reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-104 - Requirements Relating to Depositors; Nature of Business.

13-12-104. Requirements relating to depositors; nature of business.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (d) of this section, no depositor shall maintain an account with a special purpose depository institution or otherwise receive any services from the institution unless the depositor meets the criteria of this subsection. A depositor shall:
(i) Be a legal entity other than a natural person;
(ii) Be in good standing with the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated or organized;
(iii) Maintain deposits with the institution totaling not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00);
(iv) Be engaged in a lawful, bona fide business, consistent with subsection (c) of this section and W.S. 13-12-103(f); and
(v) Make sufficient evidence available to the special purpose depository institution to enable compliance with anti-money laundering, customer identification and beneficial ownership requirements, as determined by the institution.
(b) Repealed by Laws 2020, ch. 27, 2.
(c) Consistent with paragraphs (a)(iv) and (v) of this section and in addition to any requirements specified by federal law, a special purpose depository institution shall require that a potential depositor provide reasonable evidence that the person is engaged in a lawful, bona fide business, or is likely to open a lawful, bona fide business within the next six (6) months. As used in this subsection, "reasonable evidence" includes business entity filings, articles of incorporation or organization, bylaws, operating agreements, business plans, promotional materials, financing agreements or other evidence. This subsection shall not apply to activities conducted under subsection (d) of this section.
(d) A special purpose depository institution may conduct incidental activities under W.S. 13-12-103(b)(vii) with persons who do not meet the criteria of paragraphs (a)(i) through (iv) of this section. The lawful business requirements of W.S. 13-12-103(f) shall remain applicable.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-105 - Required Liquid Assets.

13-12-105. Required liquid assets.
(a) At all times, a special purpose depository institution shall maintain unencumbered liquid assets valued at not less than one hundred percent (100%) of its depository liabilities.
(b) As used in this section, "liquid assets" means:
(i) United States currency held on the premises of the special purpose depository institution;
(ii) United States currency held for the special purpose depository institution by a federal reserve bank or a federally insured financial institution;
(iii) Investments which are highly liquid, including those specified by W.S. 13-3-202 and obligations of the United States treasury or other federal agency obligations, consistent with rules adopted by the commissioner.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-106 - Required Contingency Account.

13-12-106. Required contingency account.
(a) A special purpose depository institution shall maintain a contingency account to account for unexpected losses and expenses. A special purpose depository institution may require the payment of contributions from depositors to fund a contingency account. Initial capital under W.S. 13-12-110 shall constitute compliance with this subsection for the first three (3) years a special purpose depository institution is in operation. After the conclusion of the first three (3) years of operation, a special purpose depository institution shall maintain a contingency account totaling not less than two percent (2%) of the depository liabilities of the special purpose depository institution, provided that the contingency account shall be adequate and reasonable in light of current and prospective business conditions, as determined by the commissioner.
(b) A depositor shall obtain a refund of any contingency account contributions made under subsection (a) of this section after closing an account with the special purpose depository institution.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-108 - Required Disclosures.

13-12-108. Required disclosures.
(a) A special purpose depository institution shall display on any internet website it maintains, and at each window or place where it accepts deposits, a sign conspicuously stating that deposits are not insured by the federal deposit insurance corporation, if applicable.
(b) Upon opening an account and if applicable, a special purpose depository institution shall require each depositor to execute a statement acknowledging that all deposits at the special purpose depository institution are not insured by the federal deposit insurance corporation. The special purpose depository institution shall permanently retain this acknowledgment.
(c) A special purpose depository institution shall include in all advertising a disclosure that deposits are not insured by the federal deposit insurance corporation, if applicable.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-109 - Formation; Articles of Incorporation.

13-12-109. Formation; articles of incorporation.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (e) of this section, five (5) or more adult persons may form a special purpose depository institution. The incorporators shall subscribe the articles of incorporation and transmit them to the commissioner as part of an application for a charter under W.S. 13-12-111.
(b) The articles of incorporation shall include the following information:
(i) The corporate name;
(ii) The object for which the corporation is organized;
(iii) The term of its existence, which may be perpetual;
(iv) The place where its office shall be located and its operations conducted;
(v) The amount of capital stock and the number of shares;
(vi) The name and residence of each shareholder subscribing to more than ten percent (10%) of the stock and the number of shares owned by that shareholder;
(vii) The number of directors and the names of those who shall manage the affairs of the corporation for the first year; and
(viii) A statement that the articles of incorporation are made to enable the incorporators to avail themselves of the advantages of the laws of the state.
(c) Copies of all amended articles of incorporation shall be filed in the same manner as the original articles of incorporation.
(d) The incorporators shall solicit capital prior to filing an application for a charter with the commissioner, consistent with W.S. 13-12-110. In the event an application for a charter is not filed or is denied by the board, all capital shall be promptly returned without loss.
(e) Subject to applicable federal and state law, a bank holding company may apply to hold a special purpose depository institution.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-110 - Required Initial Capital and Surplus; Additional Capital.

