60th WYOMING LEGISLATURE
INTERIM COMMITTEE STUDIES
2009 INTERIM
JOINT JUDICIARY INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $30,000.00
Priority #: 1 Liens
The Committee was assigned a two year study of lien statutes. The 2009 interim will be the second year of that study. A Working Group, consisting of attorneys, bankers and other interested individuals has been formed to study the lien processes. The Working Group will be submitting its findings and recommendations by mid-summer, so the Committee may begin consideration of those findings and recommendations. The Committee may be presenting its recommended legislative changes prior to the 2010 General Session.
Priority #: 2 Juvenile Issues
There are a limited number of juvenile detention facilities in the State, most of which are having financial and other problems that require urgent attention if they are to remain viable and available to address the needs of juveniles who are subject to detention in the State. Most counties in the State rely upon the services available at the few facilities that exist in the State. Additionally, there are a number of juvenile justice issues that may need to be addressed, particularly after the Committee receives a required report from the Community Juvenile Services Board Program later in the interim.
Priority #: 3 Miscellaneous Topics
There are a number of topics that, individually, may not justify a full topic study, but do need to be addressed this interim. Those topics include:
1. Reviewing the statutorily required child support guidelines submitted by DFS;
2. Determining how to address federal requirements for medical support orders;
3. Reviewing the duty of care owed to employees by independent contractors;
4. Considering proposed changes to law relating to underage and binge drinking;
5. Inviting the Department of Family Services and the Office of Administrative Hearings to a meeting to learn more about their responsibilities and roles in state government.
Priority #: 4 Title 6, Crimes and Offenses Review - Anticipated to be a 2 year study.
While Title 6 of the Wyoming Statutes has been amended annually since the last comprehensive review of the Title in 1982, inconsistencies in the law may have been created with those piecemeal amendments to the Title over the years. The Committee proposes that it may be time to review Title 6 in a more comprehensive manner to determine: if terms (e.g. "reckless," "intentional," etc.) are used consistently; if elements of offenses are consistent between charged offenses and lesser included offenses; the appropriateness of penalties for the offense; and, any other gaps or redundancies that may exist among crimes, offenses and penalties. The Committee proposes that this would be a 2 year study.
The Committee proposes having 3 two-day meeting during the interim.
JOINT APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $35,000.00
Priority #: 1 Priority 1 Cash flow/revenue projection analysis of Higher Education and Hathaway Endowment Accounts.
This past interim issues have arisen regarding cash flow of the higher education endowments. The budget bill contains language allowing for intrafund borrowing but the issue needs to be reviewed to determine if long term changes are needed.
Priority #: 2 Health insurance costs for active state, university, community college, and school district employees and retirees.
In addition to state and employee contributions, within this topic the committee will review the possible inclusion of school district employees in the state plan.
Priority #: 3 Chief Information Officer’s functions
The Committee will review the possibility of consolidating information technology functions, geographic information systems functions and transparency of government efforts.
Priority #: 4 Analysis of state retirement COLAs.
The committee will review state and employee contributions levels and structures to provide for consistent COLAs. The committee will also review the issue of the 1% set aside for retiree health insurance.
Priority #: 5 Future large county and municipal projects.
The committee will review potential costs and funding sources for future large county and municipal projects, and the role of the state in those projects.
Priority #: 6 Community health centers
The Committee will request the department of health to evaluate community health center financing and present its view of the potential those centers hold for Wyoming.
Priority #: 7 Oversight functions
As part of its normal oversight functions the committee will discuss revisions to CREG revenue estimates, potential budget reductions made under budget bill Section 311 governor’s authority, and impacts of the federal stimulus funding legislation and changes to the Department of Health’s FMAP percentage changes. The Committee will also monitor and review potential AML funding and contracting changes. Finally the Committee will ask staff to provide information on the various statutes authorizing criminal background checks for state agencies and the potential for a consolidated, uniform statute addressing the issue.
JOINT REVENUE INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $25,000.00
Priority #: 1 Overall revenue picture in face of declining economy.
The Committee would consider the overall revenue needs of the state in the economic climate, including a consideration of taxation, taxation rates and tax exemptions.
Priority #: 2 CAMA (computer assisted mass appraisal) system and tax valuation review.
Education on and review of the CAMA system as implemented by the counties throughout the state, including consideration of proposed rules from the Department of Revenue.
Priority #: 3 Taxation of digital products.
Consideration of the taxation issues related digital products, including the need to define the scope of what products are included within the term "digital products".
