PRIORITY BILL*
WFA STANCE:
SUPPORT
WFA CATEGORY:
Family Values
TOPIC:
Parental Rights
STATUS:
Senate Did not consider for Committee of the Whole
SCHEDULE:
No Committee Meetings or Floor Sessions Currently Scheduled
SCHEDULE:
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 bill establishes a civil cause of action for parents whose parental rights are infringed upon by governmental entities in Wyoming. It creates a new section, W.S. 1-39-125, which holds governmental entities liable for damages resulting from violations of parental rights as outlined in W.S. 14-2-206. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to create exceptions to governmental immunity, specifically allowing parents to seek declaratory and injunctive relief without adhering to the usual claims notice requirements. It also mandates that prevailing parents in such actions are entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs.
Key amendments include the insertion of provisions that exempt actions under W.S. 14-2-206(d) from the standard claims procedures and limitations on damages against governmental entities. The bill specifies that no judgment against a governmental entity shall include punitive damages or attorney’s fees unless it pertains to the infringement of parental rights. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Summary by FastDemocracy
View Full Text of the Bill:
https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0157
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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