13-12-110. Required initial capital and surplus; additional capital.
(a) The capital stock of each special purpose depository institution chartered under this chapter shall be subscribed for as fully paid stock. No special purpose depository institution shall be chartered with capital stock less than five million dollars ($5,000,000.00).
(b) No special purpose depository institution shall commence business until the full amount of its authorized capital is subscribed and all capital stock is fully paid in. No special purpose depository institution may be chartered without a paid up surplus fund of not less than three (3) years of estimated operating expenses in the amount disclosed pursuant to W.S. 13-12-111(b) or in another amount required by the commissioner.
(c) A special purpose depository institution may acquire additional capital prior to the granting of a charter and may report this capital in its charter application.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-111 - Application for Charter; Fee; Subaccount Created.

13-12-111. Application for charter; fee; subaccount created.
(a) No person shall act as a special purpose depository institution without first obtaining a charter and certificate of authority to operate from the commissioner under this chapter.
(b) The incorporators under W.S. 13-12-109(a) shall apply to the commissioner for a charter. The application shall contain the special purpose depository institution's articles of incorporation, a detailed business plan, a comprehensive estimate of operating expenses for the first three (3) years of operation, a complete proposal for compliance with the provisions of this chapter and evidence of the capital required under W.S. 13-12-110. The commissioner may prescribe the form of application by rule.
(c) Each application for a charter shall be accompanied by an application fee established by the commissioner pursuant to rule, which shall be no greater than the costs incurred by the commissioner in reviewing the application. The application fee shall be credited to the special purpose depository institutions subaccount created by subsection (d) of this section.
(d) The special purpose depository institutions subaccount within the financial institutions administration account is created. Funds in the subaccount are continuously appropriated to the department of audit and shall only be expended by the commissioner to supervise special purpose depository institutions and to otherwise carry out the duties specified by this chapter. Funds in the subaccount shall not lapse at the end of any fiscal period. For purposes of accounting and investing only, the special purpose depository institutions subaccount shall be treated as a separate account from the financial institutions administration account.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-112 - Procedure Upon Filing Application.

13-12-112. Procedure upon filing application.
(a) Upon receiving an application for a special purpose depository charter, the commissioner shall notify the applicants in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of any deficiency in the required information or that the application has been accepted for filing. When the commissioner is satisfied that all required information has been furnished, he shall notify the chairman of the board who shall establish a time and place for a public hearing which shall be conducted not less than sixty (60) days, nor more than one hundred fifty (150) days, after notice from the commissioner to the applicants that the application is in order.
(b) Within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of the time and place of the public hearing, the applicants shall cause notice of filing of the application and the hearing to be published at the applicants' expense in a newspaper of general circulation within the county where the proposed special purpose depository institution is to be located. Publication shall be made at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks before the hearing, stating the proposed location of the special purpose depository institution, the names of the applicants for a charter, the nature of the activities to be conducted by the proposed institution and other information required by rule. The applicants shall furnish proof of publication to the commissioner not more than ten (10) days prior to the hearing. The commissioner shall send notice of the hearing to state and national banks, federal savings and loan associations and other financial institutions in the state and federal agencies who have requested notice from the commissioner.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-114 - Investigation and Examination by Commissioner.

13-12-114. Investigation and examination by commissioner.
(a) Upon receiving the articles of incorporation, the application for a charter and other information required by the commissioner, the commissioner shall make a careful investigation and examination of the following:
(i) The character, reputation, financial standing and ability of the incorporators;
(ii) The character, financial responsibility, banking or other financial experience and business qualifications of those proposed as officers and directors; and
(iii) The application for a charter, including the adequacy and plausibility of the business plan of the special purpose depository institution and whether the institution has offered a complete proposal for compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) The commissioner shall submit the results of his investigation and examination at the public hearing on the charter application and shall be subject to cross examination by any interested party. No relevant information shall be excluded by the board as hearsay.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-115 - Approval or Disapproval of Application; Criteria for Approval; Action Upon Application.

