Joint Corporations Interim Committee Meeting Summary (July 14-15, 2003)

The Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Interim Committee met in Casper to consider issues related to municipally owned utilities, telecommunications, special districts, election laws, and insurance issues.  The Committee heard testimony from a number of parties related to legislation allowing municipalities the authority to issue revenue bonds to procure electrical distribution and transmission lines.  The Committee requested LSO draft legislation related to this issue for consideration at its next meeting.  The Committee received an update from the Public Service Commission about changes in the telecommunications industry as a result of the 1995 state telecommunications act.  Staff from the Office of Consumer Advocate addressed the Committee to explain the operations of the office, which was created during the 2003 General Session.  The Committee formed a subcommittee to address telecommunications issues.  The Committee also formed a subcommittee on contractor licensing. 

The Department of Revenue provided the Committee with an inventory of all special taxing districts in the state and an update on the effects of recent legislation regarding the districts.  The Committee requested LSO provide a summary of the laws relating to special districts.  The Secretary of State reviewed state and federal campaign funding laws and provided the Committee an update on the new federal Help America Vote Act.  The Committee received testimony from a number of entities related changes in state election laws.  The Committee discussed draft legislation related to filing vacancies and campaign contribution levels.  The Department of Insurance presented information relating to accreditation standards for the Department, producer licensing, and homeowners’ insurance.  The Committee requested legislation regarding these issues.  The Committee will meet again on October 27-28, 2003 in Cheyenne.