FIFTY-NINTH WYOMING LEGISLATURE
APPROVED INTERIM COMMITTEE STUDIES
2008 INTERIM
JOINT JUDICIARY INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $30,000
Priority # 1 Carbon Capture and Sequestration
The Committee was assigned carbon capture and sequestration as a topic last interim because of its importance to the energy industry in Wyoming. While the Committee successfully sponsored legislation in the 2008 Budget Session to address significant issues related to ownership of pore space and the regulation of carbon capture and sequestration, there remain other issues that the Committee may still need to review, including eminent domain and forced pooling issues. The Legislature must be prepared to respond to potential regulations the Environmental Protection Agency may promulgate this year relating to carbon capture and sequestration. [This is anticipated by Management Council to be a 2 year study]
Priority # 2 (a) Driving while under the influence (DUI)
For several years, there have been numerous efforts to
amend laws relating to driving while under the influence of alcohol or
controlled substances. Those efforts have all attempted to address specific
provisions of the law, primarily the penalties for DUI, but there has not been
an attempt to examine the entire process relating to DUI. The Committee
proposes to examine the entire process, from testing procedures for DUI,
arrests and citations, bail and release provisions, to what charges and
penalties are imposed for DUI offenses. Research will require input from law
enforcement, prosecutors, the court system and corrections, to determine what
changes may be necessary to address the problems associated with DUI in
Wyoming. The study will be limited to
a review of charges and penalties imposed by all courts in Wyoming. [Note:
The Scope of this study was modified by Management Council]
Priority # 2 (b) Lien Statutes – anticipated to be a 2 year study. [Note: This Study was added by Management Council]
Priority # 3 Process for authorization and creation of new judge positions in the State.
Concern has been expressed about the lack of a uniform process for the authorization and creation of new judge positions at the circuit and district court levels. In the past, judge positions have frequently been created under individually sponsored legislation, without adequate discussion of the need for the position prior to the legislative session in which the legislation is to be considered. The Committee proposes to study how a systematic process can be established to ensure there is a legislative review of any proposed new judge position before legislation is presented to create the position. The study may include review of the criteria for determination of the need for new judicial positions and the process to ensure adequate legislative consideration of any request for the creation of new judicial positions before legislation is drafted.
Priority # 4 Miscellaneous Reports
The Committee will be receiving numerous reports in the 2008 interim, including reports from: the Drug Court Steering Committee, with recommendations for changes to the drug court system in the state; the Governor's Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice; the Department of Family Services on its child support guidelines review; and a report from the Domestic Violence Elimination Council (DOVE), on standards for treatment of domestic violence perpetrators. These reports may propose or require legislative action.
Priority # 5 Castle
Doctrine
If 2008 House Bill 0137, Castle doctrine, is not enacted into
law, the Committee proposes to consider the law of self defense in Wyoming to
determine whether the existing law should be amended, or codified in statute. [Note: Study deleted by Management Council]
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Committee anticipates three 2-day meetings to occur in May, August and in late October or Early November.
JOINT APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $20,000
Priority # 1 Retirement Issues
(a.) 1% payroll contribution towards retiree insurance – analysis of actuarial soundness – analysis of requiring all employers to pay 1% including school districts.
(b.) Study of law enforcement retirement issues including dispatchers and DROP plan.
(c.) Potential assignment of retirement system to JAC instead of Corporations Committee.
(d.) Rehiring of retiree issues.
(e.) COLA for retirees
Priority # 2 Compensation Issues
(a.) Salary and benefits for 5 statewide elected officials.
(b.) Potential codification of $40/longevity versus placing it in the budget bill every two years.
(c.) Participate in policy advisory committee activities for the executive branch plan for a classification and market pay restructuring project.
Priority # 3 Video Conferencing
Analysis of providing interactive video conferencing for some budget hearings with small agencies located outside of Cheyenne.
Priority # 4 Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety
Codification of fire prevention and electrical safety section 300 to allow the agency to assess fees to public entities for inspections etc. This has been included in the budget bill every two years for the past 4 biennia.
Priority # 5 Funding of Specialized Courts
Analysis of the organization and funding of drug courts, family treatment courts and problem solving courts.
Priority # 6 Improvement of Budget Process
Continue to look at ways to improve the budget process including budget document and other hand-out materials format and presentation.
