Wyoming Legislature update February 14, 2024
by Albert Sommers, House District #20 Representative
February 15, 2024
Hello Sublette County and LaBarge, this is Albert Sommers reporting to you from Cheyenne on February 14, the third day of the 2024 Budget Session.
Today was the last day to file new bills. The House continued with introductory votes, while also hearing bills in Committee of the Whole and second reading.
A vote to support a bill on introduction does not mean that the legislator will vote for it at the end of the process, on Third and Final Reading. It just means that the legislator believes the bill has enough merit to be examined and discussed.
One of the bills introduced today was HB0104 - Omnibus water bill-planning, which authorizes spending for level I and level II water studies. These studies determine the feasibility of new water projects and the rehabilitation of existing water structures, ensuring the long-term viability of Wyoming's water infrastructure. This bill passed introduction with my support and will be heard in committee. I worked on this bill in the interim as part of the Select Water Committee.
HB0087 - Brucellosis testing amendments did not pass introduction. It would have required the Wyoming Livestock Board to provide the results of a non-negative test result to the owner of the tested animal within three days of the first lab results, and to brand inspectors and veterinarians in the county within seven days. I supported this bill, because I dont believe that the Wyoming State Vet is providing adequate notice to livestock producers in Sublette County.
In the realm of children's welfare, HB0063 - Sex and gender changes for children-prohibited also failed introduction. This bill would have prohibited Wyoming doctors from performing surgical procedures for children relating to gender transitioning and gender reassignment. I felt this bill was a reasonable solution to the concern about life-altering surgeries being applied to children.
HB0090 - Newborn child safe havens-age of child, amends the age up to 60 days that a newborn may be relinquished to a safe haven provider. This bill was introduced with my support. It would permit more newborns access to safe haven providers as the current age limit is only 14 days.
HB0092 - Protection of parental rights passed introduction, with my support. The bill broadens existing statutes so that the description of infringement of parental rights includes local education agencies or school districts. It also requires school districts to communicate or disclose information to a parent about the parent's child. This is a much cleaner, constitutional bill to extend parental rights into schools than the bill that was brought last year.
I can be reached at albert@albertsommers.com with questions or comments.
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