64th Wyoming Legislative Session At the Capitol WAM Weekly Update Week of January 30 - February 3, 2017

WAM Members,

The fourth week of the 2017 Session brought a few victories to WAM members. Your Legislative Leadership Committee and your WAM Staff has been busy tracking and lobbying bills that are related to your municipal day.

Thanks largely to your discussions with your Legislators SF0017- Municipal Jurisdiction was killed (16-14). WAM has already started discussions with WCCA to come to an agreed upon approach related to the extraterritorial zones.

HB0136, HB0137, and HB0194 - the gun bills related to concealed carry in schools and government meetings passed the House and will be taken up in the Senate. WAM is watching carefully and will testify in opposition if needed.

SF0155 was a bill that increased Bar and Grill licenses, adjusting the population numbers a bit. WAM and other interested communities testified in favor and also agreed that a deeper look at the liquor laws is warranted.

HB001 and SF001 are the Supplemental Budget Bills - Your LLC will meet early on Monday to strategize any lobbying approaches. WAM prepared a legislator piece identifying use of Water Development Commission and other grant funds to demonstrate how cities and towns use this funding. Once it is approved by LLC, we will distribute for you to send to your Legislator.

And finally....we are cautiously optimistic that the final two payments of the 17/18 Direct Distribution should be paid out. Since this was pulled from the Supplemental Budget in March 2016, the Legislature would have had to propose a bill to remove the payment appropriation and no bill was brought forth. So Good News!

For information on the activity of bills that were worked this past week, please see the list below or the embedded link. You can select a bill link, then add your comments or questions by selecting the 'Post Your Comment' and completing the form. These comments are NOT public but only visible by the staff. To follow along for daily legislative updates please go to WAM's website wyomuni.org.

Feel free to call or email with any questions. Thank you for your commitment to your community and have a good weekend.

Laurie, Rick and your LLC

4. Week of Jan 30 - Feb 3

HB 0001 Appropriations General government appropriations. 2/1/2017 - Bill Number Assigned Comments: This bill addresses supplemental appropriations for the operation of state government, increasing or decreasing amounts, adjusting positions, modifying prior or making additional appropriations, certain appropriations subject to terms and conditions, transfers certain funds. Summary: AN ACT relating to supplemental appropriations for the operation of state government; increasing or decreasing certain amounts; adjusting the number of positions; modifying prior appropriations; making additional appropriations; making certain appropriations subject to the terms and conditions specified; providing transfers of certain funds as specified; and providing for effective dates.

HB 0055 Spending policy amendments-2. 2/2/2017 - House - COW:Passed Comments:

This bill (sponsored by Capital Finance and Investment) identifies changes to revenue streams/percentages over the next five years. WAM will monitor as a priority bill to ensure no changes or amendments are introduced that would impact local government's current allocations.

WAM Action Taken: 1/31/17 Laurie Heath attended JAC

Summary: AN ACT relating to public funds; amending the spending policy rates for the permanent Wyoming mineral trust fund, the common school account within the permanent land fund and the excellence in higher education endowment fund; amending the percentage of funds in the permanent Wyoming mineral trust fund reserve account and common school permanent fund reserve account transferred respectively to the permanent Wyoming mineral trust fund and common school permanent fund annually; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0056 Mobile homes-title status upon permanent foundation. 2/1/2017 - Senate - Introduced and Referred to S07 - Corporations Comments:

This bill may effect the revenues of local governments and zoning or local ordinances dealing with mobile homes.

WAM ACTION: 1/20/17, Bill was amended, support from Realtors Assoc, Banker's Assoc, no need for WAM to testify--RK

Summary: AN ACT relating to mobile homes; specifying procedures to surrender and cancel the title of a mobile home that has been installed on a permanent foundation; and providing for effective dates.

HB 0058 Appropriations School facilities appropriations. 1/30/2017 - Senate - Received for Introduction Comments:

This bill details the proposed appropriations of funds for select school facilities. This bill proposes that $80M be transferred from LSRA with additional funding for capital construction, land acquisition, and other costs equally ~$4.65M. WAM will monitor to see if creates impacts on the local government funding from LSRA or local infrastructure projects.

