Criminal Justice

Wyoming's SF 9 bill increases penalties for distributing fentanyl to minors under 18. It makes it a felony to distribute fentanyl (including all its isomers, esters, and salts) to anyone under 18, punishable by a fine and up to double the standard prison term for such offenses. The law specifically targets fentanyl distribution to minors, distinguishing it from penalties for other controlled substances. This bill affects individuals who distribute fentanyl to minors and will take effect July 1, 2026.

This Wyoming bill prohibits state and local government agencies from using artificial intelligence to assign "social scores" based on personal behavior or characteristics, which could lead to unfair treatment (like denying services for unrelated reasons). It specifically bans AI systems from identifying individuals using biometric data (e.g., fingerprints, facial recognition) without consent, except for health data covered under HIPAA. The law applies broadly to all government entities - including counties, schools, and departments - excluding universities and certain health districts. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

HB 42 amends Wyoming law to make failing to stop after a vehicle accident causing death or serious injury a felony, rather than a misdemeanor. Drivers involved in accidents resulting in death or "serious bodily injury" (as defined in state law) would face up to 5 years in prison or a $10,000 fine, compared to the current maximum of 1 year or $5,000 for injuries alone. The bill directly affects drivers involved in collisions with fatal or severe injury outcomes, increasing legal consequences for hit-and-run behavior. It takes effect on July 1, 2026.