Legislative Liaison - Post March 18, 2020
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Below are a list of some of the bills tracked this session. If there is a particular bill of interest that is not listed, follow the link at the end of the post.
SF0008 – Missing and murdered persons and other events-cooperation
This bill has been signed into law by Governor Gordon. As I have previously mentioned, one of the challenges on the Wind River Reservation is the jurisdictional boundaries between state, local, federal, and tribal authorities. When a crime is reported certain factors play into the determination of which law enforcement agency begins the investigation. The factors include- exact location of the crime, the race of the victim, and the race of the perpetrator.
The new law requires the Division of Criminal Investigation to become a central repository of information regarding missing indigenous persons. It also mandates state agencies to participate with tribal and federal agencies in activating emergency alerts when someone goes missing.
HJ0003 – Supporting federal missing and murdered persons efforts
This legislation was also signed by Governor Gordon. As a resolution, it encourages our federal government to pass several laws relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons. Because the federal government is one of the key players holding jurisdiction, it is important that it commits to seeking the best possible outcomes.
SF0117 – First responder workplace mental injury coverage
Previously, the only way a first responder could qualify for worker’s compensation to cover a mental health injury was if that injury also occurred with a physical injury. The example given in testimony was that a police officer who is being shot at and ends up taking that person’s life would only qualify for mental health treatment if he was hit. This bill allows an individual to qualify for mental health treatment, even if the injury is not accompanied by a physical injury- up to three years after diagnosis. This bill currently awaits the governor’s signature.
SF0037 – Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact
This passed the senate but died in the House as it was never brought for introduction. It would have allowed psychologists from out of state to be able to provide mental healthcare in Wyoming using telehealth. During the session, Wyoming was named the state with the second highest rate of suicide- per capita. While there is not one solution to the problem, ensuring an adequate number of mental health providers is important. Utilizing telehealth also helps those in small communities access healthcare in privacy. As there is still an unfortunate stigma regarding mental health, this would have been a very important step. Hopefully, the bill will come again next year.
HB0113 – Importation of prescription drugs-study
This bill passed both houses and was signed by the governor. It will allow Wyoming to look at ways to drive down prescription drugs costs, including studying foreign drug importation. Note- Unfortunately, the federal government does not allow importation of biological medication. So until something changes at the federal level, this study will exclude medications like insulin.
SF2 an appropriation This session, debate on the floor of both chambers was audio recorded and archived. You can go back and listen to every debate. However, testimony that happened in conference committee rooms was not recorded. This amendment provides funds for putting live-streaming equipment in all of the conference rooms at the Capitol. This is an important step to open up the committee meetings to people around the state, helping people become more engaged and letting them hear real live testimony for themselves.
SF0131 – Human heartbeat protection act
This bill sought to prevent elective abortions after a detectable fetal heartbeat. The bill passed introduction but was not allowed to be brought up for debate in the Senate Labor/Health Committee and died there.
HB0197 – Abortion-48 hour waiting period
This bill would have required a 48 hour waiting period after a pregnant woman was informed that she had a right to view an ultrasound and, if audible, listen to the heartbeat of her child, and the time she would have an abortion. The bill passed the House, and was assigned to the Senate Labor/Health Committee where is was not heard.
SF0097 – Born alive infant-means of care
The debate on this bill took many twists and turns; important considerations like liability of the parents and the provider. It took an almost Herculean effort to redirect the debate back to the point of the bill, those without a voice. As one legislator told me last week, if the parents or the doctor are inappropriately charged because of legislation, there is a process in place that will help them receive justice. But the injustice against the infant, which this bill addressed, is one from which there is no recourse. For the infant, it is too late. Well said. Passed both the Senate and the House and is now awaiting the governor’s signature.
Mirror amendments were brought to both the House and Senate versions of the budget bill which made appropriations to the University of Wyoming contingent upon not using any of its funds to provide for elective abortions. Both houses passed the amendment and the change was not vetoed by Governor Gordon.
Our 2020 effort to repeal the death penalty failed to reach the 2/3 introduction required during a budget session. It failed by 3 votes.
To see a list of all of the bills brought in 2020, click here . To learn the fate of a bill, and to see vote counts, click on the bill number and then click on the “digest” tab.
