Bill > HB0003

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, support classes, and medical services. It specifically responds to increased scrutiny of pregnancy centers following the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Wade decision by prohibiting state and local governments from adopting any laws, rules, or policies that would require pregnancy centers to perform or promote abortion, distribute abortion-inducing drugs or contraception, or force them to modify their hiring practices or mission. The legislation defines key terms like "pregnancy center" and "abortion" and provides legal protections, allowing pregnancy centers or aggrieved individuals to file civil actions if their rights are violated. If successful, plaintiffs can recover damages up to three times the actual damages sustained, with a minimum of $5,000, and the bill also allows legislative members to intervene in any legal challenges to the act. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and aims to preserve the autonomy and free expression of pregnancy centers that choose not to support abortion services.

Health and Social Services

Labor, Health and Social Services (Joint)

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0003