Priority # 7 AML Funding – Develop Project Criteria [Note: This Study was added by Management Council]
Priority # 8 Joint meeting with Revenue Committee to discuss trending in revenues and expenditures. [Note: This Study was added by Management Council]
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Committee anticipates one meeting around November 1, and a week of budget hearings in December. More meetings might be necessary depending on the tasks approved and assigned by Management Council.
JOINT REVENUE INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $25,000
Priority # 1 Mineral taxation issues: Coal and helium natural gas valuation
Review the valuation of coal and helium natural gas for taxation purposes. A proposal has been made to study valuing coal through the use of a direct cost ratio. The taxation of certain produced helium natural gas owned by the federal government continues to be of concern for the state.
Priority # 2 Excise taxation issues.
Study the following excise tax issues:
· Tobacco tax - cigarette versus tobacco product taxes;
· Vendor collection fees;
· Non-highway use of fuel (agricultural gas tax credit vs. refund);
· Ethanol - sunset date for excise tax credit.
· Imposition of a statewide lodging tax.
Priority # 3 Miscellaneous taxation issues.
Property tax refunds/credits: Consolidation of administration of the various property tax refunds/exemptions/credits programs.
Priority # 4 Joint meeting with Joint Appropriations Interim Committee
Committee will meet with the Joint Appropriations Interim Committee to review the funds/accounts from which appropriations are made, and review revenue projections versus expenditures.
Tentative meeting schedule:
Committee anticipates two 2-day meetings, one the week of
August 11, and the second the week of November 17. Additionally, the Committee
would like is authorized to meet 1 day jointly with the Joint
Appropriations Interim Committee to discuss trending in revenues and
expenditures. Also, the Committee would like to will tour a
mine in conjunction with another meeting. [Modified by Management Council]
JOINT EDUCATION INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $30,000
Priority # 1 Community College Task Force
Receive recommendations from the Community College Task force and develop legislation necessary to execute task force recommendations.
Priority # 2 Tribal Relations
Hold a one day meeting in conjunction with the Tribal Relations Tribal Summit to consider tribal educational issues.
Priority # 3 Statutory Duties And Reports
Receive and respond to statutorily assigned studies and reports:
•Completion of allocation-expenditure study of first two school years of data subsequent to recalibration, with 2008 SF0070 continuing the allocation-use effort into the 2009-2010 biennium;
•State development and implementation of statewide career-technical education program, through efforts of a steering committee established by the State Superintendent (2008 SF0070);
•State development of at-risk resources and strategies aligned with block grant model components, including guidelines for alternative schools and educational programs for court-ordered and institutional placements, through efforts of a study committee established by the State Superintendent (2008 SF0070);
•Report of rebated recapture district expenditures of those funds at issue in litigation pertaining to implementation of 2006 Constitutional Amendment eliminating rebated recapture, and subsequent action as necessary pending litigation and reported expenditures (2008 SF0054);
•Report of food service program distributions and expenditures and necessary action to continue or discontinue off-model supplemental funding (2008 SF0070);
•Continued reporting and monitoring of off-model funding programs for summer school/extended day programs and instructional facilitators (2008 SF0070);
•Continued annual reporting of administration of the Hathaway student scholarship program including success curriculum and a separate longitudinal program study required of the Department (2008 SF0070 and 2008 SF0071); [Modified by Management Council]
•Report of recommendations on sign language instruction and the inclusion of sign language as a foreign language requirement under the Hathaway success curriculum, as developed by a task force assembled by the State Superintendent;
•Report by the Department of Education on a growth model system for assessment of student performance as necessary to meet the requirements of NCLB (2008 SF0001);
•Report on the development of a statewide college system strategic plan by the Wyoming Community College Commission (2008 HB0017);
•Report on community college system recommendations developed by the community college planning task force (2008 SF0001).
•Joint Business Council of Wind River Indian Tribes regarding expenditures of amounts appropriated for educational programs and services at BIA school located on reservation;
•Department of Education reports on district litigation expenditures;
•Department of Education reports on national board certified teacher payments;
•UW and community colleges report on biennial use of all scholarship funds;
•School district audits as conducted by the Department of Audit.
· Report on summer school enhancement pilot project as per enacted legislation. [Note: Added by Management Council]
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Committee will schedule one 2-day meeting in mid-summer, two 2-day meetings in the fall.
