This bill relates to public works, and revises the certification necessary for an exception to the use of residential (Wyoming based) labor. 

This bill relates to public property, provides that a design-build contractor be selected solely on a response to a request for qualifications as specified, and repeals conflicting provisions.

This bill relates to property tax, provides for an exemption for wind generation equipment sold and stored in Wyoming. 

WAM ACTION: 2/16/18

In committee, this bill brought up questions of current S/U tax and property tax for wind equipment.  DOR explained that there are current exemptions for 'in-transit' and if inventory-held.  WAM did not testify but is monitoring the bill and will bring to LLC for position. 

WAM ACTION: 2/19/18 

Continued discussion with the DOR clarifying that the use tax on the wind equipment would be paid in the county where storage is and not necessarily the county where the project is planned.  Once the project is active, then the property tax on the wind farm would go to the county where the project is.  WCCA testified that county taxes already down so on one hand difficult to accept another exemption but Pete relayed that to get behind this to incentivize wind development.  Pete warns that all other companies will be next in line asking for exemption for their storage facilities so asked to proceed with caution so as not to further erode local government revenue source.  Amendment to clarify that only wind companies that pay taxes in full of county where the storage will be used or stored.   Bill passed 5-4 as amended.

This bill relates to sales tax, imposes a statewide tax on sales of lodging services, provides for distribution of the tax with 2% to the state office of tourism and 2% to local tourism, revises the local optional lodging tax, and creates the Wyoming tourism account.

WAM ACTION:  2/13/18, Rick Kaysen testified in oppostion to the proposed bill, citing local authority diminished, existing local tax options weakened.  

WAM's LLC voted on 2/15/18 to Oppose this bill due to the fact that it puts at risk the current local lodging tax.

 This bill relates to industrial siting, expands the jurisdiction of the industrial siting council over wind energy facilities, provides for hearings to require permitting of wind energy facilities that do not meet existing thresholds, and provides authority for fees and rule making.

This bill relates to public works and contracts, prohibits governmental entities from including specified terms related to labor organization agreements in construction related contracts and grants, and provides for exemptions.

WAM ACTION: 2/21/18

WAM testified sharing concerns brought forth from the Wyoming Business Council that this bill could impact implementation of federal grants like the Community Development Block Grant. Chairman Scott asked for WAM to pull more information together and present to the full Senate if this bill makes it to the floor.  WAM will work with WBC and other interested parties to understand possible unintended consequences of this bill.  

This relates to economic diversification, creates a broadband development program, specifies requirements for providing funds for projects under the program, provides for administration by the Wyoming business council, requires rules and procedures, provides for the establishment of a broadband advisory council, and provides appropriations.

WAM ACTION: 2/20/18

WAM testified at sub committees in favor of the original but with concerns on the substitute bill.  At the request of the Governors office, WAM and WCCA met with Governor's office, telecom industry and other stake holders to write the bill such that would begin to accomplish the intent.  Bill passed Committee and will be heard in full Senate likely 2/22/18.  

WAM ACTION: 3/2/18

Multiple testimony with WAM supporting the bill, to move the bill.  Amendment passed to have a list of qualified providers held by the Wyoming Business Council.  Passed the House Appropriations committee unanimously.