13-12-115. Approval or disapproval of application; criteria for approval; action upon application.
(a) Within ninety (90) days after receipt of the transcript of the public hearing, the board shall render a decision on the charter application based solely on the following criteria:
(i) Whether the character, reputation, financial standing and ability of the incorporators is sufficient to afford reasonable promise of a successful operation;
(ii) Whether the character, financial responsibility, banking or other financial experience and business qualifications of those proposed as officers and directors is sufficient to afford reasonable promise of a successful operation;
(iii) The adequacy and plausibility of the business plan of the special purpose depository institution;
(iv) Compliance with the capital and surplus requirements of W.S. 13-12-110;
(v) The special purpose depository institution is being formed for no other purpose than legitimate objectives authorized by law;
(vi) That the name of the proposed special purpose depository institution does not resemble so closely the name of any other financial institution transacting business in the state so as to cause confusion; and
(vii) Whether the applicants have complied with all applicable provisions of state law.
(b) The board shall approve an application upon making favorable findings on the criteria set forth in subsection (a) of this section. If necessary, the board may either conditionally approve an application by specifying conditions relating to the criteria or may disapprove the application. The board shall state findings of fact and conclusions of law as part of its decision. If the board approves the application, the commissioner shall endorse upon the articles of incorporation the approval of the board and shall transmit one (1) copy to the secretary of state, retain one (1) copy and return a copy to the applicants within twenty (20) days after the date of the decision of the board approving the application. If the board conditionally approves an application and upon compliance with necessary conditions required by the board, the commissioner shall proceed as provided in the preceding sentence. If the board disapproves the application, the commissioner shall mail notice of the disapproval to the applicants within twenty (20) days of the board's disapproval.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-116 - Certificate of Authority to Commence Business Required; Application; Approval or Denial; Failure to Commence Business.

13-12-116. Certificate of authority to commence business required; application; approval or denial; failure to commence business.
(a) If an application is approved and a charter granted by the board under W.S. 13-12-115, the special purpose depository institution shall not commence business before receiving a certificate of authority to operate from the commissioner. The application for a certificate of authority shall be made to the commissioner and shall certify the address at which the special purpose depository institution will operate and that all adopted bylaws of the institution have been attached as an exhibit to the application. The application shall state the identities and contact information of officers and directors. The commissioner shall approve or deny an application for a certificate of authority to operate within thirty (30) days after a complete application has been filed. The authority of the commissioner to disapprove any application shall be restricted solely to noncompliance with this section, provided that if the commissioner approves the application, he shall issue a certificate of authority to the applicants within twenty (20) days. If the commissioner denies the application, he shall mail a notice of denial to the applicants within twenty (20) days, stating the reasons for denying the application, and grant to the applicants a period of ninety (90) days to resubmit the application with the necessary corrections. If the applicants fail to comply with requirements of the notice of denial within ninety (90) days from the receipt of the notice, the charter of the special purpose depository institution shall be revoked by the commissioner. The failure of the commissioner to act upon an application for a certificate of authority within thirty (30) days shall be deemed an approval.
(b) If an approved special purpose depository institution fails to commence business in good faith within six (6) months after the issuance of a certificate of authority to operate by the commissioner, the charter and certificate of authority shall expire. The board, for good cause and upon an application filed prior to the expiration of the six (6) month period, may extend the time within which the special purpose depository institution may open for business.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-117 - Decisions by Board Appealable; Grounds.

13-12-117. Decisions by board appealable; grounds.
Any decision of the board or commissioner in approving, conditionally approving or disapproving a charter for a special purpose depository institution or the issuance or denial of a certificate of authority to operate is appealable to the district court of the county in which the institution is to be located, in accordance with the provisions of the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act. In addition to the grounds for appeal contained in the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act, an appellant may appeal if the board or the commissioner fails to make any of the required findings or otherwise take an action required by law.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-118 - Surety Bond; Pledged Investments; Investment Income; Bond or Pledge Increases; Hearings.

