This bill removes the tax exemption currently on equipment related to lodging tax to outfitters, excise tax from transmitting radio waves, aircraft leases/repair, and coal gasification.  WAM supports tax exemptions related to economic development.  

WAM Action Taken: 1/16/17 Laurie Heath attended the subcommittee, bill failed in whole 

This bill supports more alternatives for depositories, particularly for rural areas.  It allows communities like Shoshone and Wright who do not have state banks to deposit in a state approved credit union.

WAM Action Taken: 1/20/17 Laurie Heath testified in support and presented a letter from Mayor Peters (Shoshone).  

This bill requires a fiscal note be attached for legislation that would create a mandate or formula change that creates a financial and personnel impact to a city or town.  The fiscal note should contain an estimate of the financial impact to the state, city, town or other entity that the bill addresses. 

This bill results from ongoing discussion of tax avoidance on vehicle/RV purchases from 'shell' businesses and seeks to collect appropriate sales/use taxes due. Listed as a WAM Priority bill since a possible additional source of revenue for local government.

This bill requires county clerks and commissioners to adopt procedures for absentee ballots.  WAM will monitor as it may have an effect on municipal clerks for special elections. 

This bill allows counties to restrict feeding of wildlife and allows the local governments to impose penalties.  

This bill provides for recovery of delinquent and unpaid employment wage contributions from employers through installment plans and modified interest if needed. There is an allowance of one year to recover payments from the employer. 

This bill adds municipal judges in first class cities under current election and retention policies similar to other appointed local government positions.  This creates concerns and questions as how the first class city is to provide funding and oversight of the judge.  Also, if the bill would pass it could require changes in ordinances and codes regarding city appointed positions. WAM's position is the municipal judge should remain as an appointed city position.

WAM ACTION: 2/3/17, bill failed COW on third reading 30-29-1 excused. 

WAM ACTION: 2/2/17, bill passed COW, no discussion, to third reading.

WAM ACTION: 1/31/17, Rick Kaysen testified in opposition of this bill, discussion on separation of power by sponsors as well as philosophical beliefs of right to vote, bill passed Committee 6-3.  

Bill failed 30-29 

This bill seeks to increase compliance with existing taxation of vehicles. The bill specifically calls out natural gas vehicles but WAM suggests it should include electric powered vehicles as well (page 4, line 4).

This bill increases flexibility for a micro brewery's business operations in Wyoming. WAM supports since promotes economic development of Wyoming based breweries.

WAM ACTION: 2/16/17, Rick Kaysen testified in support, bill passed Senate Corporations Committee 3-0 with 1 excused and 1 conflict. 

This bill increases the lodging taxation rate allowable from 4% to 6% along with other provisions that would provide potential local government funding.  

WAM Action Taken: 1/18/17 Laurie Heath testified that WAM was monitoring the bill.  As the bill was reviewed and compared, there was opposition from retailing and tourism industry.  This lodging tax bill failed but it was added to the Corporation list for an interim committee topic.     

This bill redirects severance taxes from PWMTF to General Fund and reduces severance tax on surface coal from 7% to 6%.  WAM will watch to see if sets precedence with PWMTF allocations. 

This bill is not brought forth by the WY Mining Assoc nor the mining industry.  They are not speaking against a tax reduction, but neither is addressing.  WAM will remain neutral as well and monitor.  

This bill sets limits on the use of the LSRA. WAM opposes since it would prevent any appropriations for local governments in future bienniums.

WAM UPDATE: 1/31/17 JAC did not approve to move the bill, "stayed in the drawer" 

This bill modifies and expands the ability of attorney and court costs to be awarded to the prevailing party in a case brought on by the government entity, including incorporated municipalities.  This would directly impact the approved budgets of the municipalities.

WAM Action Taken: 1/23/17 Laurie Heath testified in opposition.  Bill failed in committee 

This bill adds $4 tax on wind development projects to the existing $1 tax.  WAM's position is to leave the existing $1 tax but do not add additional tax that would reduce incentives for economic development.  This is consistent with WAM's 2017 legislative agenda.

WAM ACTION: 1/23/17, Rick Kaysen testified in opposition to the Bill, Bill failed on a 7-2 vote.  

This bill appears to have the ability to present challenges to municipalities when dealing with employee discrimination law or situations.  Additionally, WAM's opposes this bill with the intent to keep Wyoming's laws and appearance as friendly and equal when it pertains to economic development opportunities.

WAM UPDATE: 1/26/17, this bill was withdrawn by its sponsors, may go to interim topic.  

This bill repeals gun free zones on any public college or university campus.

WAM ACTION: 2/15/17, Rick Kaysen testified in opposition to the bill, bill passed Senate Judiciary 4-1. 

WAM ACTION: 2/1/17, bill passed the House as amended 40-19-1, amendment allows for permits issued outside of WY to carry on campus and changes weapon to firearms.

WAM ACTION: 1/24/17, Rick Kaysen testified in opposition to the Bill, Bill passed 6-3.

1/30/17 An amendment failed that would give trustees the authority to determine concealed carry rules and locations.  Bill passed General File, 1st reading. 

This bill increases the minimum wage from $5.15 to $950 per hour, for tipped employees raise from $2.13 to $5.50 per hour.

WAM ACTION: 1/31/17, bill failed the COw 40-20.