Priority #: 4 Tax increment financing (TIF)
Study on TIF and on how municipalities may be able to implement that type of financing to help entice new businesses to locate in their area.
Priority #: 5 Monthly payment of property tax.
The Committee would consider statutory changes which would allow taxpayers to pay property taxes on a monthly basis.
Priority #: 6 Mineral point of valuation issues.
This item would only to be studied by the Committee if industry and the Department of Revenue agree on a statutory approach to resolve issues related to the point of valuation for mineral taxation purposes.
JOINT EDUCATION INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $30,000.00
Priority #: 1 School district accountability.
Review of education spending and measurements of individual student achievement with associated protocols for improvement.
Priority #: 2 School foundation program spending reductions.
Development of process to effectuate school foundation program spending reductions if necessary, dependent upon foundation program revenue projections.
Priority #: 3 Transportation funding.
Review of current reimbursement mechanisms, practices and policies for the transportation reimbursement component of school finance.
Priority #: 4 Special education funding.
Development of state guidelines on district special education identification and service delivery practices and staffing, assessment of appropriateness of special education service delivery and staffing levels and establishment of special education costs and measures of student progress, including special education services provided by BOCES.
JOINT AGRICULTURE, STATE AND PUBLIC LANDS AND WATER RESOURCES INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $25,000.00
Priority #: 1 Animal Disease, Response and Care.
A. The Committee will review and consider strategies for brucellosis management, the potential for long term vaccine studies, bio-laboratory applications and new methods of delivery of vaccines to wildlife.
B. The Committee will study the need for pet animal care and facilities and will consider the responsibility of the Wyoming Livestock Board in managing pet animals.
Priority #: 2 Water Management.
The Committee will consider the utilization of produced water as a water source for beneficial water use projects.
Priority #: 3 Agriculture
A. Invasive Plants - The Committee will consider the impact of invasive species of plants, including noxious weeds.
B. Rangeland Monitoring - The Committee will consider the need for rangeland monitoring and review the cooperation between state and federal agencies.
Priority #: 4 Archaic Laws.
The Department of Agriculture will do a two-year study to consider Chapter 7 – Apiary Registration and Inspection and Chapter 17 – Livestock Remedies to determine appropriate revisions or repeals of those statues.
Priority #: 5 Tentative Meeting Schedule:
The Committee plans to meet on the following dates:
May 13 & 14, 2009 - Powell
September 21 & 22, 2009 - Hulett
October - Joint Tour with the Select Water Committee to look at the Lower Colorado River System.
JOINT TRAVEL, RECREATION, WILDLIFE AND CULTURAL RESOURCES INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $30,000.00
Priority #: 1 Game and Fish department
The committee wishes to address general issues brought by the game and fish department with emphasis on the following topics:
(a) Creation of a resident preference point program for resident elk, deer and antelope licenses.
(b) Management of invasive aquatic species.
(c) Update of free and reduced price license recoupment program, W.S. 23-1-504.
(d) Receipt of various reports required under law and general updates on department programs including wolf management, sage grouse and the wildlife heritage foundation.
Priority #: 2 State Parks and Cultural Resources
The committee wishes to address general issues brought by the department of state parks and cultural resources with emphasis on the following topics:
(a) Promotion of cultural heritage tourism.
(b) Statutory framework for concessionaire contracts.
(c) General land management issues including review of the department's efforts to identify and properly record its holdings, boundary descriptions in statutes and flexibility in land management and the site criteria process.
Priority #: 3 Wyoming Tourism Board
The committee will receive a report from the Wyoming Tourism Board on development of their master plan. The committee would like the authority to sponsor legislation that may prove necessary after the development of that plan.
JOINT CORPORATIONS, ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $30,000.00
Priority #: 1 Limited Liability Companies.
The committee would like to review the statutes providing for limited liability companies in light of recent Supreme Court decisions. The committee would also like to look at general revisions to update those statutes.
Priority #: 2 Special Districts.
The committee proposes to review special district statutes with emphasis on elections, mapping requirements and accountability.
Priority #: 3 State Fire Marshall's Office
The committee proposes to review recommendations from the recent report by the Management Audit committee regarding the office, with additional consideration of low voltage licensing and other provisions under the office's purview.
Priority #: 4 Public Service Commission.
The committee proposes to study energy utility rate making and impacts of that process on consumers.
Priority #: 5 Reports from agencies.
