Wyoming HB143: Free speech for health care providers.

What the bill says

An act relating to health care providers; prohibiting state agencies and boards from discriminating against health care providers based on the providers' speech and expressions; prohibiting state agencies and boards from contracting with or requiring health care providers to be licensed by specified boards and agencies; requiring health care providers to be notified of specified complaints; authorizing causes of action as specified; providing definitions; amending the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act; and providing for an effective date.

From the introduced text, February 9, 2026:

AN ACT relating to health care providers; prohibiting state agencies and boards from discriminating against health care providers based on the providers' speech and expressions; prohibiting state agencies and boards from contracting with or requiring health care providers to be licensed by specified boards and agencies; requiring health care providers to be notified of specified complaints; authorizing causes of action as specified; providing definitions; amending the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act; and providing for an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming: Section 1. W.S. 1-39-125 and 35-34-101 through 35-34-103 are created to read: HB0143 2026 STATE OF WYOMING 26LSO-0356 1-39-125. Liability; free speech for health care providers. A governmental entity is liable for damages resulting from a violation of W.S. 35-34-101 through 35-34-103. CHAPTER FREE SPEECH FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS ACT 35-34-101. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Free Speech for Health Care Providers Act." 35-34-102. Definitions. (a) As used in this act: (i) "Discrimination" means one (1) or more of the following actions taken by a state agency against a health care provider: HB0143 2026 STATE OF WYOMING 26LSO-0356 (A) An adverse action, including but not limited to: (I) A denial, revocation or suspension of a license or certification; (II) A reprimand that results in disciplinary …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• McCann, Darin (R, H48)
• Pepper Ottman (R, H34) · primary sponsor
• Scott Smith (R, H05)
• Dan Laursen (R, S19)

Latest actions

1. February 23, 2026: H COW:H Did not consider for COW
2. February 19, 2026: H Placed on General File
3. February 19, 2026: H10 - Labor:Recommend Do Pass 8-1-0-0-0
4. February 11, 2026: H Introduced and Referred to H10 - Labor 47-13-2-0-0
5. February 10, 2026: H Received for Introduction
6. February 9, 2026: Bill Number Assigned

Votes

• H10 - Labor:Recommend Do Pass 8-1-0-0-0 (February 19, 2026): 8 yea, 1 nay, passed
• H Introduced and Referred to H10 - Labor 47-13-2-0-0 (February 11, 2026): 47 yea, 13 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB143?

HB143 is a bill in the Wyoming Legislature (2026 Budget Session): Free speech for health care providers.

What does HB143 do?

In its own words: An act relating to health care providers; prohibiting state agencies and boards from discriminating against health care providers based on the providers' speech and expressions; prohibiting state agencies and boards from contracting with or requiring health care providers to be licensed by specified boards and agencies; requiring health care providers to be notified of specified complaints; authorizing causes of action as specified; providing definitions; amending the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act; and providing for an effective date.

What is the status of HB143?

Failed as of February 23, 2026. Latest action: H COW:H Did not consider for COW (February 23, 2026).

Who sponsored HB143?

Pepper Ottman (R, H34), with 3 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB143?

On the Wyoming Legislature website: https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0143