Summary: AN ACT relating to school facility projects; modifying appropriations for school facility projects for the biennial budget period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018; transferring funds; making conforming amendments; requiring reporting; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0060 State investment policy. 2/2/2017 - House - 2nd Reading:Passed Comments:

This bill expands options for investing state funds which will impact the ability of local governments investments.

WAM Action Taken: 1/31/17 Laurie Heath attended JAC. This bill provides flexibility of investments with reduced restrictions to allow adjustments to market conditions.

Summary: AN ACT relating to public funds; removing restriction on the percentage of permanent funds that may be invested in common stock; providing for a strategy to evaluate the risks of investments; requiring the state loan and investment board to establish metrics for managing and mitigating the risks of investments; requiring evaluations of the risks of investments as specified; requiring reports; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0068 Election ballots. 1/30/2017 - House - COW:Failed 13-47-0-0-0 Comments:

This bill requires county clerks and commissioners to adopt procedures for absentee ballots. WAM will monitor as it may have an effect on municipal clerks for special elections.

Summary: AN ACT relating to elections; providing for the counting of absentee ballots received after the date of the election as specified; requiring boards of county commissioners to adopt procedures relating to such ballots; modifying the time county canvassing boards shall meet; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0086 Select Water Omnibus water bill-construction. 2/1/2017 - Senate - Introduced and Referred to S05 - Agriculture Comments:

This bill identifies State funding for water projects with some being municipal projects. WAM members with water projects in this bill are Cody, Cowley, Gillette, Glenrock, Opal, Thayne, Wheatland, Casper, Deaver, Thermopolis, Riverton, Green River/Rock Springs, Laramie, and multiple irrigation districts. The expectation is all the projects on this bill will be funded but future projects are at risk of funding due to the fact that the supplemental budget proposes Water Development Commission funds are shared with the SEO department. WAM will lobby to full House and Senate when budget is proposed to them.

WAM ACTION: 1/23/17, Bill passed 7-0 with no amendments=RK

Summary: AN ACT relating to water development projects; authorizing construction of designated water projects; describing projects; specifying terms and conditions of funding for projects; providing appropriations; extending the sunset dates for sponsor's contingency funds; modifying project descriptions, amounts and terms of appropriations for specified prior projects; and providing for effective dates.

HB 0089 Judges of first class cities-retention elections. 2/2/2017 - House - 2nd Reading:Passed Comments:

This bill adds municipal judges in first class cities under current election and retention policies similar to other appointed local government positions. This creates concerns and questions as how the first class city is to provide funding and oversight of the judge. Also, if the bill would pass it could require changes in ordinances and codes regarding city appointed positions. WAM's position is the municipal judge should remain as an appointed city position.

WAM ACTION: 2/3/17, bill failed COW on third reading 30-29-1 excused.

WAM ACTION: 2/2/17, bill passed COW, no discussion, to third reading.

WAM ACTION: 1/31/17, Rick Kaysen testified in opposition of this bill, discussion on separation of power by sponsors as well as philosophical beliefs of right to vote, bill passed Committee 6-3.

Bill failed 30-29

Summary: AN ACT relating to municipal judges of first class cities; setting a term of office for municipal judges of first class cities; amending the procedure for removing municipal judges of first class cities; providing retention elections for municipal judges of first class cities; modifying the powers of municipal governing bodies and mayor; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0092 Payment of wages upon termination-time limits. 2/1/2017 - Senate - Introduced and Referred to S10 - Labor Comments:

Bill adds language for compliance in employment contracts; permitting the time period for payment of wages upon termination of employment to be specified in a collective bargaining agreement.

WAM ACTION: 2/3/17, Rick Kaysen testified that WAM has no issue s with the bill, passed Labor Committee 5-0.

Summary: AN ACT relating to labor and employment; permitting the time period for payment of wages upon termination of employment to be specified in a collective bargaining agreement; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0095 Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Vehicle registration penalties 1/25/2017 - House - Placed on General File Comments:

This bill seeks to increase compliance with existing taxation of vehicles. The bill specifically calls out natural gas vehicles but WAM suggests it should include electric powered vehicles as well (page 4, line 4).

