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FIFTY-EIGHTH WYOMING LEGISLATURE
APPROVED INTERIM COMMITTEE STUDIES
2005 INTERIM
JOINT JUDICIARY INTERIM COMMITTEE
Initial Budget Approved: $28,000
Topic #1: Health Care Reform.
(a)Tort reform, including issues related to formation of a risk retention pool and details relating to a medical review panel;
(b)Examination of the medical care provided to inmates at the state and local level, including costs and liabilities related thereto.
Topic #2: Justice related issues.
(a) Review court-ordered placements of juveniles under Title 14 and involuntary commitments under Title 25, the roles of courts, the Department of Health, the Department of Family Services and service providers, as appropriate.
(b) Pursuant to 2005 HB340, the Committee will receive a report by November 1, 2005 with recommendations for statutory changes relating to substance abuse and mental health systems, which may result in significant additional work for the Committee late in the interim. Subcommittees may be necessary to review some of these issues more comprehensively.
Topic #3: State institutions site visits.
(a) In conjunction with Committee meetings, the Committee will conduct site visits and program reviews of selected state institutions and residential treatment providers, including the Wyoming Girls' School in Sheridan and the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins. The site visits will be to acquaint new Committee members with the facilities, to review programs provided and consider future direction of the facilities.
JOINT APPROPRIATIONS INTERIM COMMITTEE
Initial Budget Approved: $28,000
Topic #1: Budget topics.
(a)The Committee plans to work on a number of budget and budget process issues including:
Topic #2: Retiree insurance.
The Committee will be receiving the retiree insurance report and possibly making recommendations to the legislature. The committee intends to discuss with the Council the issue of expanding that report beyond state employees and what the expansion would entail in terms of budget needs.
Topic #3: Trust funds.
(a)The Committee will have discussions with the LSO legal staff and the Attorney General regarding the ad hoc appropriations into the PMTF and the option of transferring those funds out of the PMTF with the goal of sponsoring a Constitutional amendment if necessary to clarify that issue.
(b)The Committee will discuss the issue of establishing and investing trust funds created by the Legislature with the goal of sponsoring legislation or setting policy that would be followed when creating trust funds and provide direction to the State Treasurer when investing those funds.
Topic #4: Off-budget appropriations.
The Committee was overwhelmed with the number of off-budget bills with appropriations this session and will explore with the Council the possibility of establishing policy or rules regarding bills with appropriations outside of the budget bill.
Topic #5: Additional studies assigned by Management Council.
(a)Monitor the impact of federal budget actions on the State of Wyoming, especially those related to health care funding.
(b)Review funding alternatives for game and fish operations and capital construction budgets.
Topic #1: Valuation of producer-processed natural gas.
(a)Review the valuation for taxation purposes of producer-processed natural gas.
(b)Tour natural gas processing facilities in the state.
Topic #2:Revenue sources for multi-lane highways.
Study the various potential revenue sources for the funding of multi-lane highways in the state. Management Council directed that the Committee coordinate this study with the Transportation Committee's related study of multi-lane highways.
Topic #3: Private/public equity.
The Committee will consider the potential of developing a program whereby state equity is combined with private capital to invest in economic development in this state. Management Council directed that the Revenue Committee's study focus on the potential for adding to state revenues while the Mineral Committee's related study will focus on the economic development aspects of venture capital programs.
Topic #4: Miscellaneous revenue issues including Department of Revenue issues.
Study issues raised for Committee consideration by the Department of Revenue.
Topic #5: Receipt of statutorily required report on taxation of intangible property.
The Committee will be receiving a report from the study of intangible property as required by 2005 Senate File 0009, (2005 Wyoming Session Laws, Chapter 4).
Assist the Select Committee established under 2005 HB0228 and be involved as necessary on school finance model recalibration.
Work with the Committee established under 2005 SF0122 to assemble legislation for implementation of the student scholarship program as developed by that Committee. Management Council directed the Committee to review both merit and need based factors as part of this study.
Work with a Task Force comprised of private schools operating in Wyoming, the post-secondary education community, the Department of Education and legislators, to assemble legislative recommendations addressing private school licensing issues.