13-12-118. Surety bond; pledged investments; investment income; bond or pledge increases; hearings.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (b) of this section, a special purpose depository institution shall, before transacting any business, pledge or furnish a surety bond to the commissioner to cover costs likely to be incurred by the commissioner in a liquidation or conservatorship of the special purpose depository institution. The amount of the surety bond or pledge of assets under subsection (b) of this section shall be determined by the commissioner in an amount sufficient to defray the costs of a liquidation or conservatorship.
(b) In lieu of a bond, a special purpose depository institution may irrevocably pledge specified assets equivalent to a bond under subsection (a) of this section. All costs associated with pledging and holding the assets are the responsibility of the special purpose depository institution. Pledged assets shall be unencumbered and shall not serve as collateral for any other purpose.
(c) Assets pledged to the commissioner shall be of the same nature and quality as those required for state financial institutions under W.S. 9-4-805.
(d) Surety bonds shall run to the state of Wyoming, and shall be approved under the terms and conditions required under W.S. 9-4-804(b) and (c).
(e) The commissioner may adopt rules to establish additional investment guidelines or investment options for purposes of the pledge or surety bond required by this section.
(f) In the event of a liquidation or conservatorship of a special purpose depository institution pursuant to W.S. 13-12-122, the commissioner may, without regard to priorities, preferences or adverse claims, reduce the surety bond or assets pledged under this section to cash as soon as practicable and utilize the cash to defray the costs associated with the liquidation or conservatorship.
(g) Income from assets pledged under subsection (b) of this section shall be paid to the special purpose depository institution, unless a liquidation or conservatorship takes place.
(h) Upon evidence that the current surety bond or pledged assets are insufficient, the commissioner may require a special purpose depository institution to increase its surety bond or pledged assets by providing not less than thirty (30) days written notice to the institution. The special purpose depository institution may request a hearing before the board not more than thirty (30) days after receiving written notice from the commissioner under this subsection. Any hearing before the board shall be held pursuant to the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-119 - Reports and Examinations; Supervisory Fees; Required Private Insurance or Bond.

13-12-119. Reports and examinations; supervisory fees; required private insurance or bond.
(a) The commissioner may call for reports verified under oath from a special purpose depository institution at any time as necessary to inform the commissioner of the condition of the institution.
(b) All reports required of special purpose depository institutions by the commissioner and all materials relating to examinations of these institutions shall be subject to the provisions of W.S. 9-1-512.
(c) Every special purpose depository institution is subject to the examination of the commissioner. The commissioner or a duly appointed examiner shall visit and examine special purpose depository institutions on a schedule established by rule. The commissioner or a duly appointed examiner shall make a complete and careful examination of the condition and resources of a special purpose depository institution, the mode of managing institution affairs and conducting business, the actions of officers and directors in the investment and disposition of funds, the safety and prudence of institution management, compliance with the requirements of this chapter and such other matters as the commissioner may require. After an examination, the special purpose depository institution shall remit to the commissioner an amount equal to the total cost of the examination. This amount shall be remitted to the state treasurer and deposited into the special purpose depository institutions subaccount created by W.S. 13-12-111(d).
(d) Unless the commissioner determines an exemption is appropriate because of payment of other fees, on or before January 31 and July 31 of each year, a special purpose depository institution shall compute and pay supervisory fees to the commissioner based on the total assets of the special purpose depository institution as of the preceding December 31 and June 30 respectively. Supervisory fees under this section shall provide for the operating costs of the office of the commissioner and the administration of the laws governing special purpose depository institutions. Such fees shall be established by rule of the commissioner and shall be adjusted by the commissioner to assure consistency with the cost of supervision. Supervisory fees shall be deposited by the commissioner with the state treasurer and credited to the special purpose depository institutions subaccount created by W.S. 13-12-111(d).
(e) A special purpose depository institution shall maintain appropriate insurance or a bond covering the operational risks of the institution, which shall include coverage for directors' and officers' liability, errors and omissions liability and information technology infrastructure and activities liability.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-120 - Suspension or Revocation of Charter.

13-12-120. Suspension or revocation of charter.
(a) The commissioner may suspend or revoke the charter of a special purpose depository institution if, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, the commissioner determines that:
(i) The special purpose depository institution has failed or refused to comply with an order issued under W.S. 13-10-201 through 13-10-209;
(ii) The application for a charter contained a false statement or material misrepresentation or material omission; or
(iii) An officer, director or agent of the special purpose depository institution, in connection with an application for a charter, examination, report or other document filed with the commissioner, knowingly made a false statement, material misrepresentation or material omission to the board, the commissioner or the duly authorized agent of the board or commissioner.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-122 - Failure of Institution; Unsound or Unsafe Condition; Applicability of Other Insolvency and Conservatorship Provisions.