[Note: Management Council authorized one additional 2-day Spring meeting]
JOINT AGRICULTURE, STATE AND PUBLIC LANDS AND WATER RESOURCES INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $25,000
Priority # 1 Water and Water Management
The Committee will continue its study of state water issues and address the need for water management. The Committee will consider coalbed methane discharges and its effects to agricultural lands. The Committee will continue its study of state water resources, including management of streams and rivers, updates and conditions of irrigation systems, the effects of subdivision laws on irrigation districts, reservoir enlargements and water conservation measures.
Priority # 2 Agency Issues.
(a.) Department of Agriculture. The Committee will continue its review of current law in several areas, including weights and measures, fuel quality and blends, pesticides, fertilizers, damage from prairie dogs, cottage food industry, value added to agricultural products, sustainable agriculture and unfair trade practices. The Committee will consider what changes are necessary to protect agricultural producers and to update current laws.
(b.) State Forestry. The Committee will consider the statewide assessment and look at timber issues in the various areas of the State. The Committee will review rural fire responses and its effects on agricultural property.
(c.) Livestock Board. The Committee will review and consider animal welfare statues and consider disease outbreak response and notification systems.
(d.) The Committee will address issues from other agencies as necessary that routinely come before the Committee, such as the State Engineer or State Lands.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Committee anticipates 2 two-day meetings with a separate 1-day meeting if necessary. The first meeting will be held April 28 and 29 in Saratoga and the second 2-day meeting to be held in September or October in Green River. Part of each meeting may include a field trip to acquaint the Committee with various issues the Committee is considering.
JOINT TRAVEL, RECREATION, WILDLIFE AND CULTURAL RESOURCES INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $25,000
Priority # 1 Cultural Heritage Tourism
This interim topic will look at balancing protection of state cultural resources with the growing trend of cultural heritage tourism. The study will include discussion and development of a plan for cultural heritage tourism in Wyoming with particular attention to protection, development, interpretation and promotion of the state owned cultural sites including isolated resources such as Legend Rock petroglyph site, Point of Rocks station , Piedmont Charcoal Kilns, Ames Monument and Ft. Fred Steele. Possibilities such as the establishment of pilot projects and the design and designation of cultural tourism regions or "cultural corridors" featuring these cultural treasures will be considered. [Note: The underlined language was added by Management Council]
Priority # 2 Regulation of antler hunting.
The Game and Fish Commission has authority to regulate the take of all wildlife in the state, excluding predatory animals and predacious birds, but an attorney general's opinion issued several years ago found that the commission does not have adequate authority to regulate the collection of shed antlers and horns. The committee will review the commission's statutory authority to regulate antler and horn hunting and propose statutory changes needed to allow the Commission to open and close antler and horn hunting seasons.
Priority # 3 Regulation of the use of immunocontraceptives in wildlife.
Current statutes do not appear to give the Game and Fish Commission authority to regulate the use of chemicals or biological substances given to wildlife for fertility control. A new immunocontraceptive has been developed that can render female cervids (elk, deer and moose) infertile for up to four years. The committee will review the Commission's statutory authority to regulate the use of such immunocontraceptives on wildlife, proposing any statutory changes necessary to allow the Commission to protect wildlife resources with respect to these chemicals or biological substances.
Priority # 4 Wyoming Arts Council Statutes.
Clarification has been requested regarding the use of general fund appropriations to the Wyoming Arts Council for grants. These arts related grants are made to the public through non-profit organizations, schools, government entities and artists. Several misunderstandings about the Arts Council's authority and their role in the granting structure have occurred due to vague language in the existing statute. The committee will review those statutes and the role of the Arts Council and bring legislation to remove that vagueness. The study will also look at the statutes providing for works of art in public buildings to determine if statutory changes are necessary to fulfill the goals of the program.
Priority # 5 Multi-state Lottery.
The Committee will create a subcommittee to study the issue of a multi-state lottery system. [This additional study was approved by Management Council in July, 2008]
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The committee plans to meet for three two-day meetings: 1) late April or early May, 2) early July and 3) late August or early September.
JOINT CORPORATIONS, ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $30,000
Priority # 1 Subdivisions – cluster developments.
The committee will continue its consideration of providing a mechanism to encourage cluster developments through issuance of subdivision permits and streamlining the subdivision permitting process.
Priority # 2 Model corporations act.
