HB 155 provides $300,000 in state funding 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 attention. The bill creates a temporary grant program managed by Wyoming's Department of Family Services, open to eligible providers until March 1, 2025, with all funding required to be spent by June 30, 2025. The program specifically funds device purchases, not administrative costs, and expires after the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Wyoming's HB 196 requires the federal government to exchange equivalent federal-owned lands whenever it acquires additional property in the state after July 1, 2024 (excluding specific military, infrastructure, or reclamation projects). The bill mandates that federal land acquisitions must be paired with transfers of federal lands to Wyoming to prevent a net increase in federal ownership. If an exchange isn't possible, the federal government must provide 90 days' notice to Wyoming's land board before finalizing the acquisition. Additionally, any land transferred to Wyoming under this policy must be disposed of through a public process prioritizing adjacent landowners and local uses if it would cause a net increase in state-owned lands beyond July 1, 2024.
The Reproductive Freedom Act (HB 76) would protect Wyoming residents' right to access abortion care before a fetus is viable or to protect the patient's life or health, prohibiting state interference with this right. It sets penalties for unauthorized abortions performed by providers (misdemeanor with up to one year in jail or $5,000 fine) while exempting patients and those assisting patients in exercising this right. The bill requires any state regulations on abortion to be medically necessary, consistent with medical practice, and impose the least restrictions possible. Additionally, it allows health care providers and private facilities to refuse to perform abortions without facing discrimination or professional penalties.
Wyoming HB 110 exempts certain routine agricultural activities from the state's underground facilities notification requirements. It directly affects farmers and ranchers performing specific on-farm tasks without needing to notify utility companies first. The bill lists four key exemptions: routine farm operations, land clearing without deep root removal, irrigation maintenance done within the past 24 months, and routine fence line upkeep. This change takes effect on July 1, 2024, streamlining operations for agricultural landowners.
HB 221 authorizes Wyoming's state treasurer to invest up to $60 million from the permanent Wyoming mineral trust fund reserve account in bonds issued by the Wyoming Community Development Authority. These bonds finance loans for first-time homebuyers at a maximum 3.5% interest rate. The investment authority expires July 1, 2029, and does not affect existing investment policies for the mineral trust fund. The bill directly affects the Community Development Authority and first-time homebuyers seeking affordable housing financing.
HB 212 requires all Wyoming state entities (including agencies, schools, counties, and cities) to include the current federal poverty level's exact dollar amount in any public or legislative report that references it. Instead of using vague terms like "below 100% of poverty level," reports must state the actual numeric value (e.g., "$14,570 for a single adult in 2024"). This applies to all reports published on or after July 1, 2024, ensuring transparency about the specific income threshold being discussed. The bill focuses solely on clarifying reporting standards, not altering poverty definitions or benefits.
HB 198 imposes a $12 court automation fee for each filing in criminal, civil, probate, or appeal cases starting with the seventh filing by the same person in that case. This fee, in addition to existing court fees, is collected by the court clerk and deposited into a state account dedicated to judicial automation. It applies only to filings beyond the sixth in the same case type and does not affect initial filings or fees for small claims. The bill aims to fund court technology improvements through recurring user fees.
HB 150 requires that during a public health emergency in Wyoming, any order exempting businesses from closure must also exempt religious assemblies, including places of worship (like churches and 501(c)(3) organizations) and gatherings in private homes or public spaces. It mandates that religious institutions be treated equally to other exempt businesses during such emergencies. The bill allows individuals to sue for violations, seeking remedies like damages, injunctions, and attorney fees, and amends state law to permit punitive damages in these cases. This directly affects religious organizations and public health enforcement during emergencies in Wyoming.
HB 88 prohibits the public display, sharing, or vocalization of obscene material that can be seen or heard by the general public. It defines "publicly communicate" to include displaying, posting, exhibiting, giving away, or vocalizing such material. The bill makes it a crime to knowingly disseminate obscene material in public spaces, with penalties outlined under existing obscenity laws. This law directly affects individuals or entities publicly distributing obscene content, effective July 1, 2024.
Wyoming's HB 137 would require healthcare providers to show a pregnant person an ultrasound (including the heartbeat if audible) at least 48 hours before providing medication for a chemical abortion. The law mandates providers document the ultrasound details (date, time, physician, and fetal age) and verify the ultrasound occurred before dispensing abortion drugs. Violations could result in felony charges with fines up to $20,000 or up to five years in prison, though pregnant people would not face criminal penalties. This bill directly affects medical providers and individuals seeking medication-based abortions in Wyoming.
Wyoming's HB 218 amends vehicle code to increase the maximum length for semitrailers in certain truck combinations. Specifically, it raises the allowable semitrailer length from 48 feet to 53 feet in truck-tractor-semitrailer setups while keeping the combined length limit at 81 feet. This change directly affects commercial trucking operations that use standard semitrailer combinations on Wyoming highways. The bill takes effect July 1, 2024, allowing longer trailers for improved cargo efficiency without altering overall vehicle length restrictions.
HB 124 repeals Wyoming's law (W.S. 35-4-106) that authorized the Department of Health to require smallpox vaccinations. It removes the state's legal authority to mandate such vaccinations, effective July 1, 2024, while allowing existing requirements to remain valid until that date. This is a procedural repeal of an outdated provision, as smallpox has been eradicated globally and no longer poses a public health threat in Wyoming.
