This bill amends Wyoming's gambling laws by adding a new definition for "bona fide social relationship" to clarify what qualifies as non-gambling social activity. It specifies that casual games among friends or family at private gatherings (e.g., home poker nights) are exempt from gambling laws only if the relationship is genuine, not created for gambling, and meets strict conditions like no advertising, no professional involvement, and no profit beyond direct winnings. The bill directly affects private social groups hosting informal games, ensuring they remain legally distinct from commercial gambling. It does not change existing exemptions for charitable raffles or professional sports betting. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.
Wyoming's SF 41 creates "portable benefit accounts" to help independent contractors access benefits like health insurance or retirement savings. The bill allows hiring parties (companies or individuals) or contractors themselves to voluntarily contribute funds to these accounts, with strict rules requiring written opt-in agreements and clear disclosure. It prohibits using these contributions to determine employment status and mandates that accounts be managed by approved financial institutions. The law requires the Department of Workforce Services to create implementing rules and takes effect July 1, 2026. This directly affects independent contractors who currently lack employer-provided benefits.
This bill regulates kratom products sold in Wyoming by banning certain types and requiring specific labeling. It prohibits selling kratom products containing more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, designed to appeal to children (like candy-shaped products), or intended for vaporization. Retailers must label products with full ingredients, age restrictions (under 21), health warnings about potential addiction and medication interactions, and precise dosage information. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, with repeat offenses risking business injunctions. The bill directly affects kratom retailers and consumers, particularly minors.
This bill requires Wyoming's state engineer to conduct groundwater studies every decade in counties with designated groundwater control areas. The studies must assess water usage, determine necessary controls to replenish underground water systems, and may include mapping or test wells. Results must be publicly shared and reported to a legislative committee within 15 days of completion. The state engineer's office is allocated $250,000 specifically for this study, which must be finished by June 30, 2028.
Wyoming's SF 48, the Stem Cell Freedom Act, allows physicians to recommend and perform stem cell therapy using a patient's own cells (autologous mesenchymal stem cells), provided it follows institutional review board approval, current manufacturing standards, and includes written informed consent acknowledging the therapy isn't FDA-approved. The law prohibits the state board of medicine from disciplining doctors for offering this therapy and prevents state entities from denying patient access. It explicitly excludes abortion-derived materials and states insurers may choose but aren't required to cover the therapy. The bill creates no legal liability for providers who follow its requirements and medical standards.
This bill repeals the sunset provision in Wyoming's Indian Child Welfare Act (W.S. 14-6-715(b)), ensuring the law continues without an automatic expiration date. It directly affects Native American children and families in Wyoming by preserving existing protections under the state's child welfare framework. The key provision removes the scheduled end date, extending the law's validity indefinitely. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Wyoming's SF 59 establishes a statewide K-12 language and literacy program requiring all public school districts to implement evidence-based instruction, screening, and support for students. It mandates districts to create written plans identifying students with reading difficulties, provide individualized reading plans (IRPs) for at-risk students, and use validated screening tools. The bill requires teachers to receive professional development on literacy instruction, aligns materials with research-based practices, and creates a new literacy division within the state education department to oversee reporting and rulemaking. This directly affects every K-12 student, school districts, and educators across Wyoming.
Wyoming's HB 3, the "Wyoming Pregnancy Center Autonomy and Rights of Expression (CARE) Act," prohibits state and local governments from creating laws or policies that target pregnancy centers based on their opposition to abortion. The bill specifically bans requirements forcing centers to offer or refer for abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, contraception, or counseling in favor of these services. It defines "pregnancy center" as private nonprofits providing pregnancy-related support, counseling, and referrals without promoting abortion. Violations could lead to legal liability and damages for affected centers. The law aims to protect these centers' autonomy in providing services aligned with their mission, following post-Dobbs legal challenges in other states.
HB 8 amends Wyoming's stalking statute to make stalking a minor (under 18) a felony if the perpetrator is at least 18 years old. This specifically targets adult offenders who stalk minors, upgrading the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The bill adds a new subsection (v) to the stalking penalty section (W.S. 6-2-506(e)), directly affecting minors as victims and adults aged 18+ as perpetrators. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.
HB 9 creates a new criminal offense in Wyoming for "grooming" a minor for sexual abuse or exploitation. It directly affects adults (17+ years old, at least 4 years older than the minor) who engage in behavior to manipulate, build trust with, or prepare a minor for sexual conduct - whether online or in person, including sharing explicit material or exploiting authority. Key provisions define "grooming" broadly, specify penalties (up to 10 years in prison for general cases, 25+ years if the victim is under 12), and require offenders to complete treatment programs and face probation. The bill also updates registration requirements for offenders convicted under this law, mandating annual in-person verification with law enforcement.
This bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for ground ambulance services in Wyoming from July 2026 to June 2028. It requires the state to pay ambulance providers 100% of the Medicare rate (or their usual charges, whichever is lower) for emergency medical services covered under Medicaid. The state and federal governments will provide $1.3 million each for a total of $2.6 million to fund this rate increase during the two-year period. The Department of Health must report on costs and potential rate adjustments by October 2027. This directly affects ambulance providers serving Medicaid patients in Wyoming.
HB 2, the Fast Track Permits Act, requires cities, towns, and counties in Wyoming to review residential building permit applications within strict deadlines. Local governments must notify applicants within 15 days if an application is incomplete and must approve or deny complete applications within 30 days (excluding delays for clarification or state/federal approvals). If deadlines are missed, permits are automatically approved as submitted the next day. The bill directly affects homebuilders applying for permits for detached single-family homes, townhouses, or small multi-unit projects under specific size and code limits, and the local governments that process these applications.
