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.
Wyoming's HB 277 authorizes a public-private partnership to build a hotel and conference center on a specific downtown Cheyenne parcel near the state capitol. The project must include at least 200 hotel rooms and conference space for 1,000 attendees, with food/beverage options and adequate parking. The state will solicit bids from developers, requiring them to meet specific standards for construction, operations, and financial planning. All revenues from the facility will fund Wyoming's public school foundation program. This bill affects state government operations and private developers selected through the bidding process.
This bill authorizes the Wyoming legislature to sue in court to protect the state's interests in federal land management laws, including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and others. It allows the legislature or its management council to initiate lawsuits with a majority vote, using up to $75 million in state funds appropriated from the general fund. The funds must be spent by June 2028 for legal actions challenging federal land use policies within Wyoming. The bill creates a formal process for the legislature to seek court rulings on federal law interpretations affecting state rights.
HB 338 requires the Wyoming Legislative Service Office to publish a daily list of email domains and IP addresses blocked from delivering messages to state legislators. It allows anyone whose emails to legislators have been blocked to request removal, and the office must process such requests within two days unless a security threat exists. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, aiming to increase transparency about email delivery issues and provide a clear resolution process for the public.
