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HB0062 • 2026

The Christian Smith Safety Act.

AN ACT relating to governmental claims; amending the maximum liability amounts for claims authorized under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act; providing for an adjustment to maximum liability amounts based on inflation; making conforming amendments; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor
Representative Smith
Last action
2026-02-23
Official status
inactive
Effective date
3/1/2026

Plain English Breakdown

The bill did not pass and was not considered further in the session.

The Christian Smith Safety Act

This bill changes the maximum amount that Wyoming's government can be responsible for in lawsuits and adjusts this limit based on inflation.

What This Bill Does

  • Increases the maximum liability of the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act from $250,000 to $1 million for claims by one person.
  • Raises the total claim limit from $500,000 to $2 million for all people involved in a single incident.
  • Requires these limits to be adjusted each year based on inflation or 3%, whichever is lower.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who sue Wyoming's government for damages.
  • The state and local governments in Wyoming that are sued.
  • Insurance programs used by local governments in Wyoming.

Terms To Know

Inflation
An increase in the prices of goods and services over time, which can reduce the value of money.
Liability
The responsibility to pay for damages or losses caused by someone's actions or negligence.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This bill did not pass and was not considered further.
  • It only applies to claims based on incidents happening after July 1, 2026, if it were to become law.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-23 House

    H COW:H Did not consider for COW

  2. 2026-02-19 House

    H Placed on General File

  3. 2026-02-19 House

    H03 - Revenue:Recommend Amend and Do Pass 7-2-0-0-0

  4. 2026-02-10 House

    H Introduced and Referred to H03 - Revenue 48-12-1-0-1

  5. 2026-02-05 House

    H Received for Introduction

  6. 2026-01-28 LSO

    Bill Number Assigned

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
26LSO-0327
2026
STATE OF WYOMING
26LSO-0327
Numbered
2.0

HOUSE BILL NO. HB0062

The Christian Smith Safety Act.

Sponsored by: Representative(s) Smith and Senator(s) Ide

A BILL

for

AN ACT relating to governmental claims; amending the maximum liability amounts for claims authorized under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act; providing for an adjustment to maximum liability amounts based on inflation; making conforming amendments; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:

Section 1
.

W.S. 1
‑
39
‑
118(a)(i) and (ii) and 1
‑
42
‑
202(e)(ii) are amended to read:

1
‑
39
‑
118.

Maximum liability; insurance authorized.

(a)

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, in any action under this act, the liability of the governmental entity, including a public employee while acting within the scope of his duties, shall not exceed:

(i)

The sum of
two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00)
one million dollars ($1,000,000.00)
to any claimant for any number of claims arising out of a single transaction or occurrence
. The maximum liability under this paragraph shall be adjusted for inflation annually by the general services division of the department of administration and information, using the consumer price index or its successor index of the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, or three percent (3%), whichever is less
; or

(ii)

The sum of
five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00)
two million dollars ($2,000,000.00)
for all claims of all claimants arising out of a single transaction or occurrence.
The maximum liability under this paragraph shall be adjusted for inflation annually by the general services division of the department of administration and information, using the consumer price index or its successor index of the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, or three percent (3%), whichever is less.

1
‑
42
‑
202.

Local government self
‑
insurance program; creation; authorized payments.

(e)

For any claim brought under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act the program shall be limited in liability to payment of no more than the amounts specified in paragraphs (i) and (ii) of this subsection. Participating local governments shall be responsible for the amount of any adjudicated claims and expenses in excess of:

(ii)

Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00)
F
or any other claim brought under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act
,

for any one (1) occurrence plus loss adjustment expenses
the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) to any claimant for any number of claims arising out of a single transaction or occurrence and the sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) for all claims of all claimants arising out of a single transaction or occurrence
.
The maximum liability amounts specified under this paragraph shall be adjusted for inflation annually by the general services division of the department of administration and information, using the consumer price index or its successor index of the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, or three percent (3%), whichever is less.

Section 2
.

This act applies to all claims under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act that are based upon a transaction or occurrence that occurs on and after July 1, 2026. For purposes of this section, a "transaction" or "occurrence" includes an act, error or omission.

Section 3
.

This act is effective July 1, 2026
.

(END)

1
HB0062