Friday January 14, 2005

Legislative Reports for Wyoming State Legislature 58^th Session 

Week 1 - -Session convened Tuesday January 11, 2005. 

1.  Committee Meetings:   

Wednesday 1/12

House Minerals:          HB 53 - Air Services Enhancement

-Supported by WBA-

                                President Bill Schilling testified in support of bill.

Senate Minerals:         SF 4 - Wyoming Technology Business Center

                                Action:  Committee do pass recommendation 1/12

                                Placed on General File 1/12

                                Passed Committee of the Whole 1/13

Thursday 1/13

Senate Agriculture:      SF 19 – State Lands Trust Responsibilities

                                SF 69 – Water Development Account III

Friday 1/14

Senate Minerals:         SF 31 - Wyoming Natural Gas Pipeline Authority

                                SF 78 - Medical Malpractice Insurance  

House Revenue:          HB 24 - Sales and Use Tax Exemption Aircraft

House Labor:              HB 94 – Environmental Health Study

                                HB 108 - Medical Injury Expenses –expert witnesses

2.  Governor’s Address 

Governor Dave Freudenthal addressed a packed house at the Legislature to begin its 58^th Legislative session.  He commented that Wyoming has tremendous budget surpluses, but how we spend the money is important.  In the Governor’s words “action is not without risk.” 

Key points of his address included additional moneys to the Permanent Mineral Trust

Fund as well as additional savings that would be Constitutionally protected, but could be expended by the legislature based on a 2/3 vote by each body. 

·         Additional money to be set aside for the building of water storage projects. 

·         The Wildlife and Natural Resource Funding Act - - a $75-100 million endowment      program. 

·         Split Estate bill which he supports in its current form.

·         Support for the recommendation for a new state correctional facility in Torrington.

·         Access to healthcare with support for state participation in extended non-economic damage premiums (Healthcare providers would carry malpractice insurance up to $350,000.  From $350,000 to 1 million, the coverage would be paid by the State).

·         With regard to Amendment C, Governor Freudenthal supports a Medical Review Panel, provided that testimony in such circumstances would be admissible in court.

3.  Week 2

• On Tuesday - - Dr. James Callier, President Emeritus of the Louisiana Higher Education System, will be discussing the Taylor Plan, a free tuition program to the Joint House and Senate Education Committee on adjournment.
• On Wednesday - - There will be a methamphetamine briefing for the entire Legislature in the Herschler Building in room 1699.
•  

4.     Legislation which the Wyoming Business Alliance will be monitoring and sometimes tracking closely during the Legislature include: 

HB 011 - State Standards for Federal Resource Management

HB 013 - Oil and Gas Methodology – Optional Procedure

HB 053 - Enhanced Air Service

HB 083 - Medical Review Panel

SF 004 - Wyoming Technology Business Center

SF 009 - Intangible Property Taxation Study

SF 015 - State Lands Trust Preservation Account

SF 118 - Business Ready Communities

SF 019 - State Lands Trust Responsibilities

SF 041 - Wildlife and Natural Resources Funding Act

SF 060 - Split Estates – Procedures For Oil and Gas Operations

SF 062 - Medical Review Panel

SF 102 - Student Grant Assistance Program

SF 122 - Higher Education Endowments

Wyoming Infrastructure Authority (Transmission Development)

Energy Institute

5.  Wyoming Business Report:

Please note the Wyoming Business Report will have an 8-page insert on the November Wyoming Forum “How Are the Children?” Look for it in the next edition.