Summary: AN ACT relating to motor vehicles; imposing penalties for failure to properly title or register a vehicle; establishing procedures for nonpayment of fines; establishing a lien for unpaid fines; limiting an exemption to vehicle registration requirements; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0105 Michael Madden LSRA-limitations on appropriations. 1/12/2017 - House - Introduced and Referred to H02 - Appropriations Comments:

This bill sets limits on the use of the LSRA. WAM opposes since it would prevent any appropriations for local governments in future bienniums.

WAM UPDATE: 1/31/17 JAC did not approve to move the bill, "stayed in the drawer"

Summary: AN ACT relating to public funds; specifying the maximum amount of funds allowed in the legislative stabilization reserve account; providing limitations on the appropriation or transfer of funds from the account; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0135 Cheri Steinmetz Government Nondiscrimination Act. 1/26/2017 - Recalled from Committee Pursuant to House Rule 5-6: 56-0-4-0-0 Comments:

This bill appears to have the ability to present challenges to municipalities when dealing with employee discrimination law or situations. Additionally, WAM's opposes this bill with the intent to keep Wyoming's laws and appearance as friendly and equal when it pertains to economic development opportunities.

WAM UPDATE: 1/26/17, this bill was withdrawn by its sponsors, may go to interim topic.

Summary: AN ACT relating to the administration of government; establishing the Government Nondiscrimination Act; providing for the protection of the free exercise of religious beliefs and moral convictions; providing for judicial relief; amending the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0136 Dennis Biteman Campus carry. 2/2/2017 - Senate - Received for Introduction Comments:

This bill repeals gun free zones on any public college or university campus.

WAM ACTION: 2/1/17, bill passed the House as amended 40-19-1, amendment allows for permits issued outside of WY to carry on campus and changes weapon to firearms.

WAM ACTION: 1/24/17, Rick Kaysen testified in opposition to the Bill, Bill passed 6-3.

1/30/17 An amendment failed that would give trustees the authority to determine concealed carry rules and locations. Bill passed General File, 1st reading.

Summary: AN ACT relating to weapons; removing restrictions; repealing gun free zones on any public college or university campus as specified; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0137 Dennis Biteman Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act. 2/2/2017 - Senate - Received for Introduction Comments:

This bill repeals gun free zones for governmental entity meetings and the . WAM's position in the 2016 legislative session was to allow local governing bodies the ability to determine gun free zones.

WAM ACTION: 2/1/17, bill passed the House as amended 47-13, amendment allows for permits issued outside of WY to carry on campus and changes weapon to firearms.

WAM ACTION: 1/24/17, Rick Kaysen testified in opposition to the Bill, Bill passed 8-1 as amended to remove private property from the language. 1/30/17 Bill passed General File, 1st reading with amendment to remove private property - applies to public entities.

Summary: AN ACT relating to weapons; removing restrictions; repealing gun free zones in government meetings; providing for the carrying of concealed weapons as specified; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0140 James Byrd Minimum wage. 1/31/2017 - House - COW:Failed 20-40-0-0-0 Comments:

This bill increases the minimum wage from $5.15 to $950 per hour, for tipped employees raise from $2.13 to $5.50 per hour.

WAM ACTION: 1/31/17, bill failed the COw 40-20.

Summary: AN ACT relating to labor and employment; increasing minimum hourly wages; providing for a training wage; increasing minimum wage for tipped employees; requiring employers to pay underpaid tipped wages in a specified time; providing for treble damages, minimum recovery, court costs and attorney fees as specified; repealing an obsolete provision; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0151 Michael Madden Cigarette tax. 2/1/2017 - Senate - Received for Introduction Comments:

This bill increases the tax per cigarettes from $.006 to $.009 with the increase of distribution to municipalities from 33 1/3% to 74 1/2%.

WAM Action Taken: 1/25/17 Laurie Heath testified in support stressing although this is small revenue, WAM should support any revenue change.

Summary: AN ACT relating to the taxation and revenue; increasing the cigarette tax rate; amending distribution of the cigarette tax; clarifying distribution of license fees; repealing related provisions; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0162 Michael Madden Property tax assessment rates. 1/30/2017 - House - Placed on General File Comments:

This bill alters the taxation of industrial and all other property rates and distributions.

