Wyoming 2023 Regular Session

Wyoming Senate Bill SF0014

Introduced
1/10/23  
Report Pass
1/16/23  
Engrossed
1/18/23  
Refer
2/3/23  
Report Pass
2/7/23  
Enrolled
2/13/23  

Caption

Wyoming national guard professional malpractice liability.

Impact

The implications of SF0014 are significant for members of the Wyoming National Guard who work as healthcare providers or legal advisors. By extending indemnity to these professionals, the bill enhances the legal protections available to them, potentially encouraging more qualified individuals to serve in such dual roles. This addition may also bolster the operational effectiveness of the National Guard by ensuring that members are not deterred by fear of legal claims when providing necessary services while on duty.

Summary

Senate File 0014 extends malpractice liability protections to professionals serving in the Wyoming National Guard, specifically attorneys and medical doctors. The legislation mandates that the state will defend, hold harmless, and indemnify these professionals against any financial losses arising from claims of malpractice, provided the alleged malpractice occurred while the individual was performing their military duties. This amendment aims to ensure that military professionals are safeguarded from legal repercussions as they fulfill their roles within the National Guard.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by its unanimous passage in the legislative vote (62-0). Supporters argue that providing legal protection to professionals in the National Guard is a crucial step in acknowledging their service and the risks they undertake. This sentiment is likely supported by the broader military community and advocates for improved legal safeguards for military members participating in professional roles.

Contention

While the bill passed without opposition, potential points of contention may arise in discussions about the nature and extent of protections afforded to military professionals. Critics could argue that such legislation should also incorporate broader accountability measures for malpractice or consider the interests of patients and clients who may be affected by the actions of these professionals. However, the current iteration of the bill reflects a strong commitment to supporting those who serve in the National Guard while balancing the need for legal protections.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WY SF0027

Wyoming national guard member referral-amendments.

WY SF0067

AN ACT relating to the Wyoming state guard; removing activation of the national guard of Wyoming into service of the United States as a prerequisite for the organization of the Wyoming state guard; removing federal involvement in the Wyoming state guard; allowing the governor to organize and maintain the Wyoming state guard; making conforming amendments; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date.

WY SF0045

Wyoming state guard-amendments.

WY HB316

Rural Hospital Malpractice Liability

WY S1596

Medical Malpractice Liability Coverage

WY HB187

Rural Hospital Malpractice Liability Ins. Act

WY SB1032

Veterinarians; malpractice; unprofessional conduct

WY HB1349

Liability limits for health care malpractice actions or claims.

WY SF0098

AN ACT relating to taxation and revenue; providing an ad valorem tax exemption for bona fide Wyoming residents who are honorably discharged veterans who served in the United States armed forces or the Wyoming national guard for a specified time period; providing an ad valorem tax exemption for bona fide Wyoming residents who are active or reserve members of the Wyoming national guard or the United States armed forces; providing an ad valorem tax exemption for bona fide Wyoming residents who are surviving spouses or surviving parents of specified veterans and military members; amending the bona fide Wyoming residency requirement as specified; providing definitions; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

WY HB0067

AN ACT relating to taxation and revenue; providing an ad valorem tax exemption for bona fide Wyoming residents who are honorably discharged veterans who served in the United States armed forces or the Wyoming national guard for a specified time period; providing an ad valorem tax exemption for bona fide Wyoming residents who are active or reserve members of the Wyoming national guard or the United States armed forces; providing an ad valorem tax exemption for bona fide Wyoming residents who are surviving spouses or surviving parents of specified veterans and military members; amending the bona fide Wyoming residency requirement as specified; providing definitions; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.