News
Time Is
Running Out
to win a
$150.00 Gift Certificate
Enter the Stand & Celebrate 2008 Photo Contest.
Submissions must be received via e-mail or postmarked prior to July 10, 2008.
For more information see the Stand and Celebrate page.
Wyoming State Legislative Session 2008
The 2008 legislative session convened on February 11th. Listed below are the bills that WCAA is following this session. We are focusing on bills that may have impact on children and families in our state. If you are aware of other bills that are not listed here please let us know.
Updates will be provided as to the status of these bills as frequently as possible. As always you may obtain more information at www.legisweb.state.wy.us or by calling WCAA at 1-800-400-3999.
HB 2—Alcohol Taxes to treat substance abuse
This bill would add taxes to alcohol to help pay for substance abuse treatment.
Current Status: Placed on General File Did not consider for introduction vote - Bill Dead
HB 28—Workforce training appropriation
The funds will be used to provide workforce training and development funds that will be dispersed through the Wyoming community college commission. The training will be specific to industries that meet or are projected to meet shortages in the Wyoming economy.
Current Status: Failed Introduction
HB 35—Underage Drinking
This bill cleans up language from previous legislation.
Current Status: Failed Introduction
HB 38—Medicaid-provider reimbursements
This bill provides an increase in payments to providers who serve medicaid patients
Current Status: Introduced and referred to House LHSS Passed Committee of Whole Passed 2nd reading Passed Committee of the Whole Moved to the Senate and referred to Labor Health and Social Services Failed in the Senate Committee of the Whole
HB 49—Juvenile courts procedures
This removes the option of jury trials from juvenile courts.
Current Status: Received for introductionn Did not consider for introduction vote - Bill Dead
HB 52—Developmental programs-cost based reimbursements
This is a bill authorizing a cost-based payment system for community-based waiver programs, and the appropriation necessary to put it in place, and an effective date of July of 08.
Current Status: Received for introduction referred to LHSS - Passed second reading Referred to Senate Labor Health and Social Services Passed 2nd Reading To be heard for 3rd reading 3/8/08 Bill passes 30-0 in Senate
HB 56—Real estate disclosure-methamphetamine laboratories
This bill requires the property owner to disclose when selling said property that it has been used to produce methamphetamine.
Current Status: Failed Introduction
HB 58—Safety belt violations
Will allow law enforcement to stop vehicles for non-use of seat belts. It can be the primary violation.
Current Status: Failed Introduction
HB 59—TANF amendments
Appears to increase the assistance to eligible families and allows for annual cost of living increases.
Current Status: Received for introduction referred to House Education Passed Committee of the Whole
HB 68—Drug Court Accountability
This bill creates a new drug court system that provides for a continuum of care. On the surface it looks positive but we need to do some more research.
Current Status: Failed Introduction
HB 70—Distracted Driving
Prohibits the use of wireless communication devices by anyone operating a vehicle who has a instruction, temporary, intermediate permit, or restricted license.
Current Status: Failed Introduction
HB 73—DUI Penalties
Increases penalties for DUI
Current Status: Received for introduction Referred to Judiciary Failed introduction
HB 76—Criminal street gangs
creating the crime of intimidation in furtherance of the interests of a criminal street gang; creating enhanced sentencing penalties for felonies committed in furtherance of the interests of a criminal street gang; amending the offense of property destruction and defacement to explicitly include graffiti; providing for a minimum sentence for felony property destruction and defacement; providing definitions; and providing for an effective date.
Current Status: Introduced and referred to House Judiciary Placed on General File Passed Committee of the Whole, 2nd & 3rd Reading Moved to Senate referred to Travel Bill was not heard by committee of the whole bill dead
HB 80—Graffiti
Creating the crime of vandalism by graffiti
Current Status: Failed Introduction
HB 86—Reverse 911 emergency systems
Provides funds through 911 taxes to implement reverse 911 system to alert citizens about impending hazards and emergencies
Current Status: Received for introduction Passed Committee of Whole, 2nd & 3rd reading, Moved to Senate Corporations Committee Bill Passed
HB 87—Smoke free-enclosed public places
Prohibits smoking in enclosed areas.
Current Status: Failed Introduction
HB 93—Universal health insurance
Funds the health care commission to solicit and review proposals for expanded health care coverage.
Current Status: Failed Introduction
HB 94—Use of wireless communications devices while driving
Prohibits any individual to use wireless communication while operating a motor vehicle. (exception for emergency personnel)
Current Status: Failed Introduction
HB 96—Adult Adoption
Allows an adult to be adopted by individuals who raised them, grandparents, foster parents, step-parents
Current Status: Received for introduction Did not consider for introduction vote - Bill dead
HB 97—Juvenile Hearings-continuances
Authorizes continuances for specific juvenile hearings
Current Status: Introduced and referred to House Judiciary Placed on General File Passed Committee of the Whole, 2nd & 3rd Reading - amended Moved to Senate referred to Judiciary Received a Do Pass Recommendation from Senate Judiciary Failed Committee of the Whole Bill Dead
HB 102—Quality Child Care
Changes requirements for repayment of educational development scholarships and continuing education grants. If person breaches their contract they are responsible for only the costs of default for the current semester
Current Status: Received for introduction Referred to House Education Committee Committee of the Whole, 2nd & 3rd Reading Moved to Senate referred to Education Committee Passed 2nd reading Should be heard on 3rd reading 3/5/08 Bill passed 29-1 in Senate
HB 128—Central Registry
AN ACT relating to the central registry of child protection cases; amending definitions; specifying requirements for "substantiated" cases of child abuse or neglect; eliminating "under investigation" cases from the central registry; repealing conflicting provisions; requiring removal of pending cases "under investigation" from the central registry as specified; and providing for an effective date.