Continuation of last year's interim study updating the corporation statutes to more closely reflect the model corporation act. The committee will focus on the corporation act by itself without the goal of overhauling all business entity laws.
Priority # 3 Department of Insurance.
The committee will review and update certain insurance department statutes, including the model audit rule and risk based capital statutes, to ensure the department maintains accreditation with the national association of insurance commissioners. The committee will also look into regulating the use of viatical settlements – the buying of life insurance policies from the person who is insured.
Priority # 4 Consolidation of city and county governments.
The committee will review areas where city and county government authorities could be streamlined through a consolidation of the two government structures.
Priority # 5 Other special requests.
(a.) The association of certified public accountants approached the committee with a bill already drafted which would provide for mobility across jurisdictions. The committee would like to sponsor the legislation, expecting the legislation to require very little study time.
(b.) Coroners have historically reported to the committee. The coroners have approached the committee to review their statutes with the focus on amending the definition of a coroner's case, dealing with archeological human remains, dealing with property of a deceased and looking at the subpoena powers of coroners.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The committee anticipates meeting for three two-day meetings: May, July and September.
JOINT TRANSPORTATION, HIGHWAYS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $25,000
Priority # 1 Commercial Vehicle Fees
Review and compare all fees charged to a commercial vehicle, including; comparison of fees charged in neighboring states for vehicles of substantially similar loads and lengths; study implementation of systems to update and streamline commercial vehicle fee imposition and collection; increased penalties for speeding commercial vehicles.
Priority # 2 Revision of Selected Transportation Related Statutes
Study the feasibility and impact of revising Wyoming Statute sections concerning: vehicle titles and registration; vehicle rentals; abandoned vehicles; school bus driver hours of operation; and cost of implementation of the REAL ID program. [Modified by Management Council]
Priority # 3 Interstate-80 Issues
Investigate issues related to increasing traffic and diminishing federal funding for I-80. The review will include: highway improvements necessary to accommodate projected traffic growth, including, widening all or part of the highway to six lanes; impact of overweight commercial vehicles as compared to other passenger and commercial vehicles; advisability of a toll road, toll lanes or privatization; analysis of potential funding sources for highway and rail improvements.
Priority # 4 a. Military Department – Camp Guernsey Usage and Funding
Study the recent and projected future usage of Camp Guernsey by all branches of the military including, active duty, National Guard and reserve; identify possible additional funding streams to Camp Guernsey generated by current and future military training needs; and investigate the impact of increased usage and staffing of the Camp on the Town of Guernsey and study solutions to alleviate that impact; also study the military family assistance fund.
Priority # 4 b. Mental Health Services.
Review of activities regarding veterans mental health needs funded during the 2008 legislative session and review of the adequacy of federal mental health services in meeting the needs of returning Wyoming service men and women. [Note: Study 4 b. was added by Management Council]
Priority # 5 WyDoT Funding
Review the overall funding structure of the Department of Transportation, including: sources of funding; adequacy of funding; sufficiency of program user fees in relation to actual program costs; possible alternative funding sources for highway construction (privatization, tolls, new permanent fund); non-highway construction and maintenance costs and funding streams with an emphasis on coordination with other state and federal agencies; impact of changes in federal funding.
Priority # 6 Reports to Committee
The Committee will receive various reports from the Department of Transportation, the Military Department and the Veterans' Commission that may result in proposed legislation.
Tentative Meeting Schedule:
The Committee anticipates three 2-day meetings, including a meeting May 7 and 8 in Gillette to discuss WyDoT funding, statutory changes and I-80 issues, a meeting July 23 and 24 in Douglas to discuss Camp Guernsey, Military Department and Veterans' Commission issues, and I-80 funding and construction, and a meeting in Cheyenne October 15 and 16 to consider additional WyDoT and Military Department issues and proposed legislation.
JOINT MINERALS, BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $25,000
Priority # 1 Minerals Issues
(a.) Energy Assets, Incentives and Barriers. With America’s need for energy self-sufficiency and Wyoming’s abundance of energy resources, it is critical that the legislature consider Wyoming’s energy assets, incentives and barriers for development.
(i) Clean Coal Technologies. The development of clean coal technologies in Wyoming continues to be a major priority for Wyoming. The recent work on carbon capture and sequestration was an important step to help ensure that Wyoming's coal assets are optimized. The Committee will consider ways to promote and provide incentives for the development of commercial clean coal facilities in Wyoming.
