Criminal Justice

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.

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.

SF 7 amends Wyoming's theft laws to increase penalties for certain offenses. It raises the maximum penalty for theft of property under $1,000 from six months in jail and $750 fines to one year and $1,500, and lowers the felony threshold from a fifth to a third theft offense. The bill also updates penalties for using theft detection shielding devices to match the new misdemeanor penalties. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026.

This Wyoming bill (SF 8) creates a new criminal offense for "absconding for criminal purposes," targeting individuals who travel between counties within Wyoming or to another jurisdiction *after* committing a crime. It directly affects people who flee to commit additional crimes, hide stolen property, or further a felony. The law specifies that penalties for this offense will match the penalty for the most serious underlying crime (e.g., the original offense or the intended one). The bill is pending and would take effect July 1, 2026, if passed.

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.