The bill establishes specific exemptions for religious assemblies during public health emergencies in Wyoming. It mandates that any order or regulation that limits the operation of businesses must also exempt places of worship, including those recognized as 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, and gatherings for religious purposes, whether in private residences or public spaces. The intent is to ensure that religious institutions have the same freedom to operate as other exempted entities during such emergencies. Additionally, individuals who believe their rights under this section have been violated can pursue civil action, with courts having the authority to award damages, issue injunctions, and impose punitive damages for malicious violations.

The bill also amends existing laws related to governmental immunity and liability. It adds the new section regarding religious assembly exemptions to the list of exceptions to governmental immunity, meaning that claims related to violations of these religious assembly rights are not protected under the usual immunity provisions. Furthermore, it specifies that no judgments against governmental entities can include punitive damages or attorney's fees, except as provided by the new section on religious assembly exemptions. The act is set to take effect immediately upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 1-39-104, 1-39-118, 1-42-202