(ii) Carbon Sequestration. The
Committee will continue the work begun this past session and consider ways to
promote and provide incentives for carbon sequestration. [Note: This Study was deleted by Management Council]
(iii) The Committee will also work on the full range of energy sources including conservation, uranium, wind, water and thermal to determine the best uses of these resources for Wyoming. The Committee will review and consider technologies implemented by other states. The Committee will work with the Wyoming Pipeline Authority, the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority, the School of Energy Resources and other appropriate agencies as necessary.
(b.) Coalbed Methane Water Discharge Issues - The Committee will review and consider various issues relating to coalbed methane development as any new issues develop, including the use of water and watershed permitting. The Committee will work with the Wyoming Pipeline Authority, the Department of Environmental Quality and the State Engineer's Office in considering this issue.
(c.) AML funding Issues. The Committee will identify the mitigation needs and funding necessary to address and mitigate the remaining abandoned mine lands in Wyoming and make recommendations on the distribution of funds.
(d.) Considerations of gas and oil price differentials. The Committee will continue work begun this past session on considering the differentials on the price of oil and gas for Wyoming producers compared to other areas of the nation.
Priority # 2 Business Issues
(a.) Economic Development Programs. Over the years, the Wyoming Business Council has been assigned the responsibility of implementing many new economic development programs. The Committee will review and evaluate the effectiveness and funding of these programs and make recommendations for any necessary statutory changes.
(b.) Timber industry development. The Committee will consider incentives that may be included in the timber industry, including the potential of combining timber products with coal gasification.
Priority # 3 Economic Development Issues
(a.) Workforce housing: The Committee will closely monitor the development and implementation of the Workforce Housing Infrastructure Program, including the implementation of rules and regulations. The Committee will work with the Wyoming Community Development Authority and community housing authority to address these issues.
(b.) Workforce Training, development and recruitment. Wyoming’s workforce continues to be inadequate to meet the demands of our current economy. The state does not have a well-defined plan for recruitment, development or training. The Committee will work with the Joint Education Committee and the Department of Workforce Services on an industry by industry approach.
Priority # 4 Other Agency Issues
The Committee will consider regular agency topics and issues as time allows:
(a.) Agency issues:
(i) Public Service Commission. The Committee will consider necessary changes to the Public Service Commission statues to address pipeline safety and other issues as necessary.
(ii) DEQ Landfill risk assessment and monitoring. The Committee will continue to review and consider the statewide landfill assessment and monitoring issues and consider any necessary legislation required to implement the program.
(iii) State lands revolving loan fund account. The Committee will continue to consider the necessity of creating a revolving loan fund account to cover administrative costs of the state water pollution control revolving loan program.
(b.) Reports. The Committee will receive and consider agency reports as submitted.
Priority # 5 Energy Transportation
Examine regulations and communicate with state, multistate and federal regulatory authorities regarding the creation of an energy transportation infrastructure. [Note: This Study was added by Management Council]
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Committee anticipates three 2-day meetings.
JOINT LABOR, HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $30,000
Priority # 1 Workers' Compensation
The Committee will conduct a broad review of workers' compensation, including:
· The means for computing benefits. Most benefits are computed using formulas which change with inflation, but there are a few fixed dollar amounts that need to be reviewed;
· The administrative process by which benefits are calculated and awarded;
· Co-employee tort immunity.
Priority # 2 Healthcare Access and Affordability
The Committee will work with the Wyoming Healthcare Commission, incorporating the Commission's past research with concepts from 2008 SF85, to propose a system to improve the health care of a large group of lowest income citizens in the State.
Priority # 3 Smoking in Public Places
The Committee will consider the scope of a statewide smoking ban in public places, assess public opinion and propose legislation if appropriate.
Priority # 4 Review of Reports
The Committee is required to receive numerous reports and will need at least one day to review the reports and hear from the department concerning their contents. Specific areas of concern include:
(a.) Aging. Updates on pilot projects concerning Greenhouse, adult foster care and remodeling of nursing homes;
(b.) Health Care Facility Capital Projects. Report from WDoH on revisions to statutes to expedite plan review and building construction inspections.
(c.) Quality Child Care. Report from the Dept. of Workforce Services concerning progress in implementing 2006-2007 legislation.
(d.) Medicaid Provider Reimbursement. Report from WDoH on a detailed plan and procedures to review Medicaid providers' reimbursement schedules in order to maintain availability of services.
