The proposed bill, known as the "Wyoming Pregnancy Center Autonomy and Rights of Expression (CARE) Act," aims to protect pregnancy centers from governmental oversight or regulation based on their anti-abortion stance. It prohibits the state and its political subdivisions from enacting laws or policies that would require these centers to provide or refer for abortions, abortion-inducing drugs, or contraception. The bill also establishes definitions related to abortion and pregnancy centers, emphasizing their role in providing life-affirming support and resources to individuals facing unexpected pregnancies. Additionally, it highlights the increased scrutiny and legislative challenges pregnancy centers have faced since the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

The bill includes provisions for legal remedies, allowing pregnancy centers or individuals harmed by violations of the act to seek civil action for damages, with the potential for recovering three times the actual damages sustained, along with attorney fees. It also grants the legislature the right to intervene in cases challenging the act's constitutionality. Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to clarify the immunity of governmental entities from tort liability while specifying exceptions related to this act. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 1-39-104