This bill introduces a new provision, W.S. 16-3-116, which grants individuals the right to request a jury trial during contested case hearings under specific circumstances. These circumstances include situations where a person faces a sanction of at least $20, the loss of a significant liberty interest, or the denial, suspension, annulment, withdrawal, or revocation of a license. The presiding officer of the contested case will oversee the jury trial, which will consist of six jurors, and the jury's decision will serve as the final ruling for the contested case. The bill also outlines the procedures for empaneling a jury and the rights of the parties involved, including the requirement for timely requests for a jury trial.

Additionally, the bill makes several conforming amendments to existing statutes to incorporate the new jury trial provisions. It specifies that jury trials will follow the Code of Civil Procedure and the Wyoming rules of civil procedure, and it clarifies the roles of the presiding officer and the jury in the decision-making process. The act will apply to all contested cases initiated on or after July 1, 2025, and it explicitly states that it does not grant the right to a jury trial for cases commenced or completed before that date. The effective date for this act is also set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 1-11-104, 1-11-106, 16-3-101, 16-3-107, 16-3-109, 16-3-110, 16-3-112, 16-3-113, 16-3-114