Labor, Health and Social Services

Wyoming's HB 126, the "Human heartbeat act," prohibits most abortion procedures after a detectable fetal heartbeat is identified (typically around 6 weeks gestation), directly affecting pregnant individuals seeking abortions and healthcare providers performing them. The bill requires healthcare providers to confirm a detectable heartbeat via standard medical equipment before proceeding with an abortion, except in cases of medical emergencies that threaten the patient's life or major bodily function. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by up to five years in prison or $10,000 fines, and healthcare professionals face mandatory license revocation for noncompliance. The law creates new definitions, exceptions for medical emergencies, and penalties for violations, effective upon enactment.

This bill designates April 26 as "Shared Parenting Day" in Wyoming through a ceremonial resolution. It does not change custody laws or create new obligations; instead, it formally recognizes the state's commitment to raising awareness about shared parenting arrangements. The resolution cites research on child well-being benefits when children maintain relationships with both parents after separation or divorce. This designation applies statewide and aims to promote community reflection on shared parenting, affecting all Wyoming residents through annual observance.

This bill updates Wyoming's rules for involuntary mental health treatment. It expands the list of qualified professionals who can conduct initial examinations for individuals needing hospitalization, while requiring a licensed physician or psychologist to review findings if non-physician examiners are used. For outpatient commitment (where patients don't require hospitalization but need supervision), courts must set a maximum two-year period with mandatory court reviews every six months. These changes apply to all Wyoming courts handling mental health commitment cases.

This bill creates a new monthly death benefit for the surviving spouses of Wyoming law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty after July 1, 2026. The benefit equals 90% of the officer's salary plus 6% of that salary for each child under 18. It applies to death benefits distributed on or after the effective date, specifically amending retirement program provisions for law enforcement members. The policy directly affects surviving spouses and dependent children of qualifying officers who die while performing official duties.

This bill allows residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Wyoming to renew their state-issued identification cards by mail instead of appearing in person. To qualify, residents must be full-time facility occupants, submit a notarized attestation from facility staff, pay a fee, provide documentation for any ID changes, and surrender their old card. The renewal method cannot be used if a resident has already renewed twice in 16 years or is changing information on their ID. The Wyoming Department of Transportation must create rules to implement this process, which takes effect July 1, 2026.