Sponsored by Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Interim Committee
AN ACT relating to professions and occupations; amending professional licensing requirements for military spouses; providing for the issuance of professional and occupational licenses to qualified applicants from other states; requiring rulemaking; and providing for effective dates.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR WOMEN & GIRLS This bill increases the time available (from 120 days to 3 years) for spouses of military personnel who work in licensed professions that are licensed in other states to acquire additional qualifications needed for licensure in Wyoming. It also waives the fee for the 3-year temporary license.
Reducing the time and cost burdens related to occupational licensing would expand opportunities for low and middle-income workers to have access to careers providing self-sufficient wages.4
Latest Action 01/28/2021 S 2nd Reading: Passed
Sponsored by Joint Revenue Interim Committee
AN ACT relating to sales and use taxes; establishing a tax exemption for feminine hygiene products and diapers; and providing for an effective date.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR WOMEN & GIRLS The cost of essentials such as feminine hygiene products and diapers for babies disproportionately fall to women to cover. However, all parents and seniors on a fixed income would benefit from tax relief on adult and infant diapers. Diapers are not covered by food stamps or WIC, the federal assistance program for new mothers and infants.5 For low-income women and families, the cost of these products makes an already tight budget even tighter. A tax exemption would help reduce this cost for Wyoming women, who also earn about 30% less annually, on average, than their male counterparts.
Latest Action 1/27/2021 S03 - Revenue: Failed 2-3-0-0-0
Sponsored by Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Interim Committee
AN ACT relating to public health; creating the pandemic response review task force; specifying duties of the task force; requiring a report; providing a termination date for the task force; providing appropriations; and providing for an effective date.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR WOMEN & GIRLS
The early economic and mental health impacts of COVID-19 on women have been substantial, according to a survey conducted by The Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (WYSAC).6 Women make important contributions to Wyoming’s economy. More data (disaggregated by sex) and analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 are needed to ensure an economic recovery that includes all Wyoming citizens and to increase Wyoming’s preparedness for future public health crises.
Latest Action 1/12/2021 S Introduced and Referred to S07 - Corporations
Not yet heard by committee
Sponsored by Joint Labor, Health & Social Services Interim Committee
AN ACT relating to public health and safety; authorizing grants to community health centers and rural health clinics as specified; repealing a sunset date; providing for rulemaking authority; providing an appropriation as specified; and providing for an effective date.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR WOMEN & GIRLS Grants to community health centers and rural health clinics help provide essential services for low-income women and families who may not otherwise receive needed healthcare. Maintaining good health is important to Wyoming’s workforce, and investing in healthcare for people of low-income in Wyoming provides support for their ability to work and maintain self-sufficiency.
Latest Action 1/27/2021 S10 - Labor: Failed 2-3-0-0-0
Sponsored by Joint Labor, Health & Social Services Interim Committee
AN ACT relating to insurance; mandating equivalent benefits and reimbursement related to mental health and substance use services delivered remotely; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR WOMEN & GIRLS Data shows that COVID-19 has negatively affected the mental health of women in Wyoming.6 This bill would require insurance companies to cover telehealth (at home) services equally to in-person visits, helping to ensure access to affordable mental health care during the pandemic. Beyond the pandemic, this bill would help keep mental health services more accessible to women without the childcare or transportation necessary to receive in-person mental health care.
Latest Action 1/12/2021 S Introduced and Referred to S10 - Labor
Not yet heard by committee
Sponsored by Joint Education Interim Committee
AN ACT relating to administration of the government; providing funding for the Wyoming investment in nursing program from CARES Act funds; providing appropriations; and providing for an effective date.
Latest Action 1/12/2021 S Introduced and Referred to S04 - Education
Not yet heard by committee