Current Status: Received for Introduction and referred to Judiciary committee Failed Committee of the Whole Bill Dead
HJ 4—Designation of Disabilities
A JOINT RESOLUTION urging Wyoming state agencies to replace references to "mental retardation" in their documents with a more respectful term or description that reflects increased sensitivity to those who experience this disability; and recommending Wyoming state agencies review and consider language currently used by other states that have previously changed their references.
Current Status: Received for introduction Referred to Judiciary Did not consider on Committee of the Whole - Bill Dead
HJ 5—Real ID Act Repeal
A JOINT RESOLUTION requesting Congress to repeal the creation of a national identification card and the implementation of the Real ID Act of 2005.
Current Status: Received for introduction Referred to Judiciary Did not hear as Committee of the Whole
SF 10—Mental health & substance abuse appropriations
Provides support for treatment for those with substance abuse and mental health issues. Provides support for women who have children to receive treatment and retain custody of their children
Current Status: Introduced and referred to Appropriations Passed Committee of Whole Moved to House referred to appropriations Received Do Pass from Appropriations to be heard by the committee of the whole Bill Passed
SF 19—Clandestine drug laboratories remediation
This bill relates more to law enforcement if they are initial responders to a site used as a meth lab. It provides for possible funds to cover their costs if there are funds available in the crime victims fund.
Current Status: Introduced and referred to Senate Minerals Passed Committee of the Whole & 2nd Reading Referred to House Minerals Committee Passed 2nd Reading Bill passed
SF 31—Domestic violence counseling period
This bill changes language to state that "?requires the respondent (person accused of the violence) to participate in counseling or other appropriate treatment..." Previously it said "?require the respondent to undergo appropriate counseling..."
Current Status: Introduced and referred to Senate Transportation Passed 2nd Reading & Committee of the Whole Introduced in House and referred to labor health and social services Bill Passed
SF 38—People first language
This is an Act relating to people first language, amending and replacing references to mental retardation with the term intellectual disability.
Current Status: Introduced and referred to Senate Transportation Passed Committee of the Whole & 2nd Reading Introduced in the House and referred to Education Committee Bill Passed
SF 47—Wyoming State Training School Amendments
An act relating to state institutions; amending provisions related to the Wyoming state training school by removing archaic language; changing the name of the Wyoming state training school; authorizing placements for temporary services; amending admission and screening criteria; prohibiting isolation of residents; amending resident rights; providing for payment of employed resident.
Current Status: Received for introduction Referred to Labor Health and Social Services (LHSS) LHSS passes bill as amended Passes 2nd Reading & Committee of the Whole Passes Introduced in House and referred to Labor Health and Social Service Committee Bill Passed
SF 59—DUI Mandatory hold upon arrest
requiring a person suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol to be arrested and detained as specified; and providing for an effective date.
Current Status: Introduced and referred to Senate Transportation Referred to Judiciary
SF 60—Community college certificates
limiting required commission approval of new college certificate and degree programs; and providing for an effective date.
Current Status: Introduced and referred to Senate Education No report prior to Committee of the Whole cutoff - bill dead
SF 66—Community Juvenile services
Amending services that may be provided to juveniles as specified; specifying membership of community juvenile services boards; specifying requirements for community juvenile services boards to qualify for state funding; amending how services for juveniles will be paid
Current Status: Introduced and referred to Senate Judiciary Placed on General File Passes Committee of the Whole & 2nd Reading Introduced in House and referred to House Judiciary Committee Bill Passed
SF 93—Child Care Facilities Certification
AN ACT relating to child care facilities; providing an exception to certification requirements; and providing for an effective date.
Current Status: Introduced and referred to Agriculture committee Did not consider in Committee of the whole - bill dead
Citizen Options for Participation in Legislative Action
- Call your legislator and share your views on specific pieces of legislation. Mention the bill name and title.
- Email your legislator. Email addresses and more bill information can be found at http://legisweb.state.wy.us.
- Call the voter hotline at 777-VOTE to reach your legislator at the Capitol and leave a message.
- In-state the bill status line is 1-800-342-9579
-
Other key numbers and addresses for contacting your legislators:
- Senate receptionist (307) 777-7711
- House receptionist (307) 777-7852
- Legislative Service Office (307)777-7881
- Legislative Fax (307) 777-5466
- State Web Site www.state.wy.us
- WCA07 = Wyoming Children’s Agenda 2007, available in PDF format for downloading and printing.