FIFTY-SEVENTH WYOMING LEGISLATURE

APPROVED INTERIM COMMITTEE STUDIES

2004 INTERIM

JOINT CORPORATIONS, ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS INTERIM COMMITTEE

Initial Approved Budget: $20,000

Topic #1:            Telecommunications

The Committee has been presented with a variety of issues and testimony regarding telecommunications in Wyoming.  Among these issues are possible changes in the universal service fund, a study of the use of broadband technology across Wyoming and deregulation of local access services.  In addition to the telecommunications study in the budget bill, the Committee will examine these issues. 

Topic #2:            Local government issues

(a)      Annexation.  The Committee has heard of several concerns relating to development across Wyoming and a very recent Wyoming Supreme Court opinion concerning annexation.  The Committee would like to examine the issue to determine if statutory changes may be needed.

(b)      Local finance options.  Note: This topic was reassigned to the Joint Revenue Interim Committee by the Management Council.

Topic #3:            Elections issues

In addition to the ongoing process of revising statutes and complying with the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and other federal election and campaign reform laws, the Secretary of State has testified that other revisions made be needed, in part to simplify and clarify the election code.  The Committee will examine the need for further revision of the election code.

Topic #4:            Departments, boards, districts and commissions-amendments.

The Committee has been presented with testimony regarding multiple smaller issues throughout the statutes.  Included in this list of issues are:

(a)      Insurance issues.  The Committee has heard of several concerns relating to insurance from the Insurance Commissioner, including possibly entering into an interstate insurance product compact.  The Committee will examine the issue to determine if statutory changes may be needed;

(b)      Licensing issues.  Several persons have testified regarding the need for changes to several licensure statutes.  The list includes engineers, land surveyors, certified public accountants, cosmetologists and contractors;

(c)      Public Service Commission (PSC) resources.  Note: This topic was reassigned to the Joint Appropriations Interim Committee by the Management Council.

(d)      Special districts.  The Committee has heard testimony regarding special district laws, including but not limited to enhancing district authorities, amending water quality statutes and revising various statutes.  The Committee will explore the need to amend the special district statutes;

(e)      State Fire Marshal.  The State Fire Marshal has indicated that both the state and local governments have concerns regarding jurisdiction and "home rule."  The Committee will examine these issues to determine if statutory changes may be needed, especially in the area of local enforcement of public safety laws.

(f) Salaries for Members of State Boards and Commissions. (Note: This Topic was Assigned by Management Council.)

Topic #5:            Cost of Insurance. (Topic Assigned by Management Council)

Originally requested by the Joint Labor Committee, this topic was reassigned to the Joint Corporations Interim Committee by the Management Council.

The committee will review cost problems for health and liability insurance in the public schools and community colleges.