PRIORITY BILL*
WFA STANCE:
SUPPORT
WFA CATEGORY:
Family Values
TOPIC:
Protection of Minors
STATUS:
Governor Signed HEA No. 0012 Into Law
SCHEDULE:
No Committee Meetings or Floor Sessions Currently Scheduled
SCHEDULE:
Senate 3rd Reading @ ~10AM, Senate Floor (2/27/26)
* Time is the start time of the Floor Session, not the specific time the bill will be considered.
SPONSOR(S):
House Judiciary Committee
CO-SPONSOR(S):
N/A
LEGISLATOR CONTACT INFO:
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR:
Click this link to contact your local legislator; TELL THEM TO VOTE YES ON HB0009
*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 bill establishes a new criminal offense in Wyoming known as “grooming of a minor for a sexual offense,” defined under W.S. 6-2-321. This offense is characterized by actions intended to prepare, induce, or persuade a minor to engage in sexual conduct or exploitation, regardless of whether any actual sexual conduct occurs. The bill outlines specific behaviors that constitute grooming, including emotional manipulation and the use of electronic communication. Penalties for this offense vary based on the age of the minor involved, with harsher penalties for offenses against minors under the age of twelve, including a minimum imprisonment of twenty-five years.
Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to include grooming of a minor for a sexual offense as a disqualifying factor for probation eligibility and updates the registration requirements for offenders convicted of this crime. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for July 1, 2026.
Summary by FastDemocracy
View Full Text of the Bill:
https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0009
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:
Click the link(s) below to see bills with similar objectives:
HB0008 | Stalking of Minors
Family Values | Protection of Children
HB0028 | Sexual Exploitation of Children – Amendments
Family Values | Protection of Children
SF0085 | RAVEN Act
Family Values | Protection of Children
SF0088 | Sex Offenders – Residence Near Child Care Facilities
Family Values | Protection of Children
