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WYOMING: Legislature braces for heavy interim workload
By Billings Gazette
May 16, 2011
 
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) Lawmakers expected to wrap up their eight-week session Thursday, but their work is far from over.

Republican and Democratic leaders have proposed that lawmakers meet earlier than usual after the session to start their heavy interim workload, in June, rather than the fall.  A top concern is a last-minute, sweeping ruling by the Wyoming Supreme Court on school funding reform.

On other issues, the Joint Interim Corporations Committee is expected to review legislative redistricting, changes to the election code and the Wyoming Public Service Commission and a review of the Telecommunications Act.

The Joint Revenue Interim Committee plans to study the impact of de-earmarking, which removed an automatic funding source for cities and counties and put it under the purview of the Legislature. It also plans to consider taxes on telecommunications and electrical generation.

The Joint Judiciary Interim Committee plans to review laws on juvenile detention, the use of force and restraints and jailing mentally ill people and people with substance abuse problems.

The Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Interim Committee plans to look at state land use and access, management of habitat areas and damage payments to landowners.

The Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee plans to study Medicaid and insurance for the elderly, prescription drugs, mental health insurance, substance abuse and the creation of the Division of Workforce Services.

The Joint Minerals Business and Economic Opportunities Interim Committee is expected to clarify taxation of coal bed methane and consider regional haze.

The Joint Agriculture, Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee plans to look at custom range permits, agricultural land trusts and help for animal feed and sugar beet operations.

The Joint Judiciary Committee is expected to consider law enforcement and corrections officers retirement plan.