HB 168 prohibits requesting an employer's experience rating to assess their safety record, including for construction projects in Wyoming. It requires the state worker's compensation division to determine within 15 days (or 45 days with additional information) whether an injury should be charged to an employer's account, and states such determinations can only be used for setting insurance premiums - not in court. The bill also clarifies that experience rating adjustments for premiums are capped at 65% until 2016 and 85% from 2017, and ensures injuries caused by third parties are not charged to employers. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
This bill (HB 152) adds a provision to Wyoming law that allows courts to order individuals who file false or malicious applications to dissolve a limited liability company (LLC) to pay the LLC’s legal fees and costs. It specifically targets situations where an applicant "caused or created" the alleged problems to force dissolution, and the court rules the application was filed in bad faith. The law would apply to dissolution proceedings filed on or after July 1, 2026, directly affecting LLCs and members defending against such frivolous claims. It aims to discourage abusive legal tactics by making bad-faith applicants financially responsible for the LLC’s defense.
HB 161 requires Wyoming's health, insurance, and administration departments to conduct a study on health insurance markets, focusing on options that could lower costs for vulnerable groups like small businesses, rural residents, and early retirees. The study will examine three specific mechanisms: whether non-state residents could join the state employees' insurance plan (paying full costs), feasibility of a state reinsurance program to stabilize premiums, and strategies used by other low-population states. Crucially, the study is strictly advisory - no new programs, subsidies, or mandates will be created, and it explicitly prohibits expanding Medicaid or public assistance. The $250,000 study must be completed by October 2026, with findings reported to the legislature.
HB 176 modifies how Wyoming school funding is calculated by including students who pass competency-based equivalency exams in the average daily membership (ADM) count for the remainder of the semester they took the exam. This directly affects school districts receiving state education funding based on ADM, as it may increase their funding for these students. The bill requires the state superintendent to create implementing rules for the education resource block grant model. It becomes effective immediately upon enactment.
HB 158, the EV Charging Stations Transparency Act, requires operators of direct current (DC) fast-charging stations in Wyoming to display a clear 3x3 inch label showing the primary energy source (e.g., wind, natural gas, coal) powering the station. This applies to stations connected to public utilities or using on-site generation, with labels updated annually based on the utility’s annual energy mix in the station’s service area. If the primary source accounts for less than 50% of electricity, the label must show the top two sources. The law aims to provide transparency for EV drivers about the energy sources powering charging stations, with violations punishable by fines up to $750.
HB 149 prohibits individuals convicted of specific offenses against minors or under investigation for child abuse/neglect from administering home-based educational programs in Wyoming. It bans parents/guardians with recent convictions (within 7 years) for offenses like child abuse, sexual assault, or crimes involving minors (as listed in subsection 21-4-102(b)(i)), unless the conviction was reversed, annulled, or pardoned. The bill also restricts anyone advised by child protective services not to start home schooling during an active abuse/neglect investigation. Parents already running home schools before an investigation may continue, but must appeal restrictions through administrative hearings if challenged.
Wyoming's HB 192 proposes changes to penalties for drivers who refuse chemical tests after a DUI arrest when a search warrant has been obtained. The bill increases penalties for refusal to include up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, and mandatory license suspension (30 days to one year) for all drivers, including those under 21 and commercial drivers. It also allows refusal to be used as evidence in court and requires offenders to complete substance use disorder assessments and treatment at their own expense. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2026, if passed.
Wyoming's HB 181 prohibits all state and local government entities from using biometric data (like facial recognition or fingerprints) to identify people or verify identities, geolocation data to track individuals or vehicles, and automatic license plate reader systems for vehicle identification or toll collection. The bill requires governments to adopt compliance policies, creates a civil lawsuit option for violations, and amends the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act to address liability. It specifically excludes school bus cameras, anonymized health data, and certain utility infrastructure from the restrictions. The law directly affects all state agencies, counties, cities, and law enforcement entities by restricting their use of these surveillance technologies. The bill is currently in early procedural stages and has not advanced beyond introduction.
HB 162 creates a $6,000 annual property tax exemption for first responders in Wyoming, directly affecting peace officers, dispatchers, firefighters, and ambulance personnel (both paid and volunteer) who own or occupy their primary residence. To qualify, claimants must submit proof of status (like an employer ID or pay stub) by May 4th each year and confirm ongoing eligibility annually with their county assessor. The exemption applies only to the primary residence and is limited to $6,000 per year in assessed value. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, if passed.
HB 177 requires the Wyoming Senate to confirm the governor's appointments to the judicial nominating commission, which selects state court judges. Previously, the governor could appoint members without Senate approval, but this bill mandates confirmation for all future appointed voting members. The change applies to commission terms starting July 1, 2026, and does not affect current or past appointments. The bill is pending in the legislature and has not yet been voted on.
HB 188 requires elected voting for directors of county boards and special districts in Wyoming that spend or budget over $20 million annually on average across the previous five fiscal years. Starting with the 2028 general election, these boards must hold elections for all directors unless their budget falls below $20 million or another law already mandates elections. The bill applies to boards currently appointed by county commissions, such as airport authorities and special districts, and updates related statutes to align with this requirement. It does not change current appointment rules for smaller-budget entities or districts with existing election processes.
HB 89 allows alcohol industry businesses and licensed sellers to donate alcoholic beverages to qualifying nonprofits for charitable events, without the donation counting as a sale. To qualify, nonprofits must be Wyoming-organized, federally tax-exempt, and use all proceeds exclusively for charitable purposes. The bill requires prior approval from the licensing authority for such donations and clarifies that these gifts avoid triggering sales regulations. This change, effective July 1, 2026, directly affects Wyoming alcohol licensees and eligible nonprofits seeking to fundraise through event donations.
