This bill increases eligibility of small water projects to receive funding upon approval of the legislature.

WAM ACTION: 2/28/17, bill failed House on General File, indefinitely postponed, possible interim topic.   

WAM ACTION: 1/261/7, bill passed with inclusive amendments 4-1, amendments to be refined by LSO.

WAM ACTION: 2/14/17 Laurie Heath testified in opposition of this bill since it changes the approval process to seemingly offer the Legislature to decide small water projects without the input of the WDC.  If the bill was moved as is, it could compete with the large water projects that benefit the cities and towns.  It was a shared opinion from Conservation Districts, Stock Growers, and Farm Bureau to look at this during the interim.  Bill passed

This bill creates an exemption process for seasonal employees from the unemployment insurance system.

WAM Action Taken: 1/20/17 Laurie Heath testified in support.  The committee laid back until 1/27/17 giving the Dept of Workforce Services time to determine if the bill conforms to federal law. The response was favorable and WAM will aim to testify again next week.  1/27/17 The bill was not on the Labor agenda, will watch for next week.

This bill revises the program purposes from "public interest" to "public benefit". The water development commission stipend is removed while allowing reimbursement for expenses. WAM will monitor to see if this adds undue scrutiny to WDC projects.

WAM ACTION: 1/26/17, bill passed 5-0.  

WAM ACTION: 2/14/17 Opposed in House Ag committee by Conservation District, Farm Bureau, and Stock Growers. Laid  back by committee until 2/16/17