Rep. Mark Jennings

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJ 3) proposes changing Wyoming's requirement for reapportioning the legislature after the federal census. It would move the deadline for reapportionment from "December 10" to allow primary elections to be held in May, with runoff elections possible afterward if needed. The amendment would require the legislature to call a special session (up to 10 working days) if reapportionment is needed to meet this new timeline. It directly affects how Wyoming's legislature schedules elections and reapportions seats following census data. The bill failed to advance after introduction in February 2022.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 97 bans public school teachers and administrators (K-12) from using public funds to teach specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, or national origin. It prohibits instruction that suggests any group is inherently superior/inferior, blames individuals for past actions of others, or labels people as "racist" based on identity. The bill allows teaching historical context, such as oppression of groups or primary sources, when presented holistically. Violators face disciplinary action, civil fines up to $5,000 per violation, and lawsuits by affected individuals. The law explicitly excludes training on sexual harassment or abuse recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 1005 requires Wyoming employers who mandate COVID-19 vaccines to grant exemptions for employees with religious objections, medical reasons preventing vaccination, or who have fully recovered from COVID-19. Employers must accept written evidence of these exemptions and cannot terminate an employee for seeking one. If an employer denies a valid exemption and terminates the employee, they face liability for $5,000 in damages or actual losses, whichever is greater. This bill directly affects employers in Wyoming with vaccine mandates and employees seeking exemption from those requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1004 prohibits Wyoming employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment or discriminating against employees based on their vaccination status. The bill defines "COVID-19 vaccination status" and creates penalties, including misdemeanor charges (up to 6 months in jail or $750 fine) and potential $500,000 in damages for affected workers. It also amends other laws to ensure employers violating this prohibition cannot claim liability immunity under public health emergency protections. This law directly affects all Wyoming employers with one or more employees and their workers regarding vaccination-related employment decisions.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 1004 prohibits employers from requiring employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment or discriminating against them based on vaccination status. It applies to all employers and employees in the state, making it illegal to refuse hiring, alter pay, or change working conditions due to vaccination status. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties of up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both. Affected employees can also sue for at least $500,000 in damages plus additional relief.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1005) proposes that Wyoming employers must grant exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine mandates for employees with religious objections, medical reasons, or proof of prior infection. It requires employers to accept written evidence of these exemptions and mandates that employers pay $5,000 or actual damages if they deny a valid exemption and terminate an employee. The bill also modifies liability protections (in W.S. 35-4-114) to ensure employers cannot claim immunity for violating these exemption requirements. It directly affects Wyoming employers and employees in workplaces with vaccine mandates. The bill was introduced in 2021 but did not advance beyond committee consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1003 prohibits discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccination status in health insurance and public services. It directly affects health insurers, businesses, and individuals by banning insurers from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or limiting benefits based on vaccination status (Section 26-20-901), and preventing businesses from denying services, employment, education, or health care access due to vaccination status or "immunity passports" (Section 35-4-140). Key mechanisms include criminal penalties (up to 6 months jail or $750 fine for violations) and civil remedies for affected individuals. The bill defines "COVID-19 vaccination status" and "immunity passport" to clarify prohibited actions. It was introduced in Wyoming in 2021 but did not advance beyond committee consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1014 prohibits employers from firing, threatening to fire, or coercing employees based on their COVID-19 vaccination status or related "immunity passport" documentation. It directly protects employees in Wyoming and holds employers liable for violations through remedies like reinstatement, up to $40,000 in damages per violation, and payment of legal fees. The bill amends Wyoming law to define key terms (like "vaccination status" and "immunity passport") and adds penalties for threatening employment to compel vaccination. It took effect immediately upon enactment under Wyoming's constitutional process.

Maddy summarySF 1014 prohibits employers from discharging, threatening to discharge, intimidating, blackmailing, or coercing employees based on their COVID-19 vaccination status or related documentation, such as a digital "immunity passport" showing vaccination or recovery. The bill creates legal remedies for affected employees, including reinstatement, up to $40,000 in damages per violation, and recovery of attorney fees. It also amends Wyoming's blackmail statute to specifically criminalize threatening an employee's job or educational opportunities to compel vaccination. The law would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 1003 prohibits discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccination status in health insurance and public services. It bans insurers from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or limiting benefits due to vaccination status (Section 26-20-901), and prohibits requiring vaccination for access to services, employment, education, or public accommodations (Section 35-4-140). The bill also forbids asking about vaccination status or using "immunity passports" as a condition for services. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months jail or $750 fine) and allow civil lawsuits for affected individuals. This law directly affects health insurers, businesses, schools, and employers operating in Wyoming.