Wyoming's SF 104 establishes a specialized Chancery Court to handle complex civil cases, directly affecting residents and businesses involved in disputes requiring specialized legal expertise (e.g., corporate, real estate, or contract matters). The bill creates a court with up to three nonpartisan judges serving six-year terms, requiring a $1,000 minimum filing fee for cases and authorizing the Supreme Court to set rules for procedures, fees, and case transfers. Funding comes primarily from case filing fees, with the legislature able to supplement from general funds if needed. The court operates statewide with concurrent jurisdiction, and appeals go directly to the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Wyoming's SF 111 authorizes community colleges to offer applied bachelor's degree programs (called "baccalaureate of applied science" degrees) for the first time. It requires the Community College Commission to approve all new such programs before they can receive state funding. The bill also updates the Hathaway scholarship program to cover these new degrees, allowing students to use scholarships for up to eight semesters to complete them while maintaining a 2.25 GPA. This directly affects community college students pursuing applied bachelor's degrees and the colleges offering them.
This bill exempts qualifying private schools from county zoning regulations in Wyoming. It specifically applies to private schools located on 35 or more contiguous acres with a capacity for at least 50 students, as defined in state law. County zoning rules can no longer restrict the location, use, or occupancy of such schools. The policy change took effect July 1, 2019, directly affecting only private schools meeting these two size and capacity requirements.
HB 293 authorizes the construction of new student housing at the University of Wyoming to replace aging dormitories. It creates a phased project (Phase 1 for ~2,000 students) on campus, requiring new buildings to be 6 stories or less with student services, and removes a construction moratorium. The bill redirects $8 million annually from the state budget reserve to a new University of Wyoming housing account, while requiring the university to reduce its standard budget request by that amount. It also provides funds for Laramie traffic improvements related to the project and modifies bond programs to support construction financing.
Wyoming's HB 279 adjusts how fees from pari-mutuel wagering (horse racing betting) are distributed. It requires permittees to pay 0.25% of historic wagering revenue directly to the common school account, 1% to local counties/cities, and 1.5% to the pari-mutuel commission for enforcement costs. The bill also mandates a one-time $4.5 million transfer from the pari-mutuel account to the school foundation program reserve. These changes took effect July 1, 2019, directly affecting horse racing venues, local governments, and public school funding.
HB 107 allows courts in Wyoming to terminate parental rights when a child was conceived as a result of sexual assault committed by the parent. The bill specifies that courts do not need to attempt family reunification and automatically accept a conviction (or guilty plea) for sexual assault as conclusive proof. It directly affects parents convicted of sexual assault who fathered children through that crime, and their children. The law took effect on July 1, 2019.
The Wyoming Works Program (SF 122) creates a state-funded grant initiative to help Wyoming residents cover costs for job-training programs at community colleges. It provides up to $2,250 per school year for eligible students enrolled in approved "credential programs" (such as welding, commercial driving, or other workforce skills training), based on unmet financial need. To qualify, students must be Wyoming residents, meet federal noncitizen eligibility rules, and not be in default on federal student loans. The Wyoming Community College Commission administers the program, requiring colleges to apply for funding to support eligible students in these job-focused training programs.
HB 161 requires Wyoming's governor to appoint a statewide 911 coordinator - a qualified Wyoming voter - who ensures the state complies with federal grant requirements for 911 system funding. The coordinator manages federal funding alignment and can be removed by the governor. The bill mandates this appointment within 30 days of the law's effective date. This change directly affects how Wyoming administers its 911 emergency service funding under federal programs.
This bill updates Wyoming's program to support teachers earning national board certification. It reimburses school districts up to 50% of certification fees (capped at $50 per teacher) for educators who have taught in Wyoming for at least three years and successfully complete certification. Districts also receive reimbursement for salary premiums paid to certified teachers. Teachers must cover their share of fees and complete the certification process to qualify. The program requires annual reporting to the education committee on participation and funding.
HB 290 modifies Wyoming's property foreclosure process to clarify owners' rights to buy back property after a sale. It allows any property owner (except agricultural landowners) to redeem their home within three months by paying the purchase price plus 10% annual interest, plus taxes and liens. The bill adds a new provision granting the buyer a limited right to enter the property during the redemption period to prevent significant deterioration. It also defines "agricultural real estate" (over 80 acres outside cities) and clarifies that special 12-month redemption rules apply to such properties under existing law. The changes take effect July 1, 2019.
HB 235 strengthens Wyoming's animal cruelty laws by increasing penalties for severe offenses like animal fighting (for profit or entertainment) and unnecessary harm, with repeat violations now classified as felonies punishable by up to two years in prison. It updates veterinary medicine regulations to require certification for animal euthanasia technicians and sets professional conduct standards for the practice. The bill also allows courts to include pet custody in domestic abuse protection orders, granting sole possession of household pets to victims when safety concerns are present. These changes directly affect animal owners, veterinary professionals, and domestic violence survivors in Wyoming.
HB 236 creates a new legal entity type called "statutory foundations" in Wyoming, establishing specific rules for their formation, operation, and management. The bill sets out procedures for creating foundations (including required documents), defines roles like "founders" and "beneficiaries," and clarifies liability protections for contributors. It directly affects organizations seeking to form or operate as foundations in Wyoming, as well as foreign foundations wanting to establish operations in the state. Key provisions include standardized governance rules, fee structures for registration, and mechanisms for transferring foundation assets, all designed to provide a clear legal framework for this entity type.
