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Bill > HB0273


WY HB0273

Wyoming pregnancy centers-autonomy and rights.


summary

Introduced
01/23/2025
In Committee
02/24/2025
Crossed Over
02/07/2025
Passed
Dead
02/28/2025

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025 General Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to public health and safety; providing legislative findings; prohibiting the state and specified governmental entities from adopting any law, rule or policy that targets pregnancy centers for oversight or regulation based on the centers' stance against abortion; providing definitions; providing penalties; specifying available damages; providing a right of intervention for members of the legislature as specified; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Wyoming Pregnancy Center Autonomy and Rights of Expression (CARE) Act, which protects pregnancy centers from government interference or regulation based on their pro-life stance. The bill begins by highlighting the important role pregnancy centers play in supporting women facing unexpected pregnancies, offering services like counseling, pregnancy tests, parenting classes, and medical support. It specifically prohibits state and local government entities from requiring pregnancy centers to perform or promote abortions, provide abortion-inducing drugs or contraception, or make referrals for such services. The legislation also prevents governments from interfering with pregnancy centers' hiring practices or punishing them for not offering abortion-related services. The bill provides legal recourse for pregnancy centers, allowing them to sue for damages if they face discriminatory actions, with potential compensation of at least $5,000 plus legal fees. Notably, the bill includes a provision that allows state legislators to intervene if the law's constitutionality is challenged. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and was partly motivated by increased scrutiny of pregnancy centers following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services, Justice

Sponsors (11)

Last Action

COW:S Did not consider for COW (on 02/28/2025)

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