The committee will receive reports from various agencies and entities under the committee's purview and will recommend legislation brought to it from those agencies and entities if necessary.
The committee plans to meet for three two-day meetings during the interim.
JOINT TRANSPORTATION, HIGHWAYS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $25,000.00
Priority #: 1 I-80 Funding
Continue the study of Interstate 80 funding issues and the potential benefits and detriments of the tolling options presented during the 2008 interim.
Priority #: 2 Revision of Select Transportation Related Statutes
Study the feasibility and impact of revising Wyoming Statute sections concerning: abandoned vehicles and recreational vehicle registration fees.
Priority #: 3 Snow Fences
Study the need for additional snow fences along Wyoming's roadways and the potential procedures for construction, access to property and maintenance related to snow fences.
Priority #: 4 Department of Transportation Contracting Practices
Review the Wyoming Department of Transportation's procedures and practices concerning: price volatility and hedging and the payment of bonuses or incentives to contractors.
Priority #: 5 Military Department Operation
Study the operation of the Military Department concerning: the appropriateness of future state investments at Camp Guernsey and the potential relocation of armories.
Priority #: 6 Public Transportation
Study the organization and funding of Wyoming's public transportation systems and public transit authorities to determine if a state-wide organizational plan is advisable.
Priority #: 7 Reports to Committee
The Committee will receive various reports and updates from the Department of Transportation, the Military Department, the Veterans' Commission and other interested parties regarding statutorily mandated reports and issues of concern to the Committee, including the extension of commuter rail from Colorado into Wyoming and county roads.
Tentative Meeting Schedule:
The Committee will meet for three, one and one-half day meetings. The first meeting will be June 8 and 9 in Lander for the purpose of receiving reports from the Department of Transportation. The second meeting will take place in Casper on August 10 and 11, where the Committee will consider abandoned vehicle and recreational vehicle issues, hear reports from the Military Department and Veterans' Commission and receive a report regarding county roads. The third meeting will be in Cheyenne on October 8 and 9 where the Committee will tour the Wyoming Air Guard, consider military issues, consider I-80 tolling issues and consider proposed legislation.
JOINT MINERALS, BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $25,000.00
Priority #: 1 Landfills and Risk Management.
The Committee will consider the interface of sanitary landfills, risk management and the various reports due from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Carbon Sequestration work group. Pursuant to W.S. 35-11-1902, municipalities are required to submit their integrated solid waste management plans to DEQ by July 1, 2009.
Priority #: 2 Energy generation and transmission.
The Committee will consider wind power and other renewable energy development, clean coal technology development, the interface with governmental agencies and the opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and new federal directives. The Committee will also consider energy transmission issues, including new federal initiatives, locations and permitting and issues relating to 2009 HB0288.
Priority #: 3 Collection Agency Regulation.
The Committee will review statutes regulating collection agencies collecting consumer debt from Wyoming residents and consider any necessary statutory changes to provide for more efficient regulation of collection agencies and enhanced consumer protection.
Priority #: 4 AML Funding.
The Committee will consider AML funding, including timing of funds received from the federal government, the amount of funds and other potential areas of funding for economic development. The Committee shall consult with the Joint Appropriations Interim Committee to avoid duplication of issues.
Priority #: 5 Economic Development.
The Committee will consider the feasibility of a study to evaluate input/output of selected major industries in Wyoming. The study would help evaluate the major industries in Wyoming and assist in evaluating public policies.
Priority #: 6 Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Committee plans on having 3 two-day meetings. One meeting may include an additional one day tour of fracing, mines, plants and facilities in the Little America/Green River area.
JOINT LABOR, HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES INTERIM COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $30,000.00
Priority #: 1 Response to Federal Initiatives
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and other pending federal legislation is expected to have greater than usual federal impact during this interim on the committee's jurisdictional areas. The committee will analyze and respond as necessary and appropriate to federal program and funding changes and the 'strings' attached to those changes.
Priority #: 2 Workplace Safety
Wyoming has the highest per capita rate of workplace fatalities. The Committee's main legislative task during the 2008 interim resulted in HB54, providing for increased benefit levels and various programmatic reforms. The Committee has been informed that the Governor's Office plans a significant initiative among interested parties to address workplace safety. The Committee will receive and consider any recommended legislative changes within its jurisdiction coming from the Governor's initiative.
