Sen. Lynn Hutchings

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," requires public schools and colleges in Wyoming to designate athletic teams based on students' biological sex at birth, as recorded on their birth certificates. It prohibits biological males from participating on teams designated for females, women, or girls, and mandates that schools must clearly label teams as male, female, or coed. The law also allows students denied athletic opportunities due to violations, or those facing retaliation for reporting issues, to pursue legal action for damages, attorney fees, and other remedies. Schools must implement specific rules by August 15, 2022, and the law takes effect on July 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 85 creates a new felony offense for pregnant individuals who knowingly use methamphetamine or certain narcotics (like heroin or fentanyl) without a prescription from a healthcare provider. It directly affects pregnant people using these substances without medical authorization, imposing penalties of up to five years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The law specifically targets non-prescribed use of Schedule I/II controlled substances during pregnancy, framing it as endangering the unborn child, and takes effect July 1, 2022. The bill does not address medical treatment or addiction support, focusing solely on criminal penalties for non-prescribed substance use.

Maddy summaryHB 139 prohibits Wyoming state agencies and local governments from using public funds or staff resources for projects involving permanent conservation easements or federal conservation efforts. It specifically restricts compliance with the Biden administration's goal to conserve 30% of U.S. land and water by 2030, requiring state agencies to host workshops on tax impacts of conservation easements and track local resolutions opposing the federal mandate. The bill directs the Department of Agriculture to maintain online lists of jurisdictions supporting or opposing the 30x30 goal and designates a state coordinator for federal climate programs. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, landowners, and agricultural/mining industries by limiting state cooperation with federal conservation programs. The bill failed to pass in 2022 (30-30 vote).

Maddy summaryHB 75 requires Wyoming's political subdivisions (like cities, counties, and school districts) to hold bond elections only on days when a primary or general election is scheduled, aligning bond votes with existing statewide election cycles. Exceptions allow bond elections on specific dates in May or August for natural disasters or emergencies, with the secretary of state mandated to create emergency rules by July 1, 2022. The bill also requires local governments to provide 110 days' written notice of bond elections to the county clerk, detailing bond purposes and terms. This change directly affects how local entities schedule and conduct bond elections for projects like infrastructure or public facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 154, the Wyoming Religious Freedom Restoration Act, would protect individuals from government actions that burden their religious practices or moral conscience. It defines a "burden" as government actions (like withholding benefits, imposing penalties, or excluding from programs) that restrict religious exercise or moral conscience, and requires government to prove such a burden is necessary for a compelling interest and the least restrictive option. Individuals affected by such government actions could seek court relief for violations. The bill explicitly states it does not override laws protecting public safety or health.

Maddy summaryHB 121 prohibits requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination status (a "vaccine passport") for access to health insurance, public services, businesses, or educational opportunities in Wyoming. It bans health insurers from using vaccination status to deny coverage, increase premiums, or limit benefits, and prohibits businesses from refusing service or asking about vaccination status for public accommodations. The bill defines "COVID-19 immunity passport" as any document or digital record showing vaccination or recovery, and makes it illegal to deny services based on this status. Violations could result in civil lawsuits or misdemeanor penalties, but the bill does not ban vaccines or require vaccination.

Maddy summaryHB 150 amends Wyoming's manslaughter law to add two new scenarios: (1) helping someone die by suicide (except when healthcare decisions follow Wyoming's Health Care Decisions Act), and (2) failing to provide necessary medical care to a newborn after a live birth (except in cases involving abortion). The bill directly affects individuals who assist in suicides or neglect newborns, making these actions punishable as manslaughter. Key exceptions clarify that standard healthcare decisions and abortion-related cases are excluded from the new provisions. The law would take effect July 1, 2022, if enacted.

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 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.