📅 2026 Update: Changes in Wyoming Laws

Since the original article was published, there have been several important changes to laws in Wyoming. These updates impact various areas, from law enforcement retirement contributions to new regulations regarding surface water runoff. The earlier article continues further down the page, providing foundational information about state laws.

🚔 Law Enforcement Retirement Contributions

Starting July 1, 2024, employee contributions for law enforcement officers under the Wyoming Retirement Act will rise from 8.6% to 9.5% of salary. This increase is part of a phased plan. By July 1, 2025, the rate will jump to 10.4%, and finally reach 11.3% by July 1, 2026.

🧠 Behavioral Health Redesign Amendments

House Bill 5 aimed to improve payments for behavioral health services. Unfortunately, this bill did not pass in the House on February 12, 2024. Individuals needing help with behavioral health claims can still reach out to the Wyoming Department of Health for assistance.

💧 Surface Water Runoff System Authority

Effective July 1, 2026, House Bill 180 allows cities and towns to create systems for managing surface water runoff. This includes setting fees for the diversion or management of water runoff. These changes are important for local governments to ensure effective water management.

🔫 Firearms Rights Restoration Amendments

House Bill 39 clarifies that individuals with felony convictions cannot use firearms unless their rights are restored according to Wyoming law. This law aims to provide clear guidelines for the restoration of gun rights in Wyoming.

📜 Medicaid Eligibility Criteria

Senate File 6, effective July 1, 2027, sets forth the criteria for Medicaid eligibility. This law aims to provide clarity and consistency in the eligibility requirements across the state.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🚔 Law enforcement retirement contributions will increase to 11.3% by July 1, 2026.
  • 🧠 House Bill 5 for behavioral health claims failed to pass.
  • 💧 New authority for managing surface water runoff begins July 1, 2026.
  • 🔫 Firearms rights restoration clarified for convicted felons.
  • 📜 Medicaid eligibility criteria to be codified by July 1, 2027.

💡 Tips for Understanding Wyoming Laws

Review the details of your situation with your attorney.

📑 Know About Law Enforcement Contributions

If you are a law enforcement officer, be aware of the upcoming changes to your retirement contributions. Staying informed will help you plan for your financial future.

🔍 Check for Behavioral Health Services

If you need help with behavioral health services, contact the Wyoming Department of Health. They can guide you through available options and support.

🌊 Understand Surface Water Management

Cities and towns will begin implementing new surface water runoff systems by July 1, 2026. Knowing these changes can help residents understand local water management efforts.

🔫 Review Firearms Rights Restoration

If you have a felony conviction, it is crucial to understand the laws around firearms restoration. Ensure you meet the necessary requirements for regaining your rights.

📋 Medicaid Eligibility Awareness

With the new Medicaid eligibility criteria coming into effect, stay updated on what this means for you or your family. Understanding these rules will help you access necessary health services.

🔄 Stay Informed on Law Changes

Laws can change frequently, so keep track of updates in Wyoming. Periodically checking for new laws can help you stay compliant and informed.

🏆 Wyoming Legal Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

Various legal services can help residents navigate the complexities of Wyoming's laws. The services listed here fit the topic and reflect user feedback from Trustpilot data as of October 2026. Ratings can change over time, and they provide just one view of the service’s quality.

🥇 1. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has been rated 4.5. It is known for online legal document creation and affordable legal services. Users appreciate the convenience of accessing legal documents easily.

However, some have noted that the subscription model can lead to unexpected charges, and customer support may be slow at times.

🥈 2. LegalZoom

LegalZoom holds a 4.6 rating. This service is recognized for its business formation services and comprehensive legal solutions. Many users find it helpful for starting businesses and handling various legal needs.

However, some customers report delays in processing times and issues with customer service responsiveness.

🆓 Free Government Help for Behavioral Health Claims

While House Bill 5 did not pass, individuals can still seek assistance from the Wyoming Department of Health regarding behavioral health services claims. This option provides valuable support for those in need without incurring costs.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Legal Services

  • 💰 Cost of services and potential hidden fees.
  • ⏳ Processing times for legal document creation or services.
  • 📞 Customer service responsiveness based on user reviews.
  • 📝 Range of services provided to fit your legal needs.
  • 🔒 Security and confidentiality of personal information.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the new law regarding law enforcement retirement contributions?

