Rep. Sarah Penn

Maddy summaryHB 205 prohibits K-12 public school educators and state employees from using public funds to teach or require training on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans instruction claiming any group is inherently superior/inferior, that individuals should be discriminated against based on identity, or that people are inherently racist due to their background. Exceptions allow teaching historical oppression or using primary sources in approved curricula. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident, private lawsuits for damages, or disciplinary action against educators. The bill is pending in Wyoming's legislature (introduced January 2023, not yet considered for debate).

Maddy summaryHB 234, the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," allows health care providers (like doctors and nurses), institutions (such as hospitals), and payers (like insurance companies) to refuse to provide or pay for specific health care services based on their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. It prohibits discrimination against these entities for such refusals and requires institutions to adopt internal policies enabling conscience-based objections. Key provisions include requiring written consent before a provider can be assigned to perform an abortion and ensuring religious organizations can align employment or admission decisions with their beliefs. The law does not override existing obligations for emergency care or other essential services.

Maddy summaryHB 66 prohibits businesses and organizations from refusing service, goods, or facilities to the public based on a person's vaccination status, use of face coverings (masks), or medical testing results related to infectious diseases like COVID-19. It also bans advertisements or communications requiring masks, vaccines, or testing as a condition for public services. Violations are punishable by a misdemeanor fine of up to $5,000 or one year in jail. The law applies to all public-facing businesses and services, such as restaurants, stores, and venues. It repeals prior immunization requirement laws and takes effect immediately.