I want to bring your attention to HB 96 – Prohibiting Masks and Vaccines, a bill that revisits many of the COVID-related issues we have faced over the last four years. This bill places significant restrictions on all “persons” in Wyoming, and it’s important to understand the broad legal definition of “person” under Wyoming law.
In Wyoming statutes, the term “person” includes:
- Individuals – Natural human beings.
- Corporations – Legally recognized business entities.
- Partnerships – General and limited partnerships.
- Associations – Organized groups.
- LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) – Businesses with liability protections.
- Trusts – Legal entities managing assets.
- Governmental Entities – State agencies, municipalities, and other public organizations.
- Other Legal Entities – Such as estates and joint ventures.
This definition can be found in Wyoming Statutes Title 8 (General Provisions) and more specifically in Wyoming Statutes § 8-1-102, which governs statutory interpretation across Wyoming law.
No person who receives subsidies from the state or federal government shall:
(i) Refuse, withhold from or deny a person any services, goods, facilities, advantages or privileges that are public in nature or that invite the patronage of the public based on a person’s COVID 19 vaccination or booster status, whether a person is not wearing a face covering or whether a person refuses to submit to COVID 19 medical testing;
(ii) Publish, display or mail, either directly or indirectly, any communication, notice or advertisement that states that a person is required to wear a face covering, to have a COVID 19 vaccination or booster or to submit to COVID 19 medical testing as a condition for receiving or accessing services, goods, facilities, advantages or privileges that are public in nature or that invite the patronage of the public.
Any person aggrieved by a violation of subsection (b) of this section may file a civil action to recover a civil award of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00).
As currently written, the bill presents a serious conflict:
- Compliance Penalties: If organizations such as nursing homes, airports, clinics, hospitals, and schools follow federal guidelines, they will face a $5,000 state fine per violation.
- Federal Funding Risks: If organizations comply with this Wyoming law instead of federal mandates (e.g., CMS requirements), they risk losing federal grants and reimbursements, which could be devastating to healthcare facilities and other institutions.
Why This Matters:
Passing HB 96 as written puts our elderly, veterans, and Medicaid programs at risk, forcing healthcare providers and public institutions into a lose-lose situation. The healthcare system will be put in an impossible position of choosing between state fines and federal funding penalties.
What You Can Do:
Read The Bill: here.
Call and Email: Legislators can be reached by email using their firstname.lastname@wyoleg.gov. Contact information, including phone numbers is available here.
Submit Online Form: During the legislative session, you can recommend support, opposition or leave a comment on legislation using the Online Hotline.
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