HB0114

Requires that orders, rules, and directives issued during public health emergencies provide religious assemblies with the same exemptions from closure or limitations as any other exempted business or entity.

• Mandates that any public health emergency order limiting business operations must extend the same exemptions to places of worship qualifying under federal tax law, churches and their auxiliaries, and any religious gatherings in places ordinarily open for worship, including private residences and public places. (W.S. 35-4-116(a))
• Clarifies that religious institutions and religious assemblies must receive equal freedom to meet during public health emergencies as any other exempted business or entity. (W.S. 35-4-116(b))
• Creates a private civil right of action for persons aggrieved by violations, allowing recovery of damages, costs, attorney fees, declaratory judgments, injunctions, and exemplary or punitive damages if the violation was wanton or malicious. (W.S. 35-4-116(c))
• Amends the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act to carve out an exception to governmental immunity for violations of the religious assembly exemption requirements during public health emergencies. (W.S. 1-39-104(a), W.S. 1-39-118(d), W.S. 1-42-202(f))

Effective: Immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for the bill to become law

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