Review pilot projects approved under 2005 SF0046 for teacher advancement programs and consideration of program continuation.
Review issues associated with operation of charter schools in Wyoming and recommendations assembled by groups within the state addressing charter school issues.
Review the relationship between and any conflicting duties established by law for the Wyoming State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
JOINT AGRICULTURE, PUBLIC LANDS AND WATER RESOURCES INTERIM COMMITTEE
Initial Approved Budget: $22,000
Topic #1: Agriculture issues including:
(a)Board of Agriculture and Livestock Board: The Board of Agriculture and the Livestock Board are advisory boards, but have certain statutory authority. The Board of Agriculture only receives $10.00 per day compensation plus travel compared to much higher rates provided to other boards. The Committee will review the Board of Agriculture and the Livestock Board, their authority, responsibilities and compensation structures.
(b)Anti-trust: The Committee will study agriculture businesses to consider if any anti-trust legislation is required in response to the United States Supreme Court case of Illinois Brick Co. v. Illinois.
(c)Youth Leadership: The Board of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture in coordination with the Governor's office started a pilot project to recruit young people into agriculture. The Committee will consider whether this pilot project should be made permanent.
Topic #2: Agriculture crop issues.
(a)Weed and Pest: There is currently a county that is in the process of declaring coyotes as a pest in order to use Weed and Pest District monies for predator control. The Committee will look at Predatory Animal Board and Weed and Pest Control responsibilities and budgets.
(b)Grain Indemnity Account: Because of the warehouse problem this year, and in light of the considerable time spent over the past few years regarding bankruptcy, insolvency or fraud of persons purchasing Wyoming crops, the Committee will consider the need for a commodity indemnity account.
Topic #3: Agriculture livestock issues including:
(a)Animal Identification: The Committee will review the Livestock Board's pilot project on an animal identification system and determine resource needs for enhanced technology and implementation to address the national animal identification program.
(b)Livestock Dealers: In order to regain its Brucellosis free status, Wyoming must show it requires its livestock dealers to be registered. The Committee will review the status of livestock dealers and consider potential legislation.
(c)Abandonment of Sheep: With the increase in need for jobs in the minerals industry, the sheep industry is having a difficult time keeping herders for their flocks of sheep. Because of the economic investment in each flock, the Committee will consider if changes are necessary to the statutes regarding abandonment or desertion of sheep.
Topic #3: Agriculture property issues.
(a)Land Use Restriction Compensation: The Committee will study legislation similar to the Oregon 2004 law that requires just compensation if a public entity enforces a land use regulation that restricts the use of private real property and has the effect of reducing the fair market value of the property.
(b)Enforcement of Recreation Abuses on State Lands: The Committee will study the Board of Land Commissioners rules and regulations relating to recreational use of state lands and determine if additional authority is needed for enforcement of policies regarding recreational uses of state lands.
(c)Hawk Springs Conservation District: The Committee will consider various issues relating to the Hawk Springs Conservation District and propose legislation if necessary.
JOINT TRAVEL, RECREATION, WILDLIFE AND CULTURAL RESOURCES INTERIM COMMITTEE
Initial Approved Budget: $22,000
Topic #1: Gambling.
(a)The Committee will undertake a study of the regulation of gambling in Wyoming. Subtopics include:
(i)Bingo – both in general and in light of the recent district court opinion regarding the legality of electronic bingo.
(ii)Tribal Relations – the Committee will study the relationship to and effects of tribal gaming on state regulation and management of gambling. Management Council directed that the Committee coordinate this study with the related study on Tribal gambling assigned to the Select Committee on Tribal Relations.
(iii)Lottery – the Committee will study possibilities of creating a state lottery or entering into powerball, and the potential uses for monies raised by that action. Management Council directed that the Committee review costs and potential revenues from a state lottery.
(iv)Pari-mutuel Commission – the Committee will study the types of gambling being regulated by the commission.
Topic #2: Game and Fish topics.
(a) The Committee will review the following topics regarding state wildlife resources and determine if changes or updating is needed:
(i) Electronic licensing.