13-12-122. Failure of institution; unsound or unsafe condition; applicability of other insolvency and conservatorship provisions.
(a) If the commissioner finds that a special purpose depository institution has failed or is operating in an unsafe or unsound condition, as defined in this section, that has not been remedied within the time prescribed under W.S. 13-4-203 through 13-4-205 or an order of the commissioner issued pursuant to W.S. 13-10-201 through 13-10-209, the commissioner shall conduct a liquidation or appoint a conservator as provided by W.S. 13-4-301 and 13-4-303 through 13-4-703.
(b) As used in this section:
(i) "Failed" or "failure" means, consistent with rules adopted by the commissioner, a circumstance when a special purpose depository institution has not:
(A) Complied with the requirements of W.S. 13-12-105;
(B) Maintained a contingency account, as required by W.S. 13-12-106;
(C) Paid, in the manner commonly accepted by business practices, its legal obligations to depositors on demand or to discharge any certificates of deposit, promissory notes or other indebtedness when due.
(ii) "Unsafe or unsound condition" means, consistent with rules adopted by the commissioner, a circumstance relating to a special purpose depository institution which is likely to:
(A) Cause the failure of the institution, as defined in paragraph (i) of this subsection;
(B) Cause a substantial dissipation of assets or earnings;
(C) Substantially disrupt the services provided by the institution to depositors;
(D) Otherwise substantially prejudice the depository interests of depositors.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-124 - Failure to Submit Required Report; Fees; Rules.

13-12-124. Failure to submit required report; fees; rules.
If a special purpose depository institution fails to submit any report required by this chapter or by rule within the prescribed period, the commissioner may impose and collect a fee for each day the report is overdue, as established by rule.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 13 - Banks, Banking and Finance › Chapter 12 - Special Purpose Depository Institutions › Section 13-12-125 - Willful Failure to Perform Duties Imposed by Law; Removal.

13-12-125. Willful failure to perform duties imposed by law; removal.
(a) Each officer, director, employee or agent of a special purpose depository institution, following written notice from the commissioner, is subject to removal upon order of the commissioner if he knowingly or willfully fails to:
(i) Perform any duty required by this act or other applicable law; or
(ii) Conform to any rule or order of the commissioner.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Article 1 - In General › Section 14-1-101 - Age of Majority; Rights on Emancipation.

14-1-101. Age of majority; rights on emancipation.
(a) Upon becoming eighteen (18) years of age, an individual reaches the age of majority and as an adult acquires all rights and responsibilities granted or imposed by statute or common law, except as otherwise provided by law.
(b) A minor may consent to health care treatment to the same extent as if he were an adult when any one (1) or more of the following circumstances apply:
(i) The minor is or was legally married;
(ii) The minor is in the active military service of the United States;
(iii) The parents or guardian of the minor cannot with reasonable diligence be located and the minor's need for health care treatment is sufficiently urgent to require immediate attention;
(iv) The minor is living apart from his parents or guardian and is managing his own affairs regardless of his source of income;
(v) The minor is emancipated under W.S. 14-1-201 through 14-1-206;
(vi) The minor is twelve (12) years of age or older, is a smoker or user of tobacco products and the health care to which the minor consents is a tobacco cessation program approved by the department of health pursuant to W.S. 9-4-1204.
(c) The consent given pursuant to subsection (b) of this section is not subject to disaffirmance because of minority.
(d) Any competent adult may enter into a binding contract and shall be legally responsible therefor.
(e) A person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age may consent to donate and may donate blood.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Article 1 - In General › Section 14-1-102 - Right to Contract.

