Wyoming Legislature update – January 27, 2021
by Albert Sommers, House District #20 Representative
January 28, 2021
1/27/2021
Hello Sublette County, this is Albert Sommers reporting to you on January 27, from the 2021 General Session. Today the House considered bills in Committee of the Whole (COW), which is the first time the entire House debates bills that are passed by standing committees.
Remember, bills are first heard in standing committees, then they move to General File, where they are ready for debate in COW. A bill’s first vote by the chamber (House or Senate) occurs in COW. If the bill passes COW, then it moves to 2nd Reading, and finally 3rd Reading. The final vote by a chamber occurs in 3rd Reading. A bill can be amended in COW, 2nd Reading, and in 3rd Reading. In 2nd and 3rd Reading, the chamber only debates amendments, not the entirety of the bill. Once a bill passes 3rd Reading in one chamber, then it crosses over to the other chamber and starts the entire process over. When the two chambers differ in how they amended the bill, those issues are resolved. If a bill is lucky enough to pass both the House and Senate, it heads to Governor’s desk. The Governor can sign a bill, not sign a bill, or veto a bill. The first two options result in the bill becoming law.
Today, HB0044, Omnibus Water Bill - Construction passed COW in the House. This bill included cloud seeding and likely small water projects in our area. HB0066, 2021 Large Project Funding, passed COW. This bill included the Dry Piney Mule Deer Crossings project between Big Piney and LaBarge. HB0013, Alcoholic Beverage Regulation, passed COW. This bill will allow individuals who belong to wine clubs to be able to purchase more bottles without being in violation of state law. I voted in favor of these three bills during COW.
I can be reached at albert@albertsommers.com with questions or comments.
Thank you.
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