HB0003

Prohibits the state and its political subdivisions from adopting laws or policies that target pregnancy centers for regulation or oversight based on their stance against abortion.

• Establishes legislative findings regarding pregnancy centers, including their services, role in communities, and alleged targeting since the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade. (Sec. 1)
• Defines key terms including abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, contraception, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, pregnancy center, and pre-viability separation procedure. (W.S. 35-4-1102)
• Prohibits the state and political subdivisions from requiring pregnancy centers to offer, perform, refer for, or counsel in favor of abortions, abortion-inducing drugs, or contraception. (W.S. 35-4-1103(a)(i)-(v))
• Prohibits state and political subdivisions from denying pregnancy centers the ability to provide pregnancy-related services, prenatal and postnatal resources, or medical testing and counseling based on the centers' opposition to abortion. (W.S. 35-4-1103(a)(vi)-(ix))
• Prohibits state and political subdivisions from interfering with pregnancy centers' staffing and hiring decisions by requiring them to employ individuals who do not affirm the center's pro-life mission or ethical standards. (W.S. 35-4-1103(a)(x))
• Allows pregnancy centers and aggrieved persons to bring civil actions for damages, declaratory relief, and injunctive relief for violations, with treble damages of at least $5,000, plus costs and attorney fees. (W.S. 35-4-1104(a))
• Permits the legislature to appoint members to intervene as a matter of right in any case challenging the constitutionality or legality of the act. (W.S. 35-4-1104(b))
• Makes governmental entities liable for damages resulting from violations of the pregnancy center protections. (W.S. 1-39-125)
• Amends the Wyoming Governmental Immunity Act to include the new pregnancy center liability provisions as exceptions to governmental tort immunity. (Sec. 3, W.S. 1-39-104(a))