WAM ACTION: 1/30/17, bill passed 7-2 despite strong opposition from many entities.

Summary: AN ACT relating to property tax; increasing the property tax assessment rates for property used for industrial purposes and for all other property as specified; providing for the creation of and distribution of funds to the property tax refund program account; providing sunset dates; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0166 Alcohol taxation-school funding. 2/2/2017 - House - COW:Failed 8-51-1-0-0 Comments:

This bill proposes to increase the tax on alcoholic beverages, and revises the distribution of those taxes with 22% to the general fund and 78% to the school foundation.

WAM ACTION: 2/1/17, bill passed the Revenue Committee 5-4.

Summary: AN ACT relating to alcoholic beverages; increasing the tax on alcoholic and malt beverages; revising distribution of those taxes; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0173 Pari-mutuel events-distribution of fees. 2/1/2017 - House - Placed on General File Comments:

This legislation changes the proceeds flowing to local governments by splitting the 1% in half with half going to the General Fund.

WAM UPDATE: 1/27/17, bill was not heard 1/27 because of time constraints, planned to be heard 1/31. An amendment is to be proposed to reduce the one-half of one percent (.5%) to one-quarter of one percent (.25%).

Summary: AN ACT relating to pari-mutuel wagering; providing for distribution of fees to the general fund as specified; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0179 Tom Walters Retail liquor license fees. 1/19/2017 - House - Introduced and Referred to H07 - Corporations Comments:

This bill implements an auction process for retail liquor license issuance and sets new limits for transfer and renewal fees. WAM is in contact with Rep Walters suggesting local license authority explicitly explained and the 'shall' changed to 'may'. WAM will testify once in committee.

WAM ACTION: 1/30/17, Rick Kaysen testified stating WAM has several concerns with the bill as presented, made suggestions on several amendments, bill laid over until 1/31/17 (time constraints), Rick will formally present amendments 1/31/17.

WAM UPDATE: 1/31/17, Bill failed 7-2.

Summary: AN ACT relating to alcoholic beverages; requiring public auction for retail liquor licenses; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0187 Dan Zwonitzer Total solar eclipse day. 2/1/2017 - House - Placed on General File Comments:

This bill provides $100K for grants to local governments preparing for the solar eclipse day in 2017.

WAM ACTION: 1/27/17, Rick Kaysen testified in support, bill was amended to not provide administrative days for state employees, and allows Homeland Security to address matching grants. Bill passed 5-4.

WAM UPDATE: 1/31/17 Bill moved from Appropriations to House with an amendment to take the funding from the Homeland Security accounts.

Summary: AN ACT relating to solar eclipse day; providing that August 21, 2017 shall be designated as Total Solar Eclipse Day; authorizing the governor to grant administrative leave as specified; authorizing the office of homeland security to provide grants to local governments for Total Solar Eclipse Day; imposing duties on the office of homeland security; specifying applicability; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0194 John Eklund School safety and security. 2/2/2017 - Senate - Received for Introduction Comments:

This bill allows each school district to determine if a school employee can carry a concealed weapon to protect the school. As relates to WAM, the HB137 or HB136 amendments or discussions does not allow such local control.

WAM ACTION: 2/1/17, bill passed the House 46-14, no amendments.

Summary: AN ACT relating to school safety and security; allowing possession of firearms by school district employees on school property; providing rulemaking authority to school districts; specifying confidentiality of records; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0213 Michael Gierau Water and sewer district assessments. 1/30/2017 - House - COW:Failed 21-39-0-0-0 Summary: AN ACT relating to water and sewer districts; providing for assessments of specifically benefitted property; specifying that assessments shall not exceed tax levy limits; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0236 School finance-omnibus education funding. 2/2/2017 - House - Placed on General File Comments:

This bill addresses education funding through revisions of the existing formula, provides for additional revenue through cut backs and 0.5% sales tax, establishes a joint select committee on funding, requires reports, provides appropriations, and provides for a sunset date.

WAM ACTION: 1/31/17, bill continued to be worked.

