HB 80, the "Medical Treatment Opportunity Act," directs Wyoming officials to negotiate with federal authorities to expand Medicaid coverage to all eligible residents under federal law. It requires that any expansion only occur when federal Medicaid funding rates meet specific thresholds (90% for expansion periods and 55% for regular coverage). The bill repeals a 2013 Medicaid authorization and takes effect immediately upon becoming law. This legislation directly affects Wyoming residents who may qualify for expanded Medicaid coverage, contingent on federal funding levels.
Wyoming's HB 116 restricts land ownership by specific foreign entities, including governments of Russia, China, or countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism, as well as foreign businesses and individuals from those countries. It prohibits ownership of land (except for personal residences under one acre) and requires existing foreign owners to sell their property within two years of the law's effective date. Owners must register their land with the Secretary of State annually, face a $5,000 daily penalty for non-compliance, and county tax notices must now include warnings about the ownership restrictions. The bill also mandates that tax assessment schedules inform property owners about the registration requirement.
Wyoming's SF 110 creates a property tax exemption for small business owners who own tangible personal property valued at $2,400 or less in a single county. This directly affects small business owners with minimal business assets, excluding property used for personal or family purposes. The bill modifies existing tax law to exempt qualifying business property from taxation, effective January 1, 2024, and repeals related reporting requirements. It does not change tax rates or apply to property assessed before 2024.
HB 151 creates a property tax exemption for nonprofit child care facilities in Wyoming. It directly affects nonprofit organizations operating facilities that care for minors under parental, guardian, or agency request, as defined by state law. The bill adds a new exemption category to Wyoming's property tax code, removing the tax burden on property used exclusively for these child care operations. The exemption became effective July 1, 2023.
HB 156 modifies Wyoming's voter ID requirements by adding a new rule: if a voter's primary ID (like a driver's license) doesn't show their current Wyoming address, they must provide two additional documents verifying residence. Acceptable documents include utility bills, rent receipts, or tax documents. The bill repeals three previously accepted ID types and directly affects voters who cannot present address-verified ID at polling places. It takes effect July 1, 2023, with the Secretary of State to specify acceptable verification documents.
Wyoming's HB 196, the Wyoming Infrastructure Protection Act, requires the state's homeland security office to create a reporting system for suspicious activity involving foreign countries designated as threats to critical infrastructure. The governor can designate countries (including those labeled state sponsors of terrorism or deemed risky) and mandate reports on real estate deals, contracts, or other activities near infrastructure like power plants, water systems, or communications networks. The bill authorizes two new state positions (critical infrastructure analyst and energy analyst) and allocates $203,000 for implementation, effective July 1, 2023. It directly affects Wyoming government entities, businesses operating near critical infrastructure, and foreign entities engaging in contracts or property transactions in the state.
HB 206 requires Wyoming's Department of Administration to establish and operate a free certified child care facility within the state capitol complex for eligible state employees. The facility will serve children of employees from the executive branch, judiciary, and legislature, with no cost to the employees. The bill mandates the Department of Administration to either run the facility directly or contract with certified providers, while also requiring the department to submit a budget request for funding by July 2024. It amends existing laws to define key terms and specifies that the facility must comply with state child care certification standards. The law takes effect July 1, 2023.
HB 149 creates new criminal offenses for assault, threats of violence, and battery against healthcare workers while requiring healthcare facilities to implement safety measures. It establishes misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine) for first offenses and felony penalties (up to 3 years jail or $1,000 fine) for repeat offenses against workers performing their duties. Healthcare facilities must post clear anti-violence signs (18x18 inches, English, visible locations) and develop workplace violence prevention plans including staff training. The law directly affects healthcare workers, facilities, and anyone committing violence against them during work duties. The Wyoming Department of Health must also create public resources on prevention strategies and best practices.
HB 129 establishes a Wyoming Private Employees' Retirement Savings Task Force to study creating a retirement savings plan for private-sector workers (not government employees). The task force will examine key features like payroll deduction contributions, automatic enrollment with opt-out options, and how employers could offer the plan without mandatory employer contributions. It must analyze feasibility, legal compliance (including ERISA and IRS rules), employer costs, and potential implementation steps, including possible tax incentives. The task force is required to submit recommendations by September 2024, but the bill itself does not create the retirement plan - it only authorizes the study.
HB 66 prohibits businesses and organizations from refusing service, goods, or facilities to the public based on a person's vaccination status, use of face coverings (masks), or medical testing results related to infectious diseases like COVID-19. It also bans advertisements or communications requiring masks, vaccines, or testing as a condition for public services. Violations are punishable by a misdemeanor fine of up to $5,000 or one year in jail. The law applies to all public-facing businesses and services, such as restaurants, stores, and venues. It repeals prior immunization requirement laws and takes effect immediately.
This bill requires most health and disability insurance plans in Wyoming to cover hearing aids and related fitting, evaluation, and maintenance services when medically necessary. It mandates coverage for one hearing aid per ear (with associated professional services) and limits coverage to $2,000 per ear every three years, unless a hearing professional determines additional devices are medically needed. Insurance plans must apply the same deductibles and co-pays for hearing aid coverage as for other health services. The law applies to all covered individuals and aims to ensure equitable access to hearing aid care under existing health insurance plans. It takes effect July 1, 2024.
This bill authorizes housing assistance for Wyoming judges and justices who live in counties where housing costs exceed the statewide average. Specifically, it allows supreme court justices and judges from district, chancery, and circuit courts to receive this assistance if their county's housing costs are significantly higher than the state average. The Wyoming Supreme Court will establish the rules for awarding this housing support. The provision becomes effective July 1, 2023.
