HB 256 renames Wyoming's "Select Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology and Digital Innovation Technology" to the "Select Committee on Blockchain and Emerging Technologies." The bill clarifies that the committee may recommend legislation promoting blockchain and digital innovation, but any bills related to Title 13 (financial regulations) require approval from the joint minerals, business and economic development committee before introduction. As a procedural bill, it does not create new laws but adjusts committee structure and oversight processes. The committee currently has no active legislation, with the bill pending introduction as of February 2025.
HB 9 prohibits counties, cities, and towns in Wyoming from requiring licenses, permits, or other authorizations for businesses operated by minors under 18 years old. It also exempts "occasional" businesses (defined as not habitual or regular activities) from local licensing requirements. The law amends existing statutes to clarify that local governments cannot impose such fees or restrictions on minor-operated businesses or infrequent commercial activities. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.
HB 175 authorizes the renovation of Wyoming's Veterans Memorial Museum, directly affecting the museum's operations and the state's cultural resources. The bill creates a task force with legislative members, state agency representatives (including the state construction department and military department), and a veteran representative to oversee the project. It appropriates $5 million from the tourism account for the renovation, requiring the task force to monitor progress, provide annual reports to the legislature, and make recommendations to state agencies. The project must be completed by June 30 of the year following its completion, with unspent funds reverting to the state.
HB 84 requires Wyoming pari-mutuel wagering venues (like horse racing tracks) to distribute leftover "breakage" amounts - odd cents from historical betting pools - to a state account. It defines "breakage" as the fractional cents not paid out in past pari-mutuel events. Venues must pay 0.25% of historic event wagers plus the retained breakage amount to the state treasurer weekly. This applies only to historical events, not current betting, and takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 261 amends Wyoming's penalties for "accessory after the fact" (helping a criminal after a crime is committed). It creates three penalty tiers:
1) For non-violent felonies where the accessory is not a relative (3 years max jail or $3,000 fine),
2) For violent felonies (same as above),
3) For non-violent felonies when the accessory is a relative or the principal is a minor (6 months max jail or $750 fine).
The bill directly affects individuals who assist criminals post-crime, with lighter penalties for family members or minors involved. It is pending legislative action and would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.
HB 216 prohibits animal control facilities in Wyoming from euthanizing pets using methods like gas chambers, carbon monoxide, or nonanesthetic gases. Instead, facilities must use injection methods (intravenous, intraperitoneal, or intracardiac after unconsciousness) for all pets, including dogs, cats, and other companion animals. The bill requires facilities to adopt training policies for staff performing euthanasia and maintain records of training, with violations classified as misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses. It applies specifically to animal control facilities handling stray, surrendered, or neglected household pets, excluding livestock. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 319 exempts sales and use tax on mining equipment used in surface, underground, or in-situ mining operations in Wyoming. It directly affects mining companies purchasing qualifying equipment, such as machinery and tools for extraction. The bill creates new tax exemptions in Wyoming’s tax code (sections 39-15-105 and 39-16-105) with a sunset clause repealing the exemption on July 1, 2029. The exemption becomes effective July 1, 2025, and applies only to equipment specifically defined for mining operations.
HB 266 creates statewide licensing for food trucks in Wyoming, allowing operators licensed in one county or city to legally operate anywhere in the state. The bill requires food trucks to maintain proof of a valid license from the Department of Agriculture or local health department, a sales tax license if needed, compliance with fire safety rules, and adherence to other applicable laws. It directly affects food truck businesses by eliminating local licensing barriers and updating definitions to include food trucks under "commercial food establishment" in state law. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, with rulemaking requirements for the Departments of Agriculture and Health to implement the changes.
HB 35 standardizes procedures for filling vacancies in Wyoming's elected offices, directly affecting governors, U.S. Congress members, state legislators, and other state officials. The bill requires special elections to fill vacancies occurring more than 60 days before a general election for governor, 3 months for state executive offices (like secretary of state), and 6 months for Congress, instead of temporary appointments. It specifies that vacancies within these timeframes must be filled at the next general election. The bill also clarifies election procedures and voting time-off requirements for special elections to fill congressional vacancies.
HB 239, the Reproductive Freedom Act, establishes that Wyoming residents have the right to abortion before a fetus can survive outside the womb (viability) or to protect the person's life or health, prohibiting state interference with this right. It defines key terms like "abortion" and "viability," and specifies that unauthorized abortions (outside these limits) are misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $5,000 fine. The bill also protects healthcare providers’ professional judgment on viability or health risks, allows religious or ethical objections to participating in abortions without discrimination, and requires state-funded pregnancy programs to provide equivalent information about abortion options. It directly affects all Wyoming residents seeking abortion care, healthcare providers, and state programs offering reproductive services.
Wyoming HB 272 creates a state housing investment program to address the critical shortage of affordable housing. It establishes a dedicated account funded by annual transfers, allocating 50% of funds to nonprofit organizations for new construction, rehabilitation, transitional housing, homebuyer assistance, and rental vouchers. Another 45% is reserved for loans to Wyoming residents or businesses for similar housing projects, with zero percent interest for nonprofits and capped interest rates for businesses. The program includes reporting requirements, a 1% administrative cost limit, and expires after a set period. It directly affects housing providers and residents seeking affordable housing options in Wyoming.
HB 105 amends Wyoming's water law to establish due process requirements before the state engineer issues an emergency order to breach a dam or diversion system. It requires the state engineer to first determine if alternatives exist, hold a public meeting in the affected area (even after an order is issued), and notify affected water rights holders and landowners about liability risks before proceeding, unless an immediate danger requires action within 10 days. The bill directly affects dam owners, water rights holders, and communities near dams by adding transparency and public input steps to emergency breach decisions. It is procedural in nature, focusing on process rather than substantive policy changes, and applies to all such orders issued after the bill's effective date.