WAM ACTION: 1/30/17, after 3 hours of testimony and beginning to work the bill, the bill was laid back for a date and time to be determined. Three parts to this bill 1) revenue increases, 2) reductions, 3) creation of a select committee. Education officials are concerned over more reductions, focus on students, special education needs, local boards make better decisions, recalibration. Education funding is a $400m per year issue, and school funds are near broke if not broke. Need to use rainy day funds to support education.

Summary: AN ACT relating to school finance; an omnibus bill addressing education funding though revisions of the existing education funding formula, providing additional revenue and transferring existing revenues; establishing a joint select committee on education funding; requiring reports; providing appropriations; providing sunset dates; and providing for effective dates.

HB 0253 Economic development account funding. 2/3/2017 - Senate - Received for Introduction Comments:

This bill provides an appropriation of $25M from the LSRA to the economic development account within the revolving investment funds, specifies use of a portion of the appropriation. The initial bill requires not less than $5M to be used to increase broadband services across the state.

WAM ACTION: 1/30/17 Laurie Heath testified in support reminding that if broadband was budgeted to consider increasing connectivity then consider connections into the municipal government buildings. Bill was amended to remove the broadband earmark language and passed committee.

Summary: AN ACT relating to economic development; providing an appropriation to the economic development account within the revolving investment fund created under article XVI, section 12 of the Wyoming constitution; specifying use of a portion of the appropriation; requiring economic and fiscal analysis of projects; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0254 Steve Harshman Public purpose investments. 2/3/2017 - House - 2nd Reading:Passed Comments: This bill relates to state investments increasing the amount authorized to be invested for specific public purposes. This bill increases from $600M to $1B availability of state funds for investment programs. Summary: AN ACT relating to state investments; increasing total amount authorized to be invested for specific public purposes; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0266 Carl Loucks Study on evaluation requirements for small cities and towns. 2/2/2017 - House - Placed on General File Comments: This bill will study and make recommendations on requirements for audits and accounting practices for towns under 4,000. Summary: AN ACT relating to the department of audit; requiring a report on evaluation requirements for small cities and towns as specified; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0267 LLC and corporation license fees. 2/1/2017 - House - Placed on General File Comments:

This bill addresses corporations and limited liability companies, altering licensing fees. WAM ACTION: 2/1/17, bill passed appropriations Committee 7-0 as amended, amendment reduces fees from $150 to $75.

Summary: AN ACT relating to corporations and limited liability companies; altering licensing fees for corporations and limited liability companies; and providing for an effective date.

HB 0274 Alcohol excise tax. 1/30/2017 - House - Introduced and Referred to H03 - Revenue Comments:

This bill raises taxes on alcohol to support funding of Children's Trust Fund, Court Supervised Treatment and Juvenile Services.

WAM ACTION: 2/1/17, bill failed the Revenue Committee 5-4.

Summary: AN ACT relating to alcohol; increasing the tax on alcoholic beverages; revising the distribution of those taxes; and providing for an effective date.

HJ 0006 Michael Madden Budget shortfall reserve accounts. 1/16/2017 - House - Introduced and Referred to H02 - Appropriations Comments:

This bill modifies the use of reserve accounts to cover budget shortfalls. WAM will closely monitor and evaluate to determine potential effect on local government distribution.

Summary: A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing to amend the Wyoming Constitution to specify the maximum amount of funds allowed in reserve accounts created to address budget shortfalls and to provide limitations on the appropriation or transfer of funds from such accounts.

SF 0001 Appropriations General government appropriations-2. 2/1/2017 - Bill Number Assigned Comments: This bill addresses supplemental appropriations for the operation of state government, increasing or decreasing amounts, adjusting positions, modifying prior or making additional appropriations, certain appropriations subject to terms and conditions, transfers certain funds. Summary: AN ACT relating to supplemental appropriations for the operation of state government; increasing or decreasing certain amounts; adjusting the number of positions; modifying prior appropriations; making additional appropriations; making certain appropriations subject to the terms and conditions specified; providing transfers of certain funds as specified; and providing for effective date.

