More legislation signed into law

The work was not quite complete when the 2022 Wyoming Legislative Session came to an end on March 11. Much of the work completed in the House and Senate still needed the final signature of Governor Mark Gordon.

New laws that have since been signed into law include HB-146, local government distributions, through which cities such as Sundance receive their regular state funding, which for this biennium has been finalized at $105 million. This, according to Clerk Treasurer Kathy Lenz, is at the same level as the 2020 biennium and the city will see $136,000 in funding.

Along with the Third and Seventh, the Sixth Judicial Districts of District Court will each get an extra judge, thanks to SF-26, with appropriations to fund the new positions. For the Sixth Judicial District, which covers Crook County along with Weston and Campbell, the new judge position will be authorized only if the Chief Justice of the Wyoming Supreme Court certifies that adequate facilities exist, including a courtroom to accommodate a 12-person jury and offices.

If the United States Supreme Court overturns Roe vs. Wade, “trigger bill” HB-92 will come into effect in Wyoming, prohibiting abortions unless necessary to save the life of the woman or prevent “substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function” (not including psychological or emotional effects).

The law will also not apply to pregnancies that are the result of incest or sexual assault. HB-92 will become effective five days after the governor certifies that Roe vs. Wade has been overturned in a manner that would authorize its enforcement.

The Second Amendment Protection Act, as the name suggest, is designed to protect rights regarding firearms for citizens. According to SF-102, public officers may not enforce, administer or cooperate with any federal regulation of firearms or accessories, an action that will be punishable as a misdemeanor with a sentence of up to one year or a fine of up to $2000.

SF-41 changes the reporting requirements for campaign finance. The law will now require any organization that either receives or expends more than $1000 in funds for the purpose of election communications to file campaign reports.

Before now, failing to file campaign finance reports led to a fine of up to $500. The new law changes this to a $500 per day while the reports remain outstanding.

SF-100 recognizes online stalking by adding to the definition of the crime that stalking can include using any electronic, digital or GPS system to place someone under surveillance or watch their internet activity without permission.

SF-27 gives county commissioners the authority to dissolve county-created boards or solid waste districts and establishes a procedure for doing so.

HB-03 specifies preferences for leasing state lands, stating that applicants who own, lease or occupy the adjoining lands will generally be preferred.

HB-146 requires studies and reports on a regular basis from certain government operations, including infrastructure grants and Wyoming Innovation Partnership through the Governor’s Office and quarterly reconciliations from the State Treasurer’s Office.

The Public Safety Communications Commission will be increasing in size from 11 to 13 members and will now be tasked with developing “next generation” 911 emergency communications systems for Wyoming, according to SF-41.

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) will now be included in the grievance process for the state’s military department. If a member of the military wants their claim of sexual misconduct or discrimination handled by an outside party, they will now have the choice to have DWS handle the investigation, according to HB-53.

HB-55 removes commercial airports from the restrictions on the number of retail liquor licenses that can be issued in an incorporated town or city.

HB-89 allows the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to order wells shut in and sealed and to prohibit drilling if written notice is received from the Department of Revenue that the owner or operator has been delinquent in paying their taxes for more than 120 days.

“This legislation addressed a glaring hole in statute and now allows the Oil and Gas Commission to order wells shut-in and sealed upon written notice from the Department of Revenue,” commented Governor Mark Gordon upon signing the bill.

“This sorely-needed bill enhances efforts to collect millions of dollars in back taxes owed to counties.”

Meanwhile, HB-105 reduces coal severance tax to 6.5%, a drop from 7%.

If an applicant for a hunting license is unsuccessful, HB-72 allows them to contribute all or part of the fee to the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust income account or the Game and Fish access account.

If you are charged with driving with a suspended license, a previous conviction in another jurisdiction with similar laws will now be counted as a prior violation, according to HB-71. SF-78 creates the Wyoming “seal of biliteracy” for kids who graduate high school proficient in both English and one or more world languages.

County road and bridge maintenance will now only need to be bid out for contract if the estimated cost exceeds $75,000, instead of $50,000, according to SF-18.

When selling or transferring ownership of a mobile home or vehicle, HB-44 specifies that any person certified as an owner on the title has the right to do so without the signature of other persons also named, unless held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship or tenancy or the title uses the word “and” instead of “or”, which will be read to mean that the property is held by co-owners and requires the permission of both or all parties.

A person wishing to file a change of name will now only need to live in Wyoming for six months before filing their petition, instead of two years in the county where they file, according to SF-77. HB-136 alters the law regarding underground water contested case hearings, placing the burden of proof on the applicant or protestor.

SF-35 specifies that a person who sells electricity for charging electric vehicles is not subject to public utility provisions. SF-85 specifies that after-school and summer programs that promote childhood learning and development and adhere to all local applicable health and safety codes do not require childcare facility certification.

The Department of Transportation can now renew or defer the expiry of a driver’s license that belongs to someone on active duty in the armed forces, or whose public employment with a federal, state or local government agency requires them to be physically present outside Wyoming, according to SF-92.

HB-123 asks the Environmental Quality Council to establish rules for using or disposing of inert material from mine sites.