14-1-102. Right to contract.
(a) An unemancipated minor may obtain a birth certificate from the department of health and may enter into a legally binding contract for housing, employment, purchase of a motor vehicle, receipt of a student loan, admission to postsecondary school, establishing a bank account, admission to a domestic violence or homeless shelter and receipt of services as a homeless youth or victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse, provided that the minor:
(i) Meets all of the following:
(A) At least sixteen (16) years of age;
(B) Willingly living separate and apart from his parents who consent to or acquiesce in the separate living arrangement;
(C) Homeless;
(D) Managing his own financial affairs.
(ii) Submits a notarized affidavit in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.
(b) A notarized affidavit required under this section shall be:
(i) Signed and sworn to by the minor which includes all of the following:
(A) The minor's full name;
(B) The minor's birth date;
(C) A statement by the minor verifying the conditions listed in paragraph (a)(i) of this section;
(D) A statement by the minor declaring that the information provided is true and correct under penalty of perjury.
(ii) Witnessed by two (2) or more adults. The acknowledgment by each adult witnessing the affidavit shall include a declaration that he is an attorney, health care provider, rabbi, priest, minister, clergy or other religious counselor or a college or school administrator or counselor and that to the best of his knowledge the minor signed the affidavit willingly and understands the nature and legal implications of the contract, if applicable. The affidavit shall require a rabbi, priest, minister, clergy or other religious counselor who witnesses an affidavit to verify under penalty of false swearing under W.S. 6-5-303 that the witness has not been convicted of a felony in this state or another jurisdiction. An adult witnessing an affidavit pursuant to this paragraph shall not assume any legal responsibility or liability under a contract entered into pursuant to this section.
(c) A person that in good faith accepts an affidavit purportedly signed and sworn to in accordance with this section and who is without actual knowledge that the affidavit is fraudulent or otherwise invalid may rely upon the affidavit as if it were genuine and may enter into a contract that is legally binding upon the minor as provided under subsection (a) of this section.
(d) For purposes of this section, "homeless" means as that term is defined in 42 U.S.C. section 11434a(2).
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Article 2 - Emancipation of Minors › Section 14-1-201 - Definitions.

14-1-201. Definitions.
(a) As used in this article:
(i) "Emancipation" means conferral of certain rights of majority upon a minor as provided under this article and includes a minor who:
(A) Is or was married;
(B) Is in the military service of the United States; or
(C) Has received a declaration of emancipation pursuant to W.S. 14-1-203.
(ii) "Minor" means an individual under the age of majority defined by W.S. 14-1-101(a);
(iii) "Parent" means the legal guardian or custodian of the minor, his natural parent or if the minor has been legally adopted, the adoptive parent;
(iv) "This act" means W.S. 14-1-201 through 14-1-206.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Article 2 - Emancipation of Minors › Section 14-1-202 - Application for Emancipation Decree; Effect of Decree.

14-1-202. Application for emancipation decree; effect of decree.
(a) Upon written application of a minor under jurisdiction of the court and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a district court may enter a decree of emancipation in accordance with this act. In addition to W.S. 14-1-101(b), the decree shall only:
(i) Recognize the minor as an adult for purposes of:
(A) Entering into a binding contract;
(B) Suing and being sued;
(C) Buying or selling real property;
(D) Establishing a residence;
(E) The criminal laws of this state.
(ii) Terminate parental support and control of the child and their rights to his income;
(iii) Terminate parental tort liability for the minor.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Article 2 - Emancipation of Minors › Section 14-1-203 - Application for Emancipation Decree; Hearing; Notice; Rights and Liabilities of Emancipated Minor; Conditions for Issuance of Decree; Filing of Decree; Copy to Applicant.

14-1-203. Application for emancipation decree; hearing; notice; rights and liabilities of emancipated minor; conditions for issuance of decree; filing of decree; copy to applicant.
(a) Upon written application of a minor subject to personal jurisdiction of the court, a district court may enter a decree of emancipation in accordance with this act. The application shall be verified and shall set forth with specificity all of the following facts:
(i) That he is at least seventeen (17) years of age;
(ii) That he willingly lives separate and apart from his parents;
(iii) That his parents consent to or acquiesce in the separate living arrangement;
(iv) That he is managing his own financial affairs; and
(v) That the source of his income is not derived from means declared unlawful under state or federal law or from assistance received under W.S. 42-2-104.
(b) The district court shall conduct a hearing on the minor's application for emancipation within sixty (60) days after the date of filing. Notice of the hearing shall be given to the minor and his parents by certified mail at least ten (10) days before the date set for hearing.
(c) At the hearing, the court shall advise the minor of the effect of emancipation pursuant to W.S. 14-1-202. These rights and liabilities shall be stated in the emancipation decree.
(d) The court may enter a decree of emancipation if the minor is at least seventeen (17) years of age and the court finds emancipation is in the best interests of the minor. In making a determination, the court shall consider if the:
(i) Minor's parents consent to the proposed emancipation;
(ii) Minor is living or is willing to live apart from his parents and is substantially able to provide self-maintenance and support without parental guidance and supervision;
(iii) Minor demonstrates he is sufficiently mature and knowledgeable to manage his personal affairs without parental assistance; and
(iv) Source of the minor's income is not derived from means declared unlawful under state or federal law.
(e) Upon entry of a decree of emancipation, the court shall file the decree with the county clerk of the county in which the child resides. A copy of the decree shall be issued to the minor.
(f) A declaration of emancipation shall be conclusive evidence that the minor is emancipated, but emancipation may also be proved by other evidence like any other fact.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Article 2 - Emancipation of Minors › Section 14-1-204 - Third Party Application; Procedure.

