New Law Expands Immunity to Wyoming Businesses During Public Health Emergency

On Wednesday, Governor Gordon signed bill SF1002 into law following the Wyoming Legislature’s special session.  The legislation amended the immunity from liability provisions in Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 35-4-114.  Prior to the new legislation, the statute provided immunity from liability during a public health emergency to “any health care provider or other person who in good faith follows the instructions of the state health officer in responding to the public health emergency.”  The new law amends the statute to grant immunity to “a business entity,” who in good faith follows the instructions of a “state, city, town or county health officer or who acts in good faith in responding to [a] public health emergency.”  As previously provided, the immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

It is anticipated that the Wyoming Legislature will hold a second special session in June 2020.

A link to SF1002 is available at: https://wyoleg.gov/2020Sp1/Enroll/SF1002.pdf

Rob Jarosh
Billie Addleman
Hirst Applegate, LLP

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