The bill amends existing statutes in Wyoming to clarify the definition of "person" and establish specific rules of construction regarding individual rights and health care decisions. It defines "person" to include various entities such as individuals, partnerships, and corporations, while also specifying that when applicable to an individual, the interpretation outlined in the new subsection (b) of W.S. 8-1-103 will apply. This new subsection asserts that all individual persons are living human beings entitled to health protection as a fundamental right under the Wyoming constitution.

Additionally, the bill details criteria for what constitutes an individual person, including the presence of certain biological functions such as heart, respiratory, and brain function. It restricts parents, guardians, or legal representatives from making health care decisions that could harm these functions, except in specific circumstances, such as when necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman or when a doctor has determined there is no chance of meaningful recovery. The bill also clarifies that these definitions and rules do not apply to the Wyoming Health Care Decisions Act. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8-1-102, 8-1-103