SF 0017 Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Municipal jurisdiction. 1/31/2017 - Senate - 3rd Reading:Failed 14-16-0-0-0 Comments:

This bill appears to complicate already working practices between the municipal and county extraterritorial jurisdiction. Currently, the county commissioners can nullify municipal ordinances in the 1/2 mile radius. WAM was asked to prepare testimony with 3-4 examples where the extraterritorial jurisdiction is important for the city or county, and why.

WAM ACTION: 1/26/17, Mayor Summerville and Rick Kaysen testified, bill passed 3-2 with two amendments, bill is problematic for munis.

WAM UPDATE: 1/27/17, Senate passed bill as amended (no relief to munis), much debate on why needed, confusion may still exist on why this is needed. WAM will lobby 2nd and 3rd reading in Senate and then full House. Encourage members to contact legislators

WAM UPDATE: 1/31/17, Bill killed in third reading 16-14. WAM and WCCA already in discussions to coordinate future issues.

Summary: AN ACT relating to municipalities; restricting extraterritorial jurisdiction asserted by a municipality; specifying procedures for a municipality to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction; specifying applicability; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

SF 0083 Anthony Bouchard State spending and revenues-public reports. 1/19/2017 - :Rerefer to S03 - Revenue Comments:

This bill requires online access of the public reports on state agency contracts for services and supplies and on revenues received by state agencies. As introduced the bill is directed at state agencies but WAM will monitor for amendments that might expand into local government.

WAM ACTION: 1/26/17, bill laid back until 1/31/17.

Summary: AN ACT relating to administration of government; requiring public reports on state agency contracts for services and supplies and on revenues received by state agencies as specified; and providing for an effective date. SF 0089 Bill Landen Presumptive disability for firefighters. 2/2/2017 - Senate - 3rd Reading:Passed 28-2-0-0-0 Comments:

This bill may effect local governments obligations for firefighters.

WAM ACTION: 2/2/17, bill passed COW.

WAM ACTION:1/25/17, Rick Kaysen testified, bill requires technical amendments as well as probable other amendments, laid back until 1/27/17. Placed on Senate General File

Summary: AN ACT relating to public health and safety; providing for a rebuttable presumption of disabilities for firefighters; listing subject diseases; providing eligibility for specified benefits to which the presumption applies; outlining criteria for presumptions; providing rulemaking authority; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

SF 0091 Larry Hicks Small water projects. 2/2/2017 - House - Received for Introduction Comments:

This bill increases eligibility of small water projects to receive funding upon approval of the legislature.

WAM ACTION: 1/261/7, bill passed with inclusive amendments 4-1, amendments to be refined by LSO.

Summary: AN ACT relating to water development; providing for recommendation of small water projects by the water development commission; requiring review of small water projects by the select water committee; requiring legislative approval of funding for small water projects; providing for reversion of appropriations; and providing for an effective date.

SF 0122 Larry Hicks Water development amendments. 2/2/2017 - House - Received for Introduction Comments:

This bill revises the program purposes from "public interest" to "public benefit". The water development commission stipend is removed while allowing reimbursement for expenses. WAM will monitor to see if this adds undue scrutiny to WDC projects.

WAM ACTION: 1/26/17, bill passed 5-0.

Summary: AN ACT relating to water development; providing that the water development program is for projects necessary for public benefit as specified; requiring commission members to disclose specified information; requiring the state engineer to maintain a list of beneficial uses of water; providing applicability; and providing for an effective date.

SF 0131 Eli Bebout State revenues and expenditure review. 2/1/2017 - Senate - COW:Rerefer to S02 - Appropriations Comments: This bill establishes a review of state revenues and expenditures to evaluate potential revenue stream modifications and or additions. Summary: AN ACT relating to administration of government; creating a select legislative committee to review state revenues; specifying study criteria; providing for a report; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date.

SF 0132 Eli Bebout ENDOW initiative. 2/2/2017 - House - Received for Introduction Comments:

This bill provides for an economic diversification council to oversee and promote economic diversification activities in the state. The bill details the council duties, deliverables and staff.

WAM ACTION: 1/25/17, bill passed committee 4-1; amended that $1.5 of the $2.5m will be used for workforce development utilizing community colleges for training.

