HB 309 repeals Wyoming's Medicaid Fairness Act and related statutes (including W.S. 14-2-1001-1008) that governed Medicaid coverage for birth-related costs. The bill removes specific administrative requirements affecting how Medicaid services are provided for childbirth in Wyoming. It preserves all existing rights and obligations under the repealed law for actions taken before July 1, 2025. The repeal takes effect on July 1, 2025, ending these specific Medicaid program provisions.
HB 198 modifies Wyoming's education savings account program by adjusting annual deposit amounts based on household income relative to federal poverty levels. It provides $6,000 annually for students in households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, $4,800 for households between 151-200%, and $3,600 for households between 201-250%. The bill directly affects students whose families qualify under these income thresholds, determining the funds available for educational expenses through the state's savings account program. The changes would take effect January 1, 2025, if enacted, modifying existing law established by 2024 legislation. The bill is currently in early stages (received for introduction on January 16, 2025) and has not yet been considered by the legislature.
HB 44 designates a 3.5-mile stretch of State Highway 230 between Highway 130 and Riverside, Wyoming, as the "Loren 'Teense' Willford Memorial Highway." The bill authorizes the Wyoming Department of Transportation to install appropriate signage identifying the memorial highway and appropriates $3,000 from the general fund for this purpose, with funds expiring June 30, 2026. This is a commemorative measure with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on residents or regulations. The bill requires no voting record analysis as it is purely a naming resolution.
HB 57 prohibits Wyoming counties and municipalities from banning or restricting fireworks use or possession between noon and midnight on July 4, except during an open fire ban. It also explicitly allows fireworks in state parks, campgrounds, and similar public areas during that same time window, unless an open fire ban is active. The bill amends existing state laws to remove local restrictions specifically for July 4, while maintaining other fireworks regulations outside this timeframe. It does not alter rules for fireworks displays outside July 4 or for other public safety concerns.
Wyoming's HB 87 consolidates existing gaming regulations into a single, organized chapter of state law. It creates new definitions (like "Gaming activity" and "Commission"), establishes the Wyoming Gaming Commission structure with officers and meeting rules, and reorganizes provisions governing charitable gaming activities such as bingo and pull tab games. The bill specifically affects charitable organizations operating these games, requiring them to have been active for at least three years, operate only on their premises, use volunteers, and ensure 65% of game sales are paid out as winnings. This is a procedural reorganization of current gaming statutes, not a change to policy or fees.
HB 119 establishes minimum standards for property easements acquired through eminent domain in Wyoming. It requires condemners (like government agencies or utilities) to provide 30 days' notice to local officials before taking property, clarifies landowners aren't liable for most issues arising from the easement (only intentional acts), and mandates condemnors cover reclamation costs after the easement ends. The bill also ensures property improvements are included in compensation calculations and restricts existing easements to their original purpose unless amended. It applies to condemnation actions starting July 1, 2025, and doesn't affect current contracts.
HB 139 allows Wyoming racetracks to legally broadcast live horse races to out-of-state locations by authorizing agreements for interstate export of race signals. It imposes a new 6% fee on the net revenue from these interstate broadcasts, directing the funds to the state general fund (instead of local accounts). The bill also requires racetracks to comply with federal anti-doping and safety programs by entering agreements with the entity administering those programs. This legislation affects Wyoming racetrack permit holders and takes effect July 1, 2025.
Wyoming's HJ 5 is a symbolic joint resolution opposing China's misrepresentation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. It states that Resolution 2758 does not endorse China's "One China Principle" or justify denying Taiwan meaningful participation in UN agencies like the WHO or ICAO. The resolution urges the UN to stop using Resolution 2758 to exclude Taiwan and reaffirms Wyoming's support for the U.S. "One China Policy" (which does not recognize China's claim over Taiwan). This resolution has no legal effect but expresses Wyoming's position on Taiwan's UN participation.
HB 220 limits new conservation easements in Wyoming to a maximum 30-year duration, effective July 1, 2025, with an option for renewal upon expiration. It directly affects landowners, conservation groups, and government agencies creating or funding new easements after that date, requiring all new agreements to comply with this time limit. The bill amends existing law to prohibit recording or assigning easements exceeding 30 years and prevents state funds from being used for non-compliant easements. Existing easements created before July 1, 2025, remain unaffected by this change.
HB 78 creates a $300,000 grant program to help safe haven providers (like hospitals or shelters) purchase newborn safety devices. These devices alert staff when a newborn is placed inside, ensuring immediate safety for the infant. The program provides one grant per provider for a single device, runs from July 2025 through June 2026, and limits administrative costs to 1% of the funds. It directly affects safe haven providers by funding devices that prevent newborn abandonment risks.
HB 146 increases penalties for taking stray livestock without the owner's consent in Wyoming. It sets a minimum $750 fine (up from prior) and maximum $1,500 fine for first offenses, and a minimum $1,500 fine with a maximum $3,000 fine for second or subsequent offenses under W.S. 11-24-103. The bill directly affects individuals who take, retain, or restrain lost animals without the owner's knowledge or permission. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and modifies existing penalties for violations of livestock estray laws.
HB 74 proposes a procedure for Wyoming county clerks to address frivolous legal filings. It authorizes clerks to temporarily hold or reject filings they deem frivolous (lacking legal/factual basis or filed for improper purposes like harassment), after seeking a district court order. If the court declares a filing frivolous, the clerk must reject it, refund any filing fees within 10 days, and add a "frivolous" notation to previously filed documents. This bill would make frivolous filings legally ineffective, directly affecting individuals submitting such documents and county clerks managing court records.
