What Wyoming Parents Need to Know About HB 9 and Protecting Our Kids from Grooming

Posted February 9, 2026 by Guest Poster -

Many of you walked alongside our family during our stalking case, and you might remember that there were two glaring gaps in our justice system. One was a hole in our stalking law, which is now House Bill 8, and the other gap is the grooming of Wyoming children. Brandi, the other victim in our case’s mother, has been working on addressing that gap. While stalking laws protect against one type of behavior, grooming is another manipulative process predators use to build trust and lower a child’s guard before sexual abuse happens. This legislative session is a chance to fix that. House Bill 9 (HB 0009) aims to close this dangerous gap by making the grooming of children a punishable offense in Wyoming

What is Grooming, Really?

Grooming is the precursor that predators use before they sexually exploit, traffic, or abuse children. It is a deliberate process designed to get a child to trust them and lower their guard.

Predators don’t just jump straight to abuse; they use manipulation, emotional connection, and trust-building to create a bond. They often try to isolate a child from their parents or friends so that when things turn physical, the child feels like they have nowhere else to turn.

Why HB 9 is a Massive Win for Wyoming Families

Click here to read all of HB 9

1. Defining “Grooming” Under HB 9

HB 9 gives grooming a clear, legal definition in Wyoming. According to the bill, grooming is behavior that seeks to prepare, induce, or persuade a minor to engage in sexual conduct.

It specifically targets:

Trust-Building: Deliberate acts used to create an emotional connection through manipulation or influence.
Digital & Physical: It covers both online messages and in-person activities.
The “Secret” Relationship: It targets adults who exploit their position of authority to develop a secretive relationship with a child.

2. Proof of “Intent” :

One of the biggest questions parents and educators ask is: “Will this be used against a coach or a teacher who is just being supportive?”

The answer is a firm NO. HB 9 is crafted with a high “burden of proof.” For a person to be charged, it must be proven that they purposely or knowingly engaged in a pattern of behavior with the specific intent to manipulate or coerce a child into sexual conduct.

3. Making it a Felony:

Currently, it can be incredibly difficult to prosecute someone before a physical crime happens, leaving them to go find their next victim(s) HB 9 changes the game by making grooming a felony offense.

Why a Felony Matters: It carries serious weight (up to 10 years, and much longer if the child is very young).
The Sex Offender Registry: If convicted under HB 9, the perpetrator must register as a sex offender.

This is the part that should give every parent peace of mind. By requiring registration, we ensure that these individuals are blocked from future jobs or volunteer positions involving youth. It puts them on a “no-fly list” for our schools, sports leagues, and churches.

This bill is a game-changer because it finally gives Wyoming law enforcement a tool to stop predators before a child is physically harmed. Here is the breakdown:

It Makes “The Process” a Crime: Right now, it can be hard to arrest someone just for the manipulation phase. HB 9 changes that by defining grooming as a felony. It recognizes that the “setup” is just as dangerous as the act itself.
It Protects the Good Guys: One of the most important parts of this bill is the intent. To be charged, it must be proven that the adult was purposely acting with the goal of sexual exploitation. This means teachers, coaches, and mentors who are just doing their jobs are protected. This law is built specifically to catch predators, not people supporting our kids.
A Felony Conviction Means Accountability: Because this is a felony, anyone convicted will be required to register as a sex offender. This is a huge win for our community’s safety.
Keeping Our Youth Spaces Safe: That registration follows the criminal for life. It effectively blocks them from getting jobs in schools, daycare centers, or volunteering with youth sports. It’s a permanent “No Entry” sign for anyone who has targeted a child

How You Can Help: Call to Action

Our legislators need to hear from the people who are actually in the trenches raising Wyoming’s kids.

HB 9 is about prevention. It’s about making sure that if a predator starts targeting a Wyoming child, there is a legal consequence waiting for them before they ever lay a hand on that child.

Will you join us in supporting HB 9?

Find your legislator: Visit the Wyoming Legislature website to find your Representative and Senator.
Send a quick email (use the form emails below to copy and complete): It doesn’t have to be long. Just say: “I am a Wyoming parent and voter. I support HB 9 because we need to define and criminalize grooming to protect our children. Please vote YES.”
Share this post: The more parents know, the louder our voice is in Cheyenne.

1) Friendly / Community-Centered

Subject: Please Support HB 9 to Protect Wyoming’s Children

[Add a sentence or two about why protecting kids from grooming and exploitation matters to you personally or in your community.]

I’m writing as a Wyoming resident to ask you to please support House Bill 9, which would establish the criminal offense of grooming of a minor for a sexual offense.

This bill is a proactive and important step toward protecting children from predatory behavior and closing a gap in Wyoming’s criminal statutes. It ensures adults who manipulate or coerce minors into sexual conduct are held appropriately accountable.

Thank you for your time, your service, and for considering a YES vote on HB 9.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City/Town]

2) Professional / Policy-Focused

Subject: Request for Your Support of HB 9

[Briefly share any professional perspective, parental concern, or community insight that informs your support.]

I am writing to respectfully urge you to support House Bill 9, legislation that would create a new criminal offense for grooming of a minor for a sexual offense in Wyoming.

Current law does not specifically criminalize this pattern of harmful behavior. HB 9 fills an important gap by defining and penalizing grooming, helping align our statutes with the real risks posed by these predatory tactics. This bill strengthens protections for children while setting clear expectations for accountability.

I appreciate your consideration and ask for your YES vote on HB 9.

Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your City/Town]

3) Direct / Firm

Subject: HB 9 Is Essential for Child Safety — Please Vote Yes

[Share a brief concern, experience, or reason you believe Wyoming law needs this protection for kids.]

House Bill 9 would establish the criminal offense of grooming of a minor for a sexual offense — a serious and necessary step in protecting Wyoming children. Grooming is intentional manipulation aimed at exploiting a minor, and it deserves clear, enforceable consequences.

Our laws should prioritize child safety and ensure predators are held accountable before harm escalates. I strongly urge you to vote YES on HB 9 and stand with families across our state.

Thank you for taking this issue seriously.

[Your Name]
[Your City/Town]