Sen. Cheri Steinmetz

Maddy summaryWyoming's HB 58 requires all public high school students to pass a civics exam to graduate, using the same test used for U.S. citizenship (minimum 60% score). The bill mandates that schools teach the U.S. Constitution (including the Bill of Rights), Wyoming's constitution, and American ideals from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students graduating in 2022-2023 or later must pass this specific exam as a graduation requirement. The law affects all Wyoming public high school students and takes effect July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 74 would require runoff elections in Wyoming for statewide and legislative offices (including governor, state treasurer, and state legislature) if no candidate receives a majority (over 50%) of votes in the primary election. The top two vote-getters would advance to the runoff, with specific tie-breaking procedures for tied vote counts. The bill also changes primary election timing to the first Tuesday after the third Monday in August and standardizes runoff ballot formats to include clear voting instructions and write-in options. This bill was introduced in 2022 but was not considered for advancement by the legislature.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.