The bill establishes new procedures for the declaration and management of public health emergencies in Wyoming. It mandates that the governor must convene the legislature within two days of declaring a public health emergency, allowing them to either concur with or terminate the emergency status. The legislature is granted the authority to meet in person or remotely, satisfying quorum requirements through electronic methods. Additionally, the bill amends the definition of a public health emergency and makes conforming amendments to existing laws regarding health care provider licensure during such emergencies.

Key amendments include the replacement of references to the previous statute (W.S. 35-4-115(a)(i)) with the new statute (W.S. 35-4-116) in various sections, including those related to COVID-19 exposure, physical therapy practice exemptions, and temporary licensure for health care providers. The bill specifies that all temporary licenses issued during a public health emergency will automatically terminate when the governor declares the emergency has ended. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to all public health emergency declarations made on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 1-1-141, 33-25-102, 33-49-107, 35-4-114, 35-4-115