Priority #: 3 Health Care Provider Uncompensated Care
The Committee continues to hear that one of the main causes of health care provider recruitment and retention problems, necessarily related to access and affordability problems, is the inadequate level or total lack of compensation for a significant amount of health care. The Committee will review reimbursement of health care facilities and other providers, especially in the Medicaid, KidCare, state employee health insurance and workers' compensation areas.
Priority #: 4 Review of Reports
The Committee will receive approximately 20 statutorily-required reports from executive branch agencies. The Committee will analyze those reports and respond as needed and appropriate with proposed legislation.
MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
Standard Budget: $20,000.00
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: $20,000.00
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 Committee typically schedules three to four 1-day meetings during the year.
SELECT WATER COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $25,000.00
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. The Committee will analyze opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and any constraints attached.
Tentative Meeting Schedule
The Committee plans to meet the following dates:
June 3 & 4, 2009 - Workshop and meeting
August 19-21, 2009 - Workshop, meeting and water tour
November 4 - 6, 2009 - Workshop, joint meeting with Commission
January 7, 2010 - Meeting
SELECT COMMITTEE ON CAPITAL FINANCING AND INVESTMENTS
Standard Budget: $15,000.00
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: $20,000.00
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 Additional Statutory Responsibilities Assigned under 2009 HB0299.
The Select Committee on School Facilities, under 2009 legislation, is now required to review the budget request for school facility projects as submitted by the Wyoming School Facilities Commission, and to submit a budget recommendation to the Joint Appropriations Committee and the Governor.
Priority #: 3 School Facilities Commission Audit Report.
Under 2009 legislation, the Select Committee is to receive a report on a required audit of projects and processes under the Wyoming School Facility Commission's facility prioritization process and the scheduling of facility construction projects.
Priority #: 4 ARRA Opportunities.
The Committee will analyze opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and any constraints attached.
SELECT NATURAL RESOURCE FUNDING COMMITTEE
Standard Budget: $5,000.00
Priority #: 1 Statutory Responsibilities
Pursuant to statute, the Select Natural Resource 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: $7,500.00
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 specifically 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: $7,500.00
Priority #: 1 General Responsibilities
Created by the 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 Indian 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.
Priority #: 2 Wyoming Indian Needs Determination Study
The Committee will discuss the Wyoming Indian Needs Determination Study and will promote an update to the Study. The Committee will provide a forum for all interested parties to discuss the Study and to organize for the purpose of updating the study.
Priority #: 3 State Agencies
The Committee will receive updates from the various state agencies that provide services to the Wind River Indian Reservation. The Committee will focus its attention on the Department of Health, the Department of Family Services, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Workforce Services. The Committee also may receive updates and testimony from other state agencies and governmental entities for the purpose of identifying issues that exist on the Reservation.
Priority #: 4 Taxation
The Committee will study and hear testimony regarding taxation on the Reservation. The Committee will identify how state taxes apply on the Reservation, the tax exemptions available and what taxes are imposed by the Tribes.
Tentative Meeting Schedule
The Committee anticipates having three, one and one-half day meetings; one meeting in mid-May, one meeting in July and one meeting in September.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON AIR TRANSPORTATION
Standard Budget: $5,000.00
Priority #: 1 General Responsibilities
Created by the Management Council, the Select Committee on Air Transportation 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 AND PROCESS
Standard Budget: $7,500.00
Priority #: 1 General Responsibilities relating to technology
The primary responsibility of the Select Committee is to provide oversight of the Legislature's computer, audio/video and Web site development by the LSO information technology staff. The Committee will continue to work with LSO staff to develop a long-term information technology plan for the legislative branch.
Priority #: 2 General Responsibilities relating to process
The primary responsibility of the Select Committee is to review and recommend rule changes and other innovations to enhance the efficient procedural operations of the Legislature.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Select Committee typically schedules two or three 1-day meetings during the year.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON ARCHAIC LAWS
Standard Budget: $5,000.00
Priority #: 1 General Responsibilities
Created by Management Council, the Select Committee on Archaic Laws is engaged in a long term project to review and recommend to Management Council legislation to amend or repeal archaic statutes. The Committee is charged with addressing the following types of issues: update references to federal or state citations which have been amended over the years when the existing reference is clearly inaccurate; repeal provisions held to be unconstitutional in whole or in part; repeal or amend laws which no longer appear to be pertinent due to the passage of time or historic practices. The Select Committee may occasionally refer substantive issues to one or more of the Joint Interim Committees for consideration.
Tentative Meeting Schedule.
The Select Committee will likely schedule two or three 1-day meetings during the year.