Legislature wrapping up for 2019

Wednesday marked the final day of this session of the Wyoming State Legislature.

Representative John Winter reported on a few of the bills the house has looked at this past week as senate files moved to the house.

SF0041, the County Fair Endowment bill passed the house on third reading, allowing counties to establish an endowment fund that will let them accept various grants and other monies to place in a special account to not only pay for fair expenses but construction and repairs as well as equipment.

The Meat from Harvested Livestock or Poultry bill, SF0068, introduced by Senator Wyatt Agar passed it’s third reading as well and is on its way to the governor’s desk.

There is one bill that is proving to be quite contentious, SF0049, the County Zoning Authority-Private Schools bill. The bill would exempt private schools from county zoning ordinances.

The construction of a new facility, the Classical Academy in Jackson is at the center of the controversy.

“This is a very difficult decision,” Winter said. “because the private school itself is important, but local planning is equally important and must be taken into consideration.”

A bill to keep an eye on if you become involved in a dispute involving commercial, business, trust and similar issues, SF104, would create a Chancery Court.

According to Winter, the court would provide a pathway to enhance civil litigation versus criminal.

Winter voted against SF0040, Operation of Motor Boat While Intoxicated, a bill that would reduce the legal level of intoxication to be the same as vehicular allowances.

“My position was that recreational boating did not need the same level of regulation as driving on Wyoming highways,” Winter said. “The wardens who are patrolling have the authority to rein in bad behavior, including intoxication. We probably don’t need more laws.”

Along with final votes on bills this week, the committees are meeting to discuss and determine interim topics for 2019.