Thermopolis hosts judiciary committee

Last week, members of the Wyoming Joint Judiciary Committee travelled to Thermopolis for a meeting during the interim. House District 28 Representative Nathan Winters explained this first meeting is where the committee begins to lay out its scope for the upcoming interim meetings. The Legislature, he noted, has worked diligently during this past session, and last week's meeting brought in several people who were beneficial to the committee's discussion.

Among those attending were Michael Blonigen of the Natrona County District Court Office, Hot Springs County Attorney Jerry Williams, as well as other attorneys from across the state and Supreme Court judges.

Winters added there was a lot of very good information throughout the two-day session. The committee addressed several topics, among which was edible marijuana.

Winters said discussion was primarily concerned with addressing a loophole in Wyoming law which has more of an impact in the southern portion of the state.

Current law only contemplates marijuana in its plant form, Winters explained, and not in the liquid, baked or otherwise edible varieties. He also pointed out the fact that, in Colorado, people can now cold press the THC right out of the marijuana leaves.

Winters further noted the marijuana of today is not the same as that of the 1960's and 70's. It's significantly more potent, and can be grown that way. As for consumption, he said a gummy bear the size of a person's pinkie tip can contain enough THC to get 30 adults high by Colorado standards.

Also with regard to past perceptions, Winters said edibles used to be only "pot brownies," but now they are being manufactured in several ways, many which resemble children's candies, which is increasing kids' access to the drug.

In addition to looking at the pot edibles industry and its regulation, Winters said the commission also received information from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which shows a significant rise in social costs and the number of Colorado traffic deaths where an operator or driver tested positive for marijuana.

According to the report, there has been an increase from 55 deaths in 2013 to 98 in 2015, in incidents where the driver tested positive, and an increase from 71 deaths to 115 where an operator tested positive in the same timeframe.

Another big topic was a review of the effectiveness of probation and parole.

Winters said Blonigen had much to say on the topic, and the commission is looking to focus more on early intervention, as opposed to early release. In the long run, Winters added, early intervention can save money. He further explained if they can step into a young person's life and make him comprehend the consequences of his actions, he can become productive, rather than destructive, to himself and to society.

Also addressed was stalking penalties, domestic violence, sexual assaults, restraining orders and family violence. Winters said current state law, as it is written, does not take into account things like social media when it comes to stalking. Federal law has been updated to include contemporary forms of stalking, and made it to where Wyoming law needs to be updated as well.

Winters noted they also spoke about updating technology and operations in the courtrooms. He noted several courtrooms are up-to-date when it comes to using technology for things such as taking depositions and testimony, but there are others that have to get caught up.

Child custody also saw some discussion. Winters said because of an interpretation of the law, Wyoming is among the toughest states for people to get shared custody, and they will look to address this.

Voluntary healthcare was another topic. Winters explained if retired doctors choose to do "pro bono" work, there should be an assurance that a hospital would not be held liable. Retired doctors providing services for free, he said, could greatly reduce the cost of healthcare in a community.

Winters said in his five years in the Legislature, this is the first time the commission has had a meeting in Thermopolis. In addition to the information presented, he said it was a great joy for him to show off the town.