(ii) Regulation of intentional feeding of big game animals by private individuals in order to control the spread of diseases.
(iii) Licensing of fishing outfitters and guides.
(iv) Review results of the task force study on the hunting segment of the tourism industry.
Topic #3: State Parks and Cultural Resources.
(a) (i) Combined Collection Center – the department has received an appropriation to hire a consultant to study the need for facilities and management of archival and museum storage. The department will report the progress of the study and recommend potential legislation needed to address the issues.
(ii)Central Wyoming History Repository Web Portal – the Committee will study the need for a web portal to facilitate a central repository for information regarding Wyoming history and cultural resources.
JOINT CORPORATIONS, ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS INTERIM COMMITTEE
Initial Approved Budget: $22,000
Topic #1: Telecommunications.
The Committee will undertake a study of the 1995 Telecommunications act (Title 37, Chapter 15) to determine if the act needs to be updated. The study will consider how new technology, new telecom companies and new federal legislation affect the state act. The study will also review the Universal Service Fund, TSLRIC and how competition is affecting telecommunication rates.
Topic #2: Government Structure.
(a)The Committee will review the following statutes to determine if changes or updating is needed:
(i)Title 12 – The failure of 2005 HB 47 and HB 220 regarding population formula adjustments and restaurant liquor licenses needs to be reviewed.
(ii)Insurance Department – A proposed Insurance Product Regulation Compact needs to be reviewed and additional insurance issues requested by the insurance commissioner need to be addressed.
(iii)Title 18 – county statutes have remained unchanged since the late 1800's. Most states have changed the roles of counties and allowed for changes to allow more responsive government. The Committee will review the statutes and determine if changes are needed. The Committee will study the duplication between the responsibilities of cities, towns and counties, and how to provide better services including potential consolidation of services.
Topic #3: Various statutes.
The Committee will review the following as time permits:
(i)Election law and Help America Vote Act as requested by the Secretary of State.
(ii)Title 39 – special districts laws need further definition of terms.
(iii)Title 16 – Vendor preferences on public works contracts.
(iv)Title 33 – Engineering and land surveyors (2005 HB 20 failed but the statutes need to be updated).
(v)Title 7 – Board of Coroners (Passage of 2005 HB 3 and testimony at Committee hearings raise issues that require updating of these statutes).
(vi)Electrical and Safety codes including fire and safety inspector certification – a brief review of the department of fire prevention and electrical safety is requested.
(vii)Annexation – The Committee proposes to review 2005 SF 61 as finally amended in the House Committee and divide it into parts for possible reintroduction.
(viii)State grant and loan program – The Committee proposes to review the overlap and priorities between cities, towns and counties.
(ix)Title 17 – Corporation statutes.
JOINT TRANSPORTATION, HIGHWAYS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS INTERIM COMMITTEE
Initial Approved Budget: $22,000
Topic #1: Uninsured Motorists.
A large number of residents purchase automobile insurance to register a vehicle, then promptly cancel the insurance or allow it to lapse. When these people are involved in motor vehicle accidents, the result is frequently an inability to compensate their victims and uncompensated medical trauma care, forcing hospitals to absorb or cost-shift millions of dollars per year. The Committee will investigate a system whereby the uninsured can be discovered at an earlier date and action taken to prevent uninsured drivers and vehicles.
Topic #2: Multi-lane highways.
The Committee will revisit recommendations and funding sources, in light of anticipated federal action on highway act reauthorization, for improving selected major two-lane highways in the state to multi-lane configuration. Management Council directed the Committee to coordinate this study with the related study by the Revenue Committee. The focus of the Transportation Committee's study will be on the justification for and location of proposed multi-lane highways.
The 2005 legislature passed a graduated driver's license bill that includes a provision relating driver's education to the length of the restricted license period. The Committee will study the advisability of additional certification of school-related or private driver's education courses.
The Military Department has expressed serious concern about the deteriorating condition of the state's National Guard armories. The Committee will conduct a general study of the armories' status and consider possible solutions, but will not duplicate the armory assessment being conducted at the direction of the JAC. In addition, the Committee will receive and prioritize other legislative recommendations from the Military Department.
