Bill > HB0048

This bill modifies several existing Wyoming statutes to create a new duty for the director of the Department of Family Services (DFS) to review the effectiveness and impact of departmental programs by allowing the sharing of certain confidential data under specific circumstances. The bill creates exceptions to existing confidentiality requirements, permitting DFS to share data for purposes such as referrals, service provision, and participation in legitimate research, while maintaining strict privacy protections. The bill requires DFS to create rules implementing these data-sharing provisions and mandates that the department report to the joint judiciary interim committee by October 1, 2025, detailing the types of data shared and the safeguards implemented to protect personal information. The data-sharing provisions will become effective on July 1, 2025, and apply to various confidential records including child abuse investigations, juvenile justice information, vulnerable adult protective services records, and other sensitive departmental records. The bill aims to improve interdepartmental collaboration and research capabilities while maintaining robust personal data protections, with violations of confidentiality still potentially subject to misdemeanor penalties.

Justice

Judiciary (Joint)

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/HB0048