HB 86 simplifies probate for property passed through family lines by creating a "summary distribution" process. It allows heirs or beneficiaries to directly claim property inherited through previous family members' estates without full court oversight, using a new definition of "distributee." The bill sets limits on creditor claims against distributed property and requires court decrees to be recorded as proof of ownership. This applies to property distribution cases filed after July 1, 2019, streamlining the process for qualifying heirs.
HB 246 expands Wyoming's existing volunteer firefighter and EMT pension account to include volunteer search and rescue personnel. It adds specific definitions for "county search and rescue organization" (requiring bylaws, 50% meeting/operation attendance) and "volunteer search and rescue person" (individuals engaged in county-led operations). The bill modifies contribution rules, directing 70% of fire insurance premium taxes to fund this expanded pension account. This change directly affects volunteer search and rescue members in counties meeting the new organizational requirements, providing them access to retirement benefits previously available only to volunteer firefighters and EMTs.
HB 28 regulates when and where people can collect shed antlers and big game animal horns on public lands west of Wyoming's Continental Divide. It restricts collection to the period between January 1 and May 1 each year, aiming to minimize disturbance to big game populations. The law directly affects individuals who gather these items during that window on public lands in the specified region. The key provision amends the Game and Fish Commission's authority to enforce this seasonal restriction, effective July 1, 2019.
HB 109 amends Wyoming law to increase the required service period for students in the University of Wyoming's advanced psychiatric nurse practitioner program. It extends the maximum work obligation from two to three years in Wyoming for each academic year of financial support received, with payments capped at $10,000 per semester or $2,500 per summer session. Students must sign agreements committing to this service period as a condition of receiving state-funded tuition support. The bill applies only to new agreements signed on or after July 1, 2019.
Wyoming's HB 247 amends the state's broadband development program by updating the definition of "unserved area" to reflect current technology standards. It requires the Wyoming Business Council to revise the definition by July 2022, raising the minimum broadband speed thresholds from 25 Mbps download/1 Mbps upload to higher speeds appropriate for prevailing technology. This change directly affects which rural and underserved areas qualify for state broadband funding under the program. The bill modifies eligibility criteria through rulemaking authority rather than creating new funding or programs.
HB 116 requires vehicle manufacturers in Wyoming to pay new dealers for labor and parts costs related to vehicle preparation, warranties, and incentives within 30 days of claim approval. If a claim isn't denied in writing within 30 days, it's automatically approved. Manufacturers may audit claims for up to one year (or four years if fraud is suspected) to correct errors but cannot delay payment beyond the 30-day deadline. The bill directly affects new vehicle dealers and manufacturers, taking effect July 1, 2019.
HB 159 expands Wyoming's state self-insurance program to cover liability claims against volunteer reserve peace officers. It directly affects part-time and reserve officers employed by entities like the Wyoming State Board of Outfitters, the University of Wyoming, or local governments. The bill adds a new provision requiring the state self-insurance account to cover up to $20,000 per claim for these officers, paid dollar-for-dollar with their employing organization. This change ensures volunteer reserve officers receive the same liability coverage as full-time officers under the state's existing self-insurance framework.
HB 219 allows alcohol manufacturers in Wyoming to obtain catering permits, which previously they could not hold under state law. This change directly affects alcohol manufacturers who want to sell beverages at off-site events like meetings, conventions, or private dinners. The bill amends existing laws to permit manufacturers with specific licenses to apply for these catering permits, while requiring sales to occur only at the event location (not off-premises) and excluding closed-container sales at nonprofit auctions. The key provision removes a prior restriction preventing manufacturers from holding catering permits, effective July 1, 2019.
HB 49 requires that any unspent or uncommitted general funds allocated to Wyoming's Division of Forestry at the end of a two-year budget cycle (biennium) must automatically transfer to the state's Emergency Fire Suppression Account. This directly affects the Division of Forestry's budget management, ensuring unused funds are redirected to wildfire response efforts rather than remaining in the forestry account. The bill amends state law to mandate this reversion process, overriding previous provisions about fund handling. It became effective July 1, 2019, creating a concrete policy change for state fund allocation.
HB 90 allows current Wyoming community college police officers to choose between two retirement plans. It amends the law to include them under the "law enforcement officer" definition, enabling them to switch to the law enforcement retirement plan starting July 1, 2019. Officers had until April 30, 2019, to elect this change in writing to the Wyoming Retirement Board, with no option to reverse the decision. Service credit from prior retirement plans would not count toward the new law enforcement plan.
This bill removes a legal barrier that previously prevented illegitimate children from inheriting from their parents under Wyoming's estate laws. It amends the definition of "child" in the estate code to include illegitimate children (aligning them with adopted children), repealing the prior exclusion. The change applies to all probate cases filed on or after July 1, 2019, ensuring illegitimate children have equal inheritance rights to legitimate children. It directly affects illegitimate children in Wyoming who now inherit under the same rules as other children.
Wyoming's HB 175 revises the state's Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association Act to clarify coverage rules and financial responsibilities. It creates new definitions (like "covered policy" and "member insurer"), sets a $5 million annual premium cap for multiple non-group life insurance policies owned by one person, and updates eligibility requirements for policyholders based on residency and insurer domicile. The bill directly affects licensed insurers operating in Wyoming, policyholders with multiple high-value policies, and health maintenance organizations. Key changes include clearer limits on the association's financial obligations and revised procedures for assessing member insurers.
