The bill establishes a civil cause of action for parents whose parental rights are infringed upon by governmental entities in Wyoming. It creates a new section, W.S. 1-39-125, which holds governmental entities liable for damages resulting from violations of parental rights as outlined in W.S. 14-2-206. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to create exceptions to governmental immunity, specifically allowing parents to seek declaratory and injunctive relief without adhering to the usual claims notice requirements. It also mandates that prevailing parents in such actions are entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs.

Key amendments include the insertion of provisions that exempt actions under W.S. 14-2-206(d) from the standard claims procedures and limitations on damages against governmental entities. The bill specifies that no judgment against a governmental entity shall include punitive damages or attorney's fees unless it pertains to the infringement of parental rights. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 1-39-104, 1-39-113, 1-39-118, 14-2-206