The new law will increase employee contributions for law enforcement officers in Wyoming. Contributions will rise from 8.6% to 9.5% in 2024, reaching 11.3% by 2026.

🏥 How can I find assistance for behavioral health claims?

Individuals can contact the Wyoming Department of Health for guidance and support regarding behavioral health services claims. They can provide options for assistance.

💧 What should cities know about surface water runoff systems?

Cities must comply with new regulations for managing surface water runoff starting July 1, 2026. This includes authority to establish systems and set fees for services.

🔫 How does the firearms rights restoration work in Wyoming?

House Bill 39 clarifies that individuals with felony convictions cannot possess firearms unless their rights are restored according to Wyoming law. Understanding this process is crucial for those affected.

👩‍⚕️ What changes are coming for Medicaid eligibility?

Senate File 6 will codify the current criteria for Medicaid eligibility, effective July 1, 2027. This law aims to ensure consistency in eligibility requirements.

📆 How often do Wyoming laws change?

Wyoming laws can change frequently. Staying updated on legislative sessions and new bills can help residents remain informed about any significant changes.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases in Wyoming

Recent court rulings in Wyoming have impacted various legal areas, including behavioral health and firearms rights. These cases connect to the changes in laws discussed in this article.

Readers can browse more rulings in the news section.

End of October 2026 Update





Disclaimer: 

Due to the fact that individual state laws are constantly subject to change, individuals are encouraged to consult an attorney prior to engaging in any activity, action, or event in which the expressed legality may come into question. Furthermore, individuals interested in attaining information with regard to individual state legislature are also encouraged to perform independent research in order to substantiate the relevancy and current state(s) of specific legislation. If you need legal advice and assistance, contact Wyoming lawyers.

Wyoming Abortion Laws

Within the state of Wyoming, Abortion is defined as the purposeful termination of a pregnancy through procedural means. Subsequent to the decision of Roe v. Wade, abortion became legal within the United States – however, Wyoming state legislation expresses a variety of stipulations with regard to a legal abortion process:

The State Laws of Wyoming

•    A legal abortion may occur in the event that the protection and preservation of the life of the mother carrying a fetus is compromised as a result of a pregnancy; an abortion can take place in order to save the life of the mother only upon accredited and sanctioned medical review – only a licensed medical doctor will be permitted to both review and perform cases of abortion within the state of Wyoming

•    An illegal abortion is deemed as an abortion process that occurs in the event that the health and wellbeing of the mother is not in danger; furthermore, an illegal abortion is defined as a procedure that occurs outside of legal, accepted, and authorized medical procedural protocol – in the state of Wyoming, public funds may be used for abortions only in the case(s) of sexual assault and incest

Wyoming Marijuana Laws

Within the state of Wyoming, the possession of Marijuana - or Cannabis products – as well as the acts of growing or distributing marijuana without the expressed permission of the Wyoming State Government is a punishable, criminal offense. The following penalties are associated with Marijuana within the state of Wyoming:

Possession/Under the Influence of Marijuana

Individuals under the influence of Marijuana can be subject to 90 days’ incarceration and a $100 fine

1.    3 ounces or less

•    Penalty:  1 year incarceration

•    Fines:  $1,000

•    Classification: Misdemeanor

2.    3 ounces or more

•    Penalty: 5 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $10,000

•    Classification: Felony

Cultivation or Growing of Marijuana

1.    Amount: Any

•    Penalty: 6 months’ incarceration

•    Fines: $1,000

•    Classification:

Sale of Marijuana

1.    Amount: Any

•    Penalty: 10 years’ incarceration

•    Fines: $10,000

•    Classification: Felony

•    Supplementary Charges: Sale to a Minor, Sale within a School Zone

Medical Marijuana

Within the state of Wyoming, Medical Marijuana is considered to be illegal both for patient use and cultivation

Wyoming DWI and DUI Laws

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving while under the influence (DUI) charges exist in the event that an individual ingests illegal drugs, alcohol, or controlled-substances, which may impair their respective ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; the following DUI and DWI laws exist within the state of Wyoming:

