Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams

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 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 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.

2021/Summaries/HB0253.pdf