There are several existing statutory provisions regarding specialty license plates and a number of organizations have expressed a desire to authorize additional specialty plates, either to commemorate specific groups/activities or as a fund raising mechanism for groups such as the University alumni association. The Committee will investigate coordination of existing provisions and the feasibility of selling additional specialty plates.
JOINT MINERALS, BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTERIM COMMITTEE
Initial Approved Budget: $22,000
Topic #1: Community landfill remediation.
There are 130 landfills statewide of which 52 are active and 21 are known to be leaking. The Department of Environmental Quality predicts 58 will ultimately leak and predicts the total cost to remediate these leaking landfills will be $174 million. The Committee will distribute the previously drafted legislation to all stake holders statewide, take testimony and develop a plan for regional landfills and the remediation of existing landfills.
Topic #2: Value added for minerals.
The Committee will consider what other states are doing in competition with Wyoming to develop and promote coal gasification, clean diesel and clean CO2, either for sequestration or tertiary recovery projects and the beneficial effects of clean diesel and clean emissions on the air shed.
Topic #3: Economic development programs.
The Committee will look at all economic and community development programs, including the Wyoming Business Council Challenge Loan Program, State Lands and Investment Board grants and loans, the Business Ready Community Program, proposed venture capital programs and community enhancement programs. The Committee will look for any duplication, inefficiencies and ways to make these programs more user friendly. The Minerals Committee will coordinate with the Revenue Committee regarding the proposed venture capital programs.
Topic #4:Receiving the report on the University Energy Institute, other reports and the School of Petroleum Engineering.
Management Council agreed that the Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee is designated as the legislative Committee to receive the required report from the task force developing the proposed University Energy Institute, as provided in Section 333 of this year's budget, 2005 Senate File 0001. The Committee will also consider the necessity for re-instating the school of Petroleum Engineering at the University of Wyoming. The Committee will receive other reports as required.
Topic #5: Pipeline and utility location rights-of-way for state highways.
The Committee will consider this item if time permits. The Committee will take testimony and develop a plan for the use of State highway rights-of-way for utility corridors, including pipelines, transmission, broadband, etc.
JOINT LABOR, HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES INTERIM COMMITTEE
Initial Approved Budget: $33,000
Topic #1: Reports.
Develop appropriate legislation to respond to the numerous reports required by law to be given to the Committee. The Committee expects the following reports to generate the most legislative activity:
(a) The methamphetamine initiative planning study (2005 HB0275), report due October 1, 2005;
(b) The Health Care Commission studies, including the health care IT study (2004 SEA31/SF0029) and the Medical Errors Commission Study (2004 Special Sess. HEA02/HB1010), due October 1, 2005, and the WyoCARE study;
(c) The Children and Families Initiative (2004 HEA28/HB33), report due October 1, 2005.
(d) The Department of Health review (2005 HEA99/HB338), report due September 1, 2005.
(a)Study to investigate the rising health care/health insurance costs in Wyoming. Questions to be asked include:
1. Are health care costs higher in Wyoming than other states and, if so, why;
2)Why are private health insurance costs rising faster than underlying health care costs?
Particular areas of interest include cost shifting, structural problems, use of out-of-state providers and prescription drugs. The Health Care Commission has already done much of the necessary research. The study itself should both directly result in cost control legislation and prepare the Committee to deal with the expected reports from the Health Care Commission.
The Health Care Commission is developing a database showing health care provider shortages, building on work done by the Department of Health. The Committee will examine strategies to train and recruit health care professionals to fix identified shortages.
The Department of Employment advises legislative fixes are needed for two issues, the safety discount program and the delinquency problem in employer premiums.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL FACILITIES
Initial Approved Budget: $22,000
Topic #1:
Monitor the assessment of state school facility needs, prioritization of these needs and the remediation of identified needs, as undertaken by the School Facilities Commission;
Topic #2:
Review Commission proposals addressing statewide facility needs and provide recommendations on projects to the joint appropriations Committee and the legislature for the next biennium;
Topic #3:
Review Commission rules and regulations and provide recommendations on proposed and revised rules as necessary, including the development and maintenance of building standards.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON TRIBAL RELATIONS
Initial Approved Budget: $6,000
Topic #1:Sovereignty and governmental issues.