•    Zero tolerance laws exist in the event that an individual below the legal age permissible to consume alcohol is suspected to be unlawfully operating a motor vehicle; within the state of Wyoming, the Zero Tolerance Blood Alcohol Content Level (BAC) cannot exceed .02%

•    The BAC limit for individuals operating motor vehicles may not reach .08%; this can constitute a DUI or DWI offense

•    In Wyoming, there currently exist no supplementary penalties incurred due to BAC levels exceeding the expressed, legal limit

•    Implied consent is a legal instrument that is employed within the realm of a DUI Arrest that entails a verbal or written contract resulting from the willing participation in a regulated activity, such as the operation of a motor vehicle; within Wyoming, law enforcement agents are permitted to act in accordance with implied consent laws

•    Upon a DUI or DWI conviction, and individuals is subject to undergo the loss of driving privileges for a period of no less than 90 days’ time;  penalties can range upwards of 1 year in addition to the installation of an ignition interlock device

Wyoming Gun Laws

A handgun is a firearm whose smaller size is fashioned to be used upon operation by one hand, which typically fire single round ammunition; within the state of Wyoming, handgun laws are as follows:

•    The sale, ownership, or possession of handguns with regard to convicted felons or individuals who have been in long-term care in a mental health facility is illegal in the state of Wyoming;  individuals carrying illegal weapons on their person during the time of a crime, aggravated assault can be attributed to any coinciding criminal convictions imposed

•    A waiting period for the purchase of a firearm does not currently exist in the state of Wyoming

•    There does not currently exist a listing or report of forearms considered to be illegal in the state of Wyoming

•    Legal Codes: 6-8-102 (Wyoming gun laws), 6-8-104 (the prohibition of firearms within a school zone)

Wyoming Adoption Laws

In the state of Wyoming, an individual who has been deemed as a law-abiding citizen who is of sound mind and moral character is permitted to adopt a child:

•    Within the state of Wyoming, and individual must maintain residence for a period of no less than 6 months

•    Any individual may be adopted; children above the age(s) of 14 must express consent with regard to a potential adoption

•    Within the state of Wyoming, the Department of Family Services mandates all adoptions

Wyoming Employment and Labor Laws

•    Within the state of Wyoming, the minimum wage is $5.15 awarded per hour of labor

•    State Holidays are listed as: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas - Veteran’s Day, Wyoming Equality Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, and President’s Day result in the closing of public institutions only upon the decision set forth by the local board of trustees and government

•    Within the state of Wyoming, an individual’s employ cannot be terminated in the event that they report a violation or hazard taking place with regard to their respective employment – or place of employment

Wyoming Divorce Laws

Within the state of Wyoming, a divorce is defined as the termination of a marriage, which can occur upon a decision set forth by one or both partners involved in the marriage:

•    A divorce must be filed subsequent to 60 days residence within the state of Wyoming; in the event that an individual –or individuals – were married in Wyoming and lived there on a continuous basis, a time constraint for filing does not exist

•    ‘No Fault’ divorce does exist on the grounds of irreconcilable differences

Wyoming Death Penalty Laws

Within the state of Wyoming, Capital Punishment – or the Death Penalty – is legal; however, additional stipulations exist with regard to this procedure:

•    In the event of mental instability authorized by a court or pregnancy, capital punishment is disallowed

•    The minimum age permissible for a capital punishment sentence is 16

•    Within the state of Wyoming, homicide is considered to be the only crime punishable by death

•    The accepted means of capital punishment is lethal injection

Wyoming Gambling Laws

Within the state of Wyoming, Gambling is defined as the purposeful risking of any or all assets, property or monies with the intention of gain; a primary stipulation exists that expressed that the individual retains no control of peripheral outcome(s) with regard to any wagers set forth:

•    Horse racing wagering is legal

•    Dog racing wagering is legal

•    Any and all unsanctioned structures and facilities intended to house gambling activity is deemed as illegal in the state of Wyoming

Wyoming Child Laws

Within the state of Wyoming, the following stipulations with regard to child laws and child custody are recognized:

•    Joint custody is permitted

•    The rights implied within grandparental visitation are recognized

•    The wishes of any or all children involves are taken into consideration with regard to a custody decision