(e.) Medical Practice Act. Report from the Board of Medicine concerning proposed revisions to the Medical Practice Act.
Priority # 5 Prescription Drug Management Database
Explore veterans administration and Indian health services participation in the prescription drug management database. [Note: This study was added by Management Council]
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Committee contemplates three 2-day meetings, including one late spring-early summer, one late summer-early fall after the primary election, and one in November after the general election.
MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
Standard Budget: $20,000
Priority # 1 Statutory Responsibilities
During the interim between sessions the Management Council directs the LSO staff, monitors interim committee activities, reviews administrative rules, and oversees the budget and administrative affairs of the Legislature.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Council typically schedules three 1-day meetings held in late spring, early fall and mid-December.
MANAGEMENT AUDIT COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $20,000
Priority # 1 Statutory Responsibilities
Pursuant to statute, the Management Audit Committee directs the program evaluation function of the Legislature. This includes the selection of performance audit studies and direction of the LSO program evaluation staff.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Management Audit Committee typically schedules three to four 1-day meetings during the year.
SELECT WATER COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $25,000
Priority # 1 Statutory responsibilities
The Select Water Committee is required by statute to monitor the water development program, review project contracts and prepare annual legislation. The Committee is also required by statute to review and make recommendations regarding the project funding list under the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Fund program.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Committee plans to meet the following dates:
· June 4 & 5, 2008 - Workshop and meeting
· August 20 - 22, 2008 - Workshop, meeting and water tour
· November 5 - 7, 2008 - Workshop, joint meeting with Commission
· December 17 & 18, 2008 - Workshop and meeting
SELECT COMMITTEE ON CAPITAL FINANCING AND INVESTMENTS
Standard Budget: $20,000
Priority # 1 Statutory Responsibilities
The Select Committee on Capital Financing and Investments is charged by statute with monitoring the establishment and implementation of the state's investment and capital financing policies.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The committee typically schedules two or three 1-day meetings during the year.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL FACILITIES
Standard Budget: $20,000
Priority # 1 Statutory Responsibilities
Pursuant to statute, the Select Committee on School Facilities monitors the assessment and prioritization of statewide school facility needs and reviews and develops legislation necessary to implement proposals from the school facilities commission.
Priority # 2 Nontraditional School Facilities
Coordinate with the School Facilities Commission concerning nontraditional school facilities opportunities and the implications of the 2008 Supreme Court decision.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Committee will schedule 1-day meeting in mid to late summer, 1-day meeting in late fall.
SELECT NATURAL RESOURCE FUNDING COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $2,500
Priority # 1 Statutory Responsibilities
Pursuant to statute, the Select Natural Resources Funding Committee reviews projects funded from the wildlife and natural resource trust income account and monitors activities of the wildlife and natural resource trust account board.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Committee typically schedules one or two 1-day meetings during the year.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE FACILITIES
Standard Budget: $7,500
Priority # 1 General Responsibilities
The Select Committee on Legislative Facilities is responsible for addressing furnishings, remodeling, and space needs in the legislative areas of the Capitol building, including oversight of facilities projects approved and funded during the session.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Select Committee typically schedules two or three 1-day meetings during the year.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON TRIBAL RELATIONS
Standard Budget: $7,500
Priority # 1 General Responsibilities
Created by Management Council, the Select Committee on Tribal Relations works with the Eastern Shoshone Indian Tribe, the Northern Arapaho Indian Tribe and various state agencies, in addressing services and needs on the Wind River Reservation. The Committee addresses health and safety, water (including potable water to homes), education, transportation, gaming, communications, minerals, revenue, economic development and other issues that are a concern to the citizens on and near the Reservation. The Committee receives and will review reports from the Tribes on the expenditure of contractual amounts as required under Wyoming statute.
Priority # 2 State-Tribal Study
2007 Session Laws, Chapter 136, Section 339 tasked the Tribal Relations Committee with conducting a study of the current and potential funding and provision of government services to tribal entities and citizens of Wyoming who are also members of the Eastern Shoshone Indian Tribe or the Northern Arapaho Indian Tribe. The study is to identify all areas where the state is contracting with or currently providing services or funding to the tribal entities. The Report is due to the legislature by June 30, 2008.
