapers, whichever is less than standard open rates. This affects counties paying for these notices, newspapers publishing them, and individuals involved in probate proceedings (like heirs, creditors, or devisees). The bill does not change the notice requirements themselves, only the fee structure for publishing them. It became effective July 1, 2023.
HB 88 prohibits foreign governments, businesses, and individuals from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Wyoming. It requires existing foreign owners (as of July 1, 2023) to register their land with the Secretary of State within 60 days and annually thereafter, providing details like location and ownership structure. Violations - including failure to register - carry a $5,000 daily civil penalty, and county clerks must report suspected violations to the Secretary of State. The law also mandates that property tax statements include notices about the ownership restriction and registration requirement.
HB 125 authorizes Wyoming to plan for a second veterans' skilled nursing facility, located at least 75 miles from the existing Buffalo facility, following the "green house" care model. The bill appropriates $300,000 for initial planning and feasibility studies and $50,000 for a separate study on staffing, bed availability, and veteran needs across the state. It requires state agencies (construction department, veterans' commission, and health department) to complete these studies and submit reports to legislative committees by October 15, 2023. This bill directly affects veterans who may use the facility and the state agencies responsible for planning and health services.