14-1-204. Third party application; procedure.
(a) Any interested third party having dealings with an apparently emancipated minor may apply to the district court where that minor is domiciled or may be found for a declaration of emancipation.
(b) The application under this section shall be made in conformity with W.S. 14-1-203(a).
(c) Proceedings under this section shall be conducted in conformity with the requirements of W.S. 14-1-203.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Article 2 - Emancipation of Minors › Section 14-1-205 - Application to Department of Transportation for Emancipated Status on Driver's License; Fee.

14-1-205. Application to department of transportation for emancipated status on driver's license; fee.
(a) Upon application of an emancipated minor, the department of transportation shall indicate the minor's emancipated status on his Wyoming driver's license or if without a driver's license, on the minor's Wyoming identification card issued under W.S. 31-8-101.
(b) An applicant under this section shall pay two dollars ($2.00) to the division. The department of transportation shall deposit the fees in the manner prescribed by law for driver's license and identification card fees and submit receipt and acknowledgement to the state treasurer.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 2 - Parents › Article 2 - Rights and Obligations › Section 14-2-201 - Maintenance and Education of Minor Out of Income From Own Property.

14-2-201. Maintenance and education of minor out of income from own property.
Any minor having a living parent and owning property with income sufficient for his maintenance and education in a manner more expensive than his parent can reasonably afford, regard given to the situation of the parent's family and to all circumstances of the case, the expenses of the minor's education and maintenance may be defrayed out of the income of the minor's own property in whole or in part, as judged reasonable and as directed by the court. The charges for maintenance and education may be allowed accordingly in the settlements of the accounts of the minor's guardian.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 2 - Parents › Article 2 - Rights and Obligations › Section 14-2-202 - Payment or Delivery to Parent of Minor's Estate Not Exceeding $3,000; Duty of Parent.

14-2-202. Payment or delivery to parent of minor's estate not exceeding $3,000; duty of parent.
(a) Money or other property not exceeding three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) in value belonging to a minor having no guardian of his estate may be paid or delivered to a parent entitled to the custody of the minor to hold for the minor, upon written assurance verified by the oath of the parent that the total estate of the minor does not exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) in value. The written receipt of the parent shall be an acquittance of the person making the payment or delivery of money or other property.
(b) It is the duty of the parent to apply the funds received to the use and benefit of the minor.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 2 - Parents › Article 2 - Rights and Obligations › Section 14-2-203 - Parental Tort Liability for Property Damage of Certain Minors; Exception; Action Cumulative.

14-2-203. Parental tort liability for property damage of certain minors; exception; action cumulative.
(a) Any property owner is entitled to recover damages from the parents of any minor under the age of seventeen (17) years and over the age of ten (10) years who maliciously and willfully damages or destroys his property. The recovery is limited to the actual damages in an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) in addition to taxable court costs. This section does not apply to parents whose parental custody and control of the child had been terminated by court order prior to the destructive act.
(b) The action authorized in subsection (a) of this section is in addition to all other actions which the owner is entitled to maintain and nothing in this section precludes recovery in a greater amount from the minor, parents or any person for damages for which the minor or other person would otherwise be liable. The purpose of this section is to authorize recovery from parents in situations where they would not otherwise be liable.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 2 - Parents › Article 2 - Rights and Obligations › Section 14-2-204 - Liability for Support; Right of Action; Venue; Service; Measure of Recovery; Remedies Cumulative; Execution; Continuing Jurisdiction; Notice.