Summary: AN ACT relating to economic diversification; providing for an economic diversification council to oversee and promote economic diversification activities in the state; providing for the development of a comprehensive economic diversification policy and strategy; providing for business development and innovation zones; specifying duties of the council and executive department in regard to implementation of the policy and strategy; providing for a coordinator of economic diversification; providing legislative findings and specifying intent; creating an account; providing an appropriation; specifying use of funds; and providing for an effective date.

SF 0137 Leland Christensen Sales tax recovery-statute of limitations. 1/24/2017 - Senate - Introduced and Referred to S03 - Revenue Comments:

This bill revises the requirements for delinquent sales tax recoveries which may effect municipal revenue streams from the state. WAM ACTION: 2/2/17, bill failed Revenue Committee 3-2, possible interim topic.

Summary: AN ACT relating to state sales tax; amending the statute of limitations for actions to recover delinquent taxes, penalties and interest as specified; and providing for an effective date.

SF 0140 Michael Von Flatern I-80 project master plan. 2/3/2017 - Senate - 2nd Reading:Passed Comments:

This bill establishes a study and requires a master plan for Interstate Highway 80 through WY.

WAM ACTION: 2/1/17, bill passed Appropriations Committee as amended, 4-0; amendment adds $300,000 for a study.

Summary: AN ACT relating to highways; providing that the department of transportation shall conduct a study and develop a master project plan for Interstate 80 as specified; requiring reports; providing for review by the legislature; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date.

SF 0141 David Kinskey Local government procurement-notice. 1/25/2017 - Senate - Introduced and Referred to S07 - Corporations Comments:

This bill increases requirements for procurement practices but provides an on line notice mechanism.

WAM ACTION: 2/1/17, bill withdrawn by sponsor with no objections by the Corporations Committee. WAM has committed to the sponsor to work on this issue if so requested.

Summary: AN ACT relating to local government procurement procedures; requiring local governments and other entities to provide notice of procurement activities as specified; providing exceptions; and providing for an effective date.

SF 0155 Bruce Burns Bar and grill liquor license increase. 1/30/2017 - :Rerefer to S02 - Appropriations Comments:

This bill revised the number of available Bar and Grill licenses based on population increments.

WAM ACTION: 2/3/17, passed COW on second reading as amended, push back very likely from the WY Liquor Assoc prior to third reading.

WAM ACTION: 2/1/17, Mayor Summerville and Rick Kaysen testified in support of the bill. Bill passed Appropriations Committee 4-0 with one conflict as amended. The amendment provides that munis with a population of 24,000 are limited to no more than 6 in 2017, and after 2017 the population must increase beyond its 2017 population before additional licenses may be issued.

Summary: AN ACT relating to alcoholic beverages; increasing the number of bar and grill licenses available for municipalities; and providing for an effective date.

SF 0159 Tax reform 2020. 1/26/2017 - Senate - Introduced and Referred to S03 - Revenue Comments:

This bill establishes a study group, with appropriations, to investigate and offer legislation for WY's tax structure including specific reference to local government.

WAM ACTION: 2/2/17, bill failed Revenue Committee 3-2, SF131-state revenues and expenditure review approved and some Committee members argued that there would be two conflicting bills and which would be better.

Summary: AN ACT relating to taxation and revenue; creating the tax reform 2020 committee as specified; requiring a report; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date.

SF 0167 Eli Bebout Worker's compensation-rate discount, modification, and credit 2/2/2017 - House - Received for Introduction Summary: AN ACT relating to worker's compensation; modifying the rate discount for compliance with a drug and alcohol testing program as specified; providing for an experience modification rate for out of state employers moving operations to Wyoming as specified; providing a premium credit for employers as specified; providing for rulemaking; and providing for an effective date.

SJ 0007 Depositories for state funds-constitutional amendment. 1/23/2017 - Senate - Introduced and Referred to S09 - Minerals Comments:

This bill proposes to amend the WY Constitution to authorize the deposit of state funds in federal credit unions. WAM ACTION: 1/25/17, bill died, lack of a motion.

Summary: A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing to amend the Wyoming Constitution to authorize the deposit of state funds in federal credit unions as specified.

Disclaimer: The bill comments and positions are based on feedback from WAM members and may not be final or comprehensive. The legislative database is a communication tool that is subject to change based on the legislative decision making process.