2010 Legislative Budget Session News - Week 1
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Feb 15, 2010The Legislature has been in session for a week and things are moving along quickly. Friday was the last day for bill introductions and a number have moved through the three readings in their house of introduction and are being sent to the other chamber for consideration. If you are unfamiliar with the process you can learn under the “Legislative Process” section of the Citizen's Guide to the Legislature. In short, a bill must pass three readings in both chambers before it can be sent to the governor, who can either sign it into law or veto the bill.
Below is a summary of action on some of the higher-profile bills from Week 1 of the budget session. You can access the 2010 Bill Index online. If you are interested in the breakdown of certain votes you can track it by selecting “Digest” next to the bill you are following.
Carbon Capture (HB 17) - Proposed by the judiciary committee, it would establish a procedure for requiring entities that want to store carbon gas underground to post bonds or other financial assurances.
Health Pilot Program (SF 61) - For the 3rd time the Health care pilot program, supported by the Governor, is being introduced by Sen. Charlie Scott (R-Casper). The proposal is designed to tackle rising Medicare enrollments and skyrocketing health care costs. The program would be funded with $750,000 from the Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund and would establish health accounts for 500 participants to begin with. The state would match personal contributions to the accounts and funds could be used for health costs or to purchase health insurance. The plan unanimously passed the Senate Labor, Health, and Social Services Committee proposal with a few minor amendments.
Legal Services Program (HB 61) - This bill would create a statewide legal services system. The legislation was brought by Rep. Mary Throne (D-Cheyenne) and is designed to offer the poor better access to the legal system, especially for civil matters such as divorce or restraining orders. The program would be funded by raising court fees by $10. It has passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and will now be heard in Committee of the Whole.
Wind Taxation (HB 101) - This is one of Gov. Freudenthal’s legislative priorities. It calls for an excise tax of $3 per megawatt hour on commercial wind energy production. It has been referred to the House Revenue Committee and will be discussed 7:30 on Monday (2/15) morning.
Judicial Retirement (HB 37) - Proposed by Rep. Keith Gingery (R-Jackson) and passed out of the house judiciary committee and committee of the whole with do pass recommendations. It would repeal the mandatory retirement age for state judges. Currently statute requires judges to retire at age 70. This would go to Wyoming voters during 2010.
Texting While Driving (SF 20) - A proposal by Senator Floyd Esquibel (D-Cheyenne) is still in play in the Senate. It has been amended to remove the possibility of jail time. There will be one more reading before final Senate passage.
Minimum Wage (HB 21) - Rep. George Bagby (D-Rawlins) introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage to $5.15 to $7.25 and for tipped employees from $2.13 to $5.00. The bill failed to receive the 2/3 vote necessary for introduction.
Discrimination (HB 87) - Rep. Cathy Connolly (D-Laramie) proposed legislation that would make it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill failed to receive the 2/3 vote necessary for introduction.
17th Amendment (HJ 7) - Rep. Bill Landon (R-Casper) introduced a resolution to repeal the 17th amendment to the US Constitution and give the power to elect US Senators back to the legislature. The bill failed to receive the 2/3 vote necessary for introduction.
Health Reform Opt-Out (HJ 12) - The measure was a national initiative brought through the far right tea party movement and designed to reject nationwide health care solutions. Rep. Tom Lubnau (R-Gillette) introduced the resolution, but Wyoming House Democrats, voting together, defeated the amendment.
Railroad Safety (HB 81 and HB 73) - As introduced by Rep. Ken Esquibel (D-Cheyenene) these bills introduce stricter rules for the transportation of railroad employees by contract operators (HB 81) and standards for railroad crossings and other safety features (HB 73). Both were referred to the committee of transportation and highways.
Sexual Abuse (HB 64) - A bill calling for a mandatory minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault of a minor when the actor is at least eighteen years of age and the victim is less than thirteen years of age was introduced by Rep. Lori Millin (D-Cheyenne). It passed out of judiciary committee and will now be on committee of the whole.
OSHA Penalties (HB 93) - Brought by Rep. Mary Throne (D-Cheyenne) this legislation would impose stricter penalties for workplace safety violations and creates a higher level fine for instances that result in the death of an employee. It was referred to the House Minerals Committee.
State Park (SF 10) - The Senate approved the purchase of more land to be added to the Bear River State Park near Evanston. The proposal will now go to the House.
It will be about one more week before legislators begin to address the state government budget for fiscal years 2011 and 2012. At that time, the budget bill will simultaneously be heard on three readings in both the House and the Senate, after which a conference committee will work out a compromise between the versions that pass the respective chambers. In the meantime, legislators have plenty of important issues on their plate, and we will keep you informed throughout the remainder of the session.