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SF 77

Compelled speech is not free speech.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ocean Andrew and 10 co-sponsors

The act prohibits the state and its subdivisions from forcing employees to use another person’s preferred pronouns as a condition of employment, benefits, or contracts.

Assigned Chapter Number 62
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Bill Summary · SF 77

Summary — SF 77: "Compelled speech is not free speech." (Enrolled Act No. 23 / SEA No. 0023; Chapter 62)

Purpose

SF 77 creates a statutory prohibition on the State of Wyoming and its political subdivisions compelling state employees (or others acting under state authority) to refer to another employee using that employee’s “preferred pronouns.” The bill is framed as protecting individuals from being forced to use particular forms of address.

Key provisions

  • Creates W.S. 9-14-601 (Article 6, “Compelled or Prohibited Speech”).
  • Prohibition (subsection (a)): The state and its political subdivisions shall not compel or require an employee to refer to another employee using that employee’s preferred pronouns:
    • as a condition of beginning or continuing employment or contracting with the state or a political subdivision;
    • as a condition of receiving a grant, loan, permit, contract, license or other benefit from the state or a political subdivision; or
    • under threat of adverse action by the state or a political subdivision (examples listed include adverse employment actions, exclusion, sanction or punishment).
  • Enforcement (subsection (b)): Any person aggrieved by a violation of subsection (a) may file a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction against the state or a political subdivision, and employees acting in their official capacities, to seek injunctive or declaratory relief. (The enrolled text provides for injunctive/declaratory relief; earlier drafts that would have authorized compensatory damages, attorney fees or other remedies were altered in committee.)

Who is affected

  • State government and all political subdivisions (e.g., counties, cities, school districts) when acting in an official capacity.
  • State employees, contractors, applicants for state benefits (grants, permits, licenses), and other persons who would be required by the government to use preferred pronouns.
  • Courts will be the forum for enforcement actions seeking injunctive or declaratory relief.

Timeline / Effective date

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025.
  • Passed both chambers after committee and conference processes.
  • Became law without the Governor’s signature; assigned Chapter Number 62 (SEA No. 0023) on February 27, 2025.
  • The act applies to conduct occurring on or after July 1, 2025, and its effective date is July 1, 2025.

Fiscal impact

  • Legislative Service Office fiscal note: fiscal impact is indeterminable. Potential impacts include increased judicial workload and possible state expenditures if claims are filed; earlier drafts that authorized monetary relief could have increased exposure, but the enrolled act limits remedies to injunctive/declaratory relief. The note lists the possibility of expenditures for awards or settlements and reimbursement of attorney fees as uncertain.

Legislative history & sponsors

  • Sponsored in the Senate by Senators Hutchings, Boner, Ide, D. Smith and Steinmetz; House cosponsors include Andrew, Banks, Bear, Haroldson, Neiman and S. Smith. Primary sponsor listed as Donahue in bill metadata.
  • Key actions: Senate and House judiciary committee approvals, floor passage in both chambers (Senate 27–3–1; House 54–7–1), conference committee handling of House amendments, final enactment Feb 27, 2025.

Notes: Several proposed amendments during the bill’s progression (including provisions to change governmental claims immunity, to authorize monetary damages, and an unrelated proposal on executive orders) were considered and either modified or removed prior to final enrollment. The enrolled act is limited to the text summarized above.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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