14-2-204. Liability for support; right of action; venue; service; measure of recovery; remedies cumulative; execution; continuing jurisdiction; notice.
(a) Any person legally responsible for the support of a child who abandons, deserts, neglects or unjustifiably fails to support the child is liable for support of the child. It is no defense that the child was not or is not in destitute circumstances. For purposes of this section, a parent's legal obligation for the support of his or her children, whether natural or adopted, continues past the age of majority in cases where the children are:
(i) Mentally or physically disabled and thereby incapable of self support; or
(ii) Repealed By Laws 2000, Ch. 1, 2.
(iii) Between the age of majority and twenty (20) years and attending high school or an equivalent program as full-time participants.
(b) Either of the parents of the child, the department of family services or any other person, agency or institution furnishing the physical care or support of the child may commence civil action for past and future child and medical support.
(c) The petition or complaint shall be filed in the district court of the county where the defendant resides, is found or has assets subject to attachment or execution. Service of process shall be as provided by the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure.
(d) The measure of recovery from the defendant is the reasonable value of the care or support, including medical support furnished to the child by the petitioner and the child support ordered pursuant to W.S. 20-2-303, 20-2-304, 20-2-307 and 20-2-311. In addition, the court may make other suitable order for future care or support of the child. These remedies are cumulative and in addition to other remedies provided by law. Payments of future support shall be paid to the clerk of the district court.
(e) Repealed By Laws 2000, Ch. 1, 2.
(f) Repealed By Laws 2000, Ch. 1, 2.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 2 - Parents › Article 2 - Rights and Obligations › Section 14-2-205 - Presence of Parent, Custodian or Guardian at Hearings; Failure to Appear; Issuance of Bench Warrant.

14-2-205. Presence of parent, custodian or guardian at hearings; failure to appear; issuance of bench warrant.
(a) It is the responsibility of one (1) or both parents, and the guardian or custodian of an unemancipated minor, if applicable, to appear with the minor before any court of this state in any proceeding in which the minor is required to appear and is alleged to have committed a criminal offense or to have violated a municipal ordinance. It shall be the responsibility of the court to afford any parent, guardian or custodian appearing with a minor pursuant to this subsection a reasonable opportunity to address the court.
(b) In any proceeding in juvenile court, attendance of one or both parents, and the guardian or custodian of the minor, if applicable, shall be compelled as provided by W.S. 14-6-215.
(c) In a proceeding in a court other than the juvenile court, the presiding judge may require the presence of one or both parents, and the guardian or custodian of the minor, if applicable, at any hearing by causing an order to appear to be served in the manner provided by W.S. 14-6-214.
(d) Any person served with an order to appear under subsection (c) of this section who without reasonable cause fails to appear, is liable for contempt of court and the court may issue a bench warrant to cause the person to be brought before the court.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 2 - Parents › Article 2 - Rights and Obligations › Section 14-2-206 - Protection of Parental Rights.

14-2-206. Protection of parental rights.
(a) The liberty of a parent to the care, custody and control of their child is a fundamental right that resides first in the parent.
(b) The state, or any agency or political subdivision of the state, shall not infringe the parental right as provided under this section without demonstrating that the interest of the government as applied to the parent or child is a compelling state interest addressed by the least restrictive means.
2023 Wyoming Statutes › Title 14 - Children › Chapter 2 - Parents › Article 3 - Termination of Parental Rights › Section 14-2-308 - Definitions.

14-2-308. Definitions.
(a) As used in this act:
(i) "Abuse" means as defined by W.S. 14-3-202(a)(ii);
(ii) "Authorized agency" means:
(A) A public social service agency authorized to care for and place children; or
(B) A private child welfare agency certified by the state for such purposes pursuant to W.S. 1-22-101 through 1-22-114, 14-4-101 through 14-4-117 or 14-6-201 through 14-6-243;
(iii) "Child" or "minor" means an individual who is under the age of majority;
(iv) "Court" means the district court in the district where the child resides or is found or the district court which has previously retained jurisdiction of the child because of a previous order entered by that court;
(v) "Mental health professional" means a person with an advanced degree in one of the behavioral sciences including a psychologist, social worker or clinical counselor;
(vi) "Neglect" means as defined by W.S. 14-3-202(a)(vii);
(vii) "Parent" means a natural parent or a parent by adoption;
(viii) "Indigent party" means a person whose financial resources and income are insufficient to enable him to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of an attorney licensed to practice in this state;
(ix) "This act" means W.S. 14-2-308 through 14-2-319.