The bill establishes specific exemptions for religious assemblies during public health emergencies in Wyoming. It mandates that any orders or regulations that limit the operation of businesses must also exempt places of worship, including churches and gatherings for religious assembly, from such restrictions. This provision aims to ensure that religious institutions have the same freedom to operate as other exempted entities during public health crises. 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 willful violations.

Furthermore, the bill 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. The amendments also clarify that no punitive damages can be awarded against governmental entities in general, except in cases related to the newly established 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