Legislative Update

Greetings Crook and Weston Counties, 

I’m writing with an update to overview some of the information on the happenings at the virtual session.

As I have shared before, what we dealt with were bills that had been discussed during the interim. One would think that after going through committees over the year there would not be much discussion. That was not always the case.

Some of the more heavily talked about issues included HB 0054, which dealt with the Statewide Health Information Exchange. While the ability to move records quickly from doctor to doctor was appealing, many people including myself were concerned about privacy and even more information being available.

I have been in situations where health information needs to be readily movable but this system is opt-out vs. opt-in. Like those folks I talked to about this, I appreciate the service but would have preferred it be opt-in.

We passed the omnibus water bill. As you all know, developing water in our state is crucial and this legislation is vital for all involved.

HB 0049 was the state agency fee increase and, while myself and many others voted against this, it still passed.

Another piece of legislation that passed was SF 0043. This legislation dealt with Wyoming energy authority and was amended to include rare earth elements and geothermal just to name a few.

Another was HB 0030 that allowed an increase in what the PSC (public service commission) is allowed to charge. I joined many others in voting against this increase in charging ability.

There were changes to theft language and clarifications to animal abuse language in statute. Also, changes were made to notary laws to allow for electronic means as well as standard and there is going to be legislation forwarded to study the possibility of Medical Marijuana HB 0082.

Other legislation to consider: HB 0075 Voter Fraud Prevention, HB 0106 Education Options, SF 0056 Wyoming Gaming Commission modifications and corrections and SF 0073 Tolling on I- 80. I would appreciate your thoughts on these pieces and the many others that will follow.

The state budget funding shortfalls will be a major part of what is dealt with when we go back in March for the continuation of the session. Nobody is looking forward to the challenges we are facing as a state. 

Some things to watch include: education, tax increases, recall of elected officials, direct distribution, public health orders and life legislation, to name a few. I welcome all the input I can get from everyone involved.

Revenue increases and spending reductions are going to be front and center for much of the session. Please look at the Wyoleg.gov website to see bills that are being posted. Please pray for wisdom for all of our legislators.

Thank you for your time.

Very respectfully,

Chip Neiman