Legislature update

Another week is in the books with the 2019 State of Wyoming Legislature in Cheyenne. Several bills have moved quickly through the process, including Senate File 93, which references Grizzly Bear hunts in the state, sponsored by Wyatt Agar and co-sponsored by John Winter.

“Wyatt (Agar) did an excellent job in presenting this bill to the committee,” Winter said. “I testified in the Senate Committee from the standpoint of an outfitter and as to the importance of the bill to outfitters and the residents of the State of Wyoming.

“We encourage the governor and the Game and Fish Department to move forward with a spring bear hunt.”

HB0018, referencing water well drillers, clarifying the hiring authority of the state board of examining water well drilling contractors and water well pump installation contractors failed to pass the committee.

Winter said members of the group were not in favor of the bill and felt the issues in the bill were not in the best interest of those involved in the industry.

A bill that could require more tax burden on businesses passed the House on third reading and is headed to the Senate.

HB0220 would create a National Retail Fairness Act, imposing an income tax on businesses. Winter voted against the bill to protect businesses in Wyoming.

An interesting bill that passed out of committee is HB071, the Hemp Opportunity Act.

It actually falls under food and drugs and would amend substances regulated by the controlled substance act allowing production and processing of hemp. It would allow for the possession of hemp and hemp products as well as repeal conflicting provisions.

The production of hemp and hemp products would greatly benefit the farming industry in the state and according to Winter, Wyoming Farm Bureau is in full support of the legislation.

Those beer drinkers in Wyoming who enjoy their microbrews will be happy to know HB0076, the Wyoming Beer Freedom Act, passed out of committee.

The bill would allow for 24-hour malt beverage permits for Wyoming’s microbreweries.

One bill that has been pretty contentious online regards preference points for hunters, HB0042.

It was introduced in the House and was referred to the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resource committee where it was defeated.

“The entire preference point system is being considered as a topic for interim study,” Winter said.

“In tribute to the importance of public lands in the state and in recognition of the value of public lands to the state’s economy, open spaces, wildlife and recreational opportunities, the fourth Saturday in September of each year is designated as public lands day and appropriate observances may be held by the public and in all public schools of the state.”

That is the main focus of HB0099 and Winter said, “Surprisingly there was a good amount of debate on the issue, primarily as to the many existing restrictions on public lands by federal agencies, thus limiting use by certain industries. The concept of ‘multiple-use’ seems to be less important these days.”

In addition to his regular duties, Winter also had an opportunity last week to speak with county commissioners from the Big Horn Basin as the Wyoming County Commissioners Association held their meetings in Cheyenne.