PRIORITY BILL*
WFA STANCE:
SUPPORT
WFA CATEGORY:
Religious Liberty
TOPIC:
First Amendment Protections
STATUS:
Senate: Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to SR 5-4
SCHEDULE:
No Committee Meetings or Floor Sessions Currently Scheduled
SCHEDULE:
SPONSOR(S):
CO-SPONSOR(S):
LEGISLATOR CONTACT INFO:
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR:
Click this link to contact your local legislator
*A “Priority Bill” designation is assigned to legislation that Wyoming Family Alliance has chosen to concentrate its time, resources, and advocacy efforts on. While many pro-family bills align with our mission, only a limited number can be designated as priorities each session to ensure effective and focused engagement.
SUMMARY:
The Wyoming First Amendment Protection Act aims to provide immunity from lawsuits that infringe upon constitutional rights such as freedom of petition, assembly, religious freedom, and speech. The bill establishes a framework for addressing strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), which are legal actions intended to suppress these rights. It defines key terms, including “privileged activities” and “SLAPP,” and outlines the conditions under which individuals can assert immunity from suit. The act also allows for interlocutory appeals if immunity is denied and specifies that any action dismissed under this immunity will be with prejudice, signifying an adjudication on the merits.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for awarding attorney fees and costs to those who successfully assert immunity, as well as establishing a SLAPP-back cause of action for individuals who face retaliatory lawsuits for exercising their First Amendment rights. The act emphasizes that its protections are substantive law and apply broadly to ensure the safeguarding of constitutional rights. It will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to all causes of action accruing after this date, as well as certain pending actions under specified conditions.
Summary by FastDemocracy
View Full Text of the Bill:
https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0103
WFA COMMENTARY & UPDATES:
Updates on this bill will be posted as they arise.
SIMILAR BILLS:
Click the link(s) below to see bills with similar objectives:
HB0143 | Free Speech for Health Care Providers
Religious Liberty | First Amendment Protections
HB0159 | Safeguarding Personal Expression at K-12 Schools
Religious Liberty | First Amendment Protections
