Wyoming EXEC Order 2020-4

STATE OF WYOMING

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

EXECUTIVE ORDER

Order 2020-4

SUSPENSION OF PROVISIONS OF CERTAIN STATUTES AND RULES RELATED TO DRIVER LICENSES DUE TO A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, on or about December 31, 2019, a new and significant outbreak of pneumonia with an unknown source was detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province China. The cause associated with these cases was linked to a novel coronavirus disease later named COVID-19. Since the initial detection in China, COVID-19 has spread worldwide; and

WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID- 19 a public health emergency of international concern; and

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services declared a national public health emergency; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, I, Governor Mark Gordon issued a Declaration of a State Emergency and Public Health Emergency; and

WHEREAS, on March 19, 2020, the State Health Officer issued an order explaining that stopping the spread of COVID-19 includes the practicing of social distancing by avoiding close contact with others and staying at least six (6) feet away from someone who is ill or showing signs of illness; and

WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020, there were twenty-nine (29) individuals within the State of Wyoming who tested positive for COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-7-114, the Wyoming Department of Transportation is required to examine every applicant for a driver license and instructional permit; and

WHEREAS, the administration of driver licensing presents multiple obstacles to assure appropriate social distancing through process and procedure or requirements. Driving tests require people to share a confined space for an extended period and increase the risk of COVID-19 spread; and

WHEREAS, the Constitution and laws of the State of Wyoming, particularly Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 19- 13-1 04, confer upon the Governor of the State of Wyoming the authority and responsibility of carrying out the provisions of the Wyoming Homeland Security Act.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and  by  the  laws  of the State of Wyoming, I, Mark Gordon, Governor of the State of Wyoming, do hereby  grant temporary relief  from  certain  requirements  related  to  driver  licensing  and  motor  vehicle  registration   in  response to COVID-19 , I accordingly order the following:

1.         The Department of Transportation Director, or his designee, shall allow a ninety (90) day grace period from the expiration date of Wyoming driver licenses and identification cards expiring between March 15, 2020, and June 1, 2020, to reduce the burden on members of the public and to limit interaction with state employees and governmental offices. The driver license and identification card expiration dates are set forth in Wyo. Stat. Ann.§§ 31-7-110, 31-7-1 l S(b), 31-7- 11 9(a), and 31-8- 1 03(a), and Department of Transportation Rules, Chapter 1, Driver' s Licenses and Motor Vehicle Safety, §§ 4(h) and 9(c). Late fees associated with expired driver licenses and identification cards related to this grace period will be waived at the time of renewal.

2.         In order to implement social distancing, effective upon this Order, the administration of all Class C (non-commercial) driving tests will be suspended up to ninety (90) days, as determined by the Department of Transportation Director, or his designee. Commercial tests will continue to be administered by appointment and may require additional health screening questions. The Depa1tment of Transportation will reassess the suspension of testing by April 20, 2020, and determine whether testing can resume on a full or limited basis.

3.         The Department of Transportation Director, or his designee, during the public health emergency, is authorized to modify or reduce the number of examinations, as required under Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-7-114(c), as appropriate based upon available resources.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until such time it is rescinded or the extensions have expired.

Given under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Wyoming this 24^th day of March 2020.

                                                                                                            Mark Gordon

                                                                                                            Governor