Technology

HB 102 prohibits the creation and distribution of AI-generated sexual images of children without consent (Section 6-4-307) and bans developing or distributing AI systems specifically designed to create or promote child sexual material (Section 6-4-308). It makes these acts felonies punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 fines, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses. The bill also clarifies that using AI to commit crimes isn’t a defense (Section 6-1-206) and provides limited immunity for AI developers who didn’t intend illegal use. It directly affects developers of AI tools, distributors of nonconsensual deepfakes, and individuals using AI to exploit children.

Wyoming's HB 70, the GRANITE Act, creates legal protections for Wyoming residents and businesses against foreign governments or international organizations enforcing censorship laws that conflict with U.S. and Wyoming constitutional free speech protections. It establishes a cause of action allowing lawsuits against foreign entities for imposing penalties (like fines or platform shutdowns) on U.S.-based platforms for constitutionally protected speech, such as the UK's threat to 4chan or Brazil's actions against X (Twitter). The bill prohibits Wyoming from recognizing, enforcing, or cooperating with foreign judgments related to such censorship, and imposes civil penalties on foreign entities. It directly affects Wyoming-based digital platforms, blockchain companies, and residents whose speech is targeted by foreign censorship laws. The law aims to prevent foreign coercion of U.S. speech by placing the burden on foreign governments to justify their censorship under strict scrutiny.

HB 61 prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cultivated meat (meat grown from animal cells in a laboratory) for human consumption in Wyoming. The bill requires businesses to label cell-cultured products as "containing cell cultured product" and plant-based alternatives as "vegetarian," "vegan," or similar terms. It also allows health authorities to immediately suspend business licenses for establishments selling cultivated meat. The ban takes effect on July 1, 2026, with administrative provisions effective upon the bill's enactment.

Wyoming's HB 17 renames the existing "Select Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology and Digital Innovation Technology" to the "Select Committee on Blockchain and Emerging Technologies" and clarifies its duties. The committee must develop expertise on these technologies, propose legislation to support blockchain and digital innovation (excluding Title 13 matters), and recommend policies to attract tech companies to Wyoming. The bill also requires the state director to submit reports on Wyoming stable tokens to this committee and the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee. This is a procedural change to the committee's structure and responsibilities, not a new law affecting citizens or businesses directly.