Rep. Pepper Ottman

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 126, the "Human heartbeat act," prohibits most abortion procedures after a detectable fetal heartbeat is identified (typically around 6 weeks gestation), directly affecting pregnant individuals seeking abortions and healthcare providers performing them. The bill requires healthcare providers to confirm a detectable heartbeat via standard medical equipment before proceeding with an abortion, except in cases of medical emergencies that threaten the patient's life or major bodily function. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by up to five years in prison or $10,000 fines, and healthcare professionals face mandatory license revocation for noncompliance. The law creates new definitions, exceptions for medical emergencies, and penalties for violations, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 26 exempts vehicles owned by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes (Wind River Indian Reservation) from Wyoming's county and state vehicle registration fees. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include tribal government vehicles under the exemption list, which previously covered federal/state/local governments and certain districts. This change applies only to vehicles used for tribal operations, not commercial activity. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects tribal governments' operational costs for their official vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 157 creates a civil lawsuit right for parents if Wyoming state agencies or local governments infringe their parental rights under Wyoming law (specifically W.S. 14-2-206). It removes standard government immunity and waives the typical 2-year notice requirement for filing such claims. Parents who win these lawsuits can recover attorney fees and court costs. The law applies to state agencies and political subdivisions (like school districts) and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 103, the Wyoming First Amendment Protection Act, protects individuals and groups from lawsuits when they exercise rights like speaking publicly about issues, assembling peacefully, petitioning government, or expressing religious views. It creates automatic immunity from lawsuits (called "SLAPPs") that target these activities, requiring courts to dismiss such cases early in the process. If a defendant successfully uses this immunity, they receive their legal fees and costs. The law directly affects citizens, activists, journalists, and organizations engaging in public discourse on matters of community concern.

Maddy summaryHB 143, the "Free Speech for Health Care Providers Act," protects health care professionals (including doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and hospital staff) from state agency discrimination based on constitutionally protected speech related to patient care. It prohibits state agencies from taking adverse actions like license suspension, reprimands, or termination against providers for speech within their professional scope - unless the agency proves the speech directly caused harm to a patient within the past three years. The bill requires agencies to notify providers within 14 days of any complaint about speech-based actions and allows providers to sue for damages, attorney fees, or injunctions if their rights are violated. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Expanding Physician Access Act allows Wyoming's Board of Medicine to issue provisional medical licenses to internationally trained physicians who meet specific criteria. To qualify, these physicians must have a job offer from a Wyoming health care provider (like a hospital or clinic), hold a current license in their home country for the past five years, complete at least seven years of practice (or 12 years without residency), pass U.S. medical exams and English fluency tests, and have valid U.S. work authorization. The provisional license is tied to employment: if a physician loses their job, the license is suspended until they find new employment, and revoked after six months without a position. A supervising physician - fully licensed in Wyoming with specific qualifications - must be approved to oversee the internationally trained physician.

Maddy summaryHB 184 creates a criminal deferral program for juveniles (under 18) charged with specific misdemeanors who have no prior misdemeanor or felony convictions. Instead of facing trial, eligible juveniles can be placed on probation for up to 18 months, requiring them to report to court twice yearly, follow law-abiding behavior, avoid leaving the state without permission, and pay restitution to victims. If they complete probation successfully, charges are dismissed without a conviction. Violating probation terms may lead to trial or transfer to juvenile court, but successful completion avoids formal criminal records.

Maddy summaryHB 185 prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, and possession of kratom products in Wyoming. It directly affects businesses and individuals handling these products, with exemptions for research institutions and law enforcement labs conducting testing. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties of up to $1,000 fines or one year in jail for repeat offenses. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to hire staff and purchase testing equipment, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 186, the "Baby Olivia Act," requires Wyoming public schools to provide human development education to students in grades 5-12, mandating specific instructional materials. The bill directs schools to show two videos: one displaying high-definition fetal organ development via ultrasound, and another demonstrating fertilization and human development stages from conception to birth. School districts must allow parental opt-outs via written request and comply with annual audits by the state education department. The law applies to all public school districts beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, with implementation requiring legislative approval for health education standards. The bill failed its introduction in the Wyoming House (39-20-3) on February 14, 2026.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 173 amends laws to increase parental responsibility for minors' actions. It allows property owners (including schools) to seek up to $5,000 in damages from parents if a child aged 10-17 maliciously damages property. Parents who fail to comply with court orders regarding juvenile discipline may face fines up to $1,000 or 120 days in jail. The bill also requires parents to post bonds of up to $1,000 if their lack of supervision directly causes a juvenile's delinquent behavior, with forfeited funds first covering damages and then going to school districts or county treasuries. The law would take effect July 1, 2026.