(a)Tribal Liaison Positions: The Committee will be working with the business council of the Eastern Shoshone Indian Tribe and the business council of the Northern Arapaho Indian Tribe to submit names to the Governor for the two (2) tribal liaison positions authorized by 2005 Senate Enrolled Act 57.
(b)Sovereignty: The Committee will be working with the two tribal liaisons to develop immediate action plans and a long-term state-tribal policy as provided under 2005 Senate Enrolled Act 57. The Committee will consider tribal accords from various states in developing the long-term policy and will consider any education necessary to address the sovereignty issue.
(c)Gambling: The Committee will continue to follow the gambling issue as it progresses through the federal court system.
Topic #2:Services issues.
(a) Indian Health Issues: Indian health issues are a major concern to the tribes. The Committee heard testimony last interim regarding several health issues on the reservation. The Committee will again consider this issue and will include this topic at the Tribal Summit.
(b) Educational Issues: Various educational issues are continuing concerns for the tribes, including funding for St. Stephens school. The Committee will take testimony and consider any legislation the Committee deems necessary.
Topic #3:Water issues.
(a)Water Projects: The legislature has approved funding for projects but there has not been an appropriate legal entity to apply for the funding. With the passage of 2005 Senate Enrolled Act 50, the business council of the Eastern Shoshone Indian Tribe and the business council of the Northern Arapaho Indian Tribe can now apply for funding of water projects.
(b)Conservation/Improvement District: The Northern Arapaho Indian Tribe are exploring the possibility of establishing a conservation/improvement district and will consider storage and irrigation delivery systems. The Committee will work with the appropriate tribal representatives to facilitate this development.
Topic #4:Conferences and meetings.
(a) 1. Tribal Summit, Riverton, WY.
2. Congressional meeting, Washington, DC.
3. WGA Summit on Indian Gaming, Denver, CO.
4. NIEA Annual Conference, Denver, CO.
5. National Congress of American Indians.
(b)The Committee will organize a Tribal Summit for this fall. The purpose of the Tribal Summit would be for state legislators and state agencies to meet with their tribal counterparts in a two-day summit to be held on or near the reservation. The Tribal Summit would allow the exchange of information and facilitate working relationships between representatives of the state and the tribes. The Tribal Summit would be open to the public and all legislators would be invited. The Committee will coordinate a meeting with various tribal officials to discuss topics of interest, including health, education and water issues.
(c)Requests for authorization for Committee members to attend the referenced meetings and conferences will be submitted to the presiding officers of the House and Senate for consideration.
SELECT WATER COMMITTEE
Initial Approved Budget: $19,500
Topic #1: Water development account III.
2005 Senate File 69 was enacted and creates a new water development account III for the use of water storage projects. The Committee will study the implementation of the new account and the policies for its use.
Topic #2: Temporary water use by municipalities.
Although 2005 Senate File 56 did not pass, the Committee will study the issue of temporary water use by municipalities and its implications on water rights.
Topic #3: Water retreat.
The Committee has been asked to attend a water retreat on the future use and storage of the state's water. This retreat could be held in conjunction with a meeting/water tour. The Committee requests per diem only for the retreat.
Note: Authorization for the water retreat and possible authorization for legislators to attend a one-day meeting on the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program will be considered by Management Council at a future meeting.
MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
Initial Authorized Budget: $28,000
MANAGEMENT AUDIT COMMITTEE
Initial Authorized Budget: $17,000
SELECT COMMITTEE ON CAPITAL FINANCING AND INVESTMENTS
Initial Approved Budget: $17,000
BUDGETS APPROVED FOR OTHER COMMITTEES
Select Committee on Legislative Facilities $4,500
Select Committee on Legislative Technology $3,000
Select Committee on Legislative Process $3,000