Rep. Sue Wilson

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Wyoming's "seal of biliteracy" and "advanced distinction seal of biliteracy" for high school graduates. It allows school districts to award these seals to students who demonstrate proficiency in English plus one or more world languages (including American Sign Language, classical languages, and indigenous languages). The state superintendent designs the program, sets assessment standards, and requires districts to report annually on the number of seals issued, languages used, and seal types. The program applies to all Wyoming high school students meeting the proficiency criteria, with implementation beginning July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 110 establishes a licensing system for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts in Wyoming. To obtain a license, applicants must hold a current certification from a recognized certifying entity (like a Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and meet board requirements, with exemptions for certain professionals like licensed psychologists or students under supervision. The bill also defines "behavior technicians" who must work under a licensed behavior analyst's supervision and cannot represent themselves as licensed. It directly affects behavior analysts, technicians, and related professionals practicing in Wyoming, ensuring standardized qualifications and oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 108 clarifies the definition of embalming to exclude non-arterial disinfection or "setting features" for identification. It revises education requirements for funeral service practitioners, now requiring either 60 college credits plus an associate's degree in funeral service or a mortuary science diploma plus five years of experience. The bill also updates reciprocal licensing rules, allowing out-of-state practitioners with similar education to obtain licenses without additional training if they've practiced for at least three years. These changes apply to new license applications submitted on or after July 1, 2022, directly affecting funeral service professionals seeking licensure in Wyoming.

Maddy summaryHB 82 redefines "honorable discharge" in Wyoming law to include veterans discharged "general or other than honorable solely for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine." This directly affects Wyoming veterans who were discharged for vaccine refusal during the pandemic, allowing them to qualify for state benefits and exemptions they previously lost. The bill amends Wyoming Statute 8-1-102 by adding a specific definition to include these veterans under "honorable discharge" for benefit eligibility. It takes effect immediately upon becoming law, ensuring affected veterans can access state support without requiring additional legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 125 requires Wyoming's Department of Workforce Services to provide clear, accessible information and guidance to employers and employees about workplace injuries, covering topics like rights, workers' compensation claim processes, and available support services such as financial assistance and rehabilitation programs. The department must widely share this information and submit an annual report to a state committee by September 30, detailing how many people used the guidance and distinguishing between workers' compensation-specific resources and general workplace injury information. Implementing rules for these requirements must be finalized by July 1, 2022. This law directly affects all employers and employees in Wyoming who navigate workplace injury claims or support systems.

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 149 prohibits abortions performed solely because of an unborn child's disability, sex, race, color, national origin, or ancestry. It directly affects health care providers who perform abortions, requiring them to avoid these specific reasons for termination. The bill imposes felony charges (up to 14 years imprisonment), civil liability for wrongful death, and potential license discipline for violations under Wyoming's health licensing laws. It also defines "disability" broadly to include conditions like Down syndrome and "lethal fetal anomaly" as a condition likely causing death within three months of birth.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Wyoming's legislature to reimburse students for non-public school education costs, but only for students aged 6-21 who are otherwise eligible for public school. The amendment would permit reimbursement up to the cost of public education in Wyoming, excluding expenses for out-of-state education, non-K-12 schooling, or education for students ineligible for public school. It does not require the legislature to fund such reimbursements, nor does it authorize payments exceeding public school costs. The proposal must be approved by Wyoming voters to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryWyoming's SF 1001 prohibits most employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment. It allows exceptions only for employers who document that vaccination is critical for workplace safety and provide medical/religious exemptions, along with reasonable alternatives like reassignment or testing. Employers violating the law face $100 daily penalties, and must offer severance pay if employees leave due to non-compliant mandates. The bill specifically addresses healthcare employers and creates a program for antibody testing, while citing staffing shortages as its legislative motivation.

Maddy summaryHB 1001 prohibits Wyoming employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment, except in limited circumstances. It mandates employers to provide medical and religious exemptions, offer reasonable alternatives (like reassignment or testing), and pay severance to employees who leave due to non-compliant mandates. The law applies broadly but specifically addresses critical staffing shortages in healthcare, requiring employers to document workplace safety justifications for any exceptions. It also creates programs for employer-funded testing and adjusts worker's compensation to cover vaccine-related injuries.

2021/Summaries/SF0130.pdf