PRIORITY BILL*
WFA STANCE:
MONITOR
WFA CATEGORY:
Family Values
TOPIC:
Criminal Justice Reform
STATUS:
House Did not Consider for Introduction
SCHEDULE:
Senate Labor Hearing @ ~12PM, Rm E001 (2/13/26)
No Committee Meetings or Floor Sessions Currently Scheduled
SPONSOR(S):
LEGISLATOR CONTACT INFO:
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*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 proposed bill establishes a criminal deferral process specifically for juveniles charged with misdemeanors in Wyoming. Under the new section W.S. 14-6-253, if a juvenile has no prior convictions and is charged with a misdemeanor deemed not treatable under existing juvenile statutes, the circuit court may defer proceedings and place the juvenile on probation for up to eighteen months. The probation terms include regular court reporting, law-abiding behavior, and restitution to victims. If the juvenile successfully completes probation, the court may dismiss the charges without a conviction. However, if the juvenile violates probation, the court has the authority to adjudicate guilt or transfer the case to juvenile court.
Additionally, the bill amends various existing statutes to incorporate the new deferral process, including provisions for surcharges and probation conditions. Notably, it specifies that a deferral under W.S. 14-6-253 will not be considered a conviction for any purpose, ensuring that juveniles can benefit from this rehabilitative approach without the long-term consequences of a criminal record. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to misdemeanors committed by juveniles on or after that date.
Summary by FastDemocracy
View Full Text of the Bill:
https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0184
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:
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