Wyoming committee advances 'Stem Cell Freedom Act,' adds technical amendment
February 25, 2026 | Joint & Standing, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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Cheyenne — The Committee of the Whole on the House floor recommended passage of Senate File 48, the so‑called "Stem Cell Freedom Act," a bill that would allow certain autologous mesenchymal stem‑cell procedures in Wyoming and set related registration, informed‑consent and handling standards.
"Only your stem cells only used on you," Representative Harrelson said while explaining the bill’s core limitation and the sponsor’s intent to restrict treatments to a patient’s own cells. He described patient registry requirements, institutional review board reporting and an expectation that participating physicians be registered with the Wyoming State Board of Medicine.
Supporters said the measure is intended to give Wyoming patients access to therapies now available outside the United States. "There is a little bit of difference between what's being done today with stem cells as opposed to this type of stem cell procedure," Representative Clauston said, describing the bill as permitting more targeted, cultured approaches beyond simply taking cells out and reinjecting them. Representative Conley and others shared patient anecdotes and committee testimony supporting treatment access and local availability.
Members raised questions about federal regulation and clinical evidence. Representative McCann warned that the state could "button heads with the feds" if federal enforcement priorities change, urging the House to be prepared to support physicians. Representative Chestyck and Representative Chastick (name spelling varies in the transcript) asked whether sufficient medical testimony had been presented to justify expanding permitted practices.
Sponsor Representative Harrelson moved Standing Committee Amendment No. 1, described in session as a clarification and technical correction to language and internal cross‑references. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. The Committee of the Whole then recommended that Senate File 48 do pass as amended.
Next steps: the Committee of the Whole report was adopted on the House floor and the bill moves forward in the legislative process.
What it does: the draft makes explicit that the statute applies to autologous mesenchymal stem cells, prohibits use of biological material derived from an abortion, requires physician registration and informed consent, and directs adherence to manufacturing and handling standards described in the bill.
What remains unresolved: members pressed for clarity on how the proposed state rules interact with federal requirements; the transcript records concerns about potential federal action and questions about the depth of medical committee testimony.
The Committee of the Whole vote and final floor tallies were recorded as voice votes in the transcript; numeric vote counts were not specified.
"Only your stem cells only used on you," Representative Harrelson said while explaining the bill’s core limitation and the sponsor’s intent to restrict treatments to a patient’s own cells. He described patient registry requirements, institutional review board reporting and an expectation that participating physicians be registered with the Wyoming State Board of Medicine.
Supporters said the measure is intended to give Wyoming patients access to therapies now available outside the United States. "There is a little bit of difference between what's being done today with stem cells as opposed to this type of stem cell procedure," Representative Clauston said, describing the bill as permitting more targeted, cultured approaches beyond simply taking cells out and reinjecting them. Representative Conley and others shared patient anecdotes and committee testimony supporting treatment access and local availability.
Members raised questions about federal regulation and clinical evidence. Representative McCann warned that the state could "button heads with the feds" if federal enforcement priorities change, urging the House to be prepared to support physicians. Representative Chestyck and Representative Chastick (name spelling varies in the transcript) asked whether sufficient medical testimony had been presented to justify expanding permitted practices.
Sponsor Representative Harrelson moved Standing Committee Amendment No. 1, described in session as a clarification and technical correction to language and internal cross‑references. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. The Committee of the Whole then recommended that Senate File 48 do pass as amended.
Next steps: the Committee of the Whole report was adopted on the House floor and the bill moves forward in the legislative process.
What it does: the draft makes explicit that the statute applies to autologous mesenchymal stem cells, prohibits use of biological material derived from an abortion, requires physician registration and informed consent, and directs adherence to manufacturing and handling standards described in the bill.
What remains unresolved: members pressed for clarity on how the proposed state rules interact with federal requirements; the transcript records concerns about potential federal action and questions about the depth of medical committee testimony.
The Committee of the Whole vote and final floor tallies were recorded as voice votes in the transcript; numeric vote counts were not specified.
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