Priority # 3 Education
The Committee will gather information regarding the public education of members of the Shoshone Indian Tribe and the Northern Arapaho Indian Tribe and identify means of sustaining and/or improving the quality of education. The Committee may consider funding availability, funding models and school strategic plans.
Priority # 4 Juvenile Justice
The Committee will consider the juvenile justice system on the Wind River Indian Reservation and will consider means of improving the system to provide necessary services. The Committee also will consider related issues from the Department of Family Services and the Department of Health.
Priority # 5 Infrastructure
The Committee will continue to monitor and facilitate the provision of state services on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Such services include ongoing projects by the Wyoming Department of Transportation, the Public Service Commission, the State Engineer and the Wyoming Water Development Office.
Tentative Meeting Schedule
The Committee anticipates having three, one and one-half
day meetings; one meeting in May or early June, one meeting in September and
one meeting in November. The November meeting will be an expanded meeting
designed to provide an opportunity for state, local and tribal leaders to
exchange ideas and discuss current issues. The Committee will focus on
maximizing attendance at the meeting and will seek is authorized
an additional $7,500 per diem and travel expense funding to allow
twenty (20) additional legislators to attend the meeting. [Note: Modified by
Management Council]
SELECT COMMITTEE ON AIR TRANSPORTATION
Standard Budget: $5,000
Priority # 1 General Responsibilities
Created by Management Council, the Select Air Transportation Liaison Committee is statutorily charged with receiving reports from the Aeronautics Commission relating to the expenditure of funds from the air services enhancement account pursuant to W.S. 10-3-602(c). The Committee also reviews proposals for air service enhancements to spur economic development in the state.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Committee typically schedules one or two 1-day meetings during the year.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Standard Budget: $7,500
Priority # 1 General Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the Select Committee on Legislative Technology is to provide oversight of the Legislature’s computer, audio/video and Web site technology development by the LSO information technology staff.
Priority #1a: Education and Development of Information Technology Plan
The Select Committee plans to spend a portion of its interim work learning more about the history of legislative technology initiatives, the information technology tools that are currently used by the Legislature and staff plans for improvements to existing systems. Based on this background, the Committee will work with LSO staff to develop a long-term information technology plan for the legislative branch in conjunction with workload priorities identified by the LSO information technology staff, including the Committee’s other interim topic priorities listed below. The Committee will evaluate the need for policy changes based on the ways in which technology can be better deployed to improve legislative operations.
Priority #1b: Guidance to LSO for Contracting
The Committee will provide general guidance to LSO staff regarding use of legislative appropriations to hire consultants to assist LSO staff in the following areas: project management responsibilities to integrate information technology tools into an efficient and usable system for legislators and staff; develop the underlying infrastructure to support legislative technology operations; review of workflow related to the way the legislative branch processes information (relates to Priority # 3); integration and enhancement of document management system with a dynamic Web site; and Web site redesign.
Priority # 2 Promotional Activities
As previously assigned by Management Council, the Select Committee on Legislative Technology will oversee legislative promotional initiatives developed by LSO staff. The Committee plans to have the LSO staff provide an overview of current public outreach activities and staff plans for additional outreach.
Priority # 3 Reduction of Paper in Legislative Process
As previously directed by the Management Council, the Select Committee on Legislative Technology will coordinate with the Select Committee on Legislative Process to create a joint working group to consider ways to reduce the use of paper in the legislative process and to update computer software for more efficient operations in the chambers.
Priority # 4 Video Conferencing
As previously assigned by Management Council, the Select Committee on Legislative Technology will study the potential for use of web and video conferencing.
Priority # 5 Voting Technology Options
The Committee would like to explore the topic of voting procedures, including defining a shared understanding of terminology related to procedures within the voting process, potential technology options, the implications on legislative rules and procedures to changes, and the impacts on legislative facilities.
Tentative Meeting Schedule:
The Committee anticipates holding two or three one-day meetings.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
Standard Budget: $5,000
Priority # 1 General Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the Select Committee on Legislative Process is to review and recommend rule changes and other innovations to enhance the efficient procedural operations of the Legislature.
Priority # 2 Continuation of Assigned Joint Study
As previously directed by the Management Council, the Select Committee on Legislative Process will coordinate with the Select Committee on Legislative Technology to create a joint working group to consider ways to reduce the use of paper in the legislative process and to update computer software for more efficient operations in the chambers.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Select Committee typically schedules one or two 1-day meetings during the year.