January 10, 2007

<< Previous | Next >>

Day 2 – Wednesday

INDEX OF BILLS COVERED IN TODAY’S REPORT

HB 19: Incest – Increase in Penalties
HB 31: Charter School Amendments
HB 52: Game and Fish – License Revenue Recoupment
HB 98: Curriculum Choice
SF 12: Sex Offenses by Corrections Personnel

TODAY’S ACTION ON BILLS

HB 19: Incest – Increase in Penalties
LSO Bill Info

HB 19 would increase the penalties for a felony conviction for incest. A conviction would be punishable by imprisonment up to 15 years (compared to the current maximum of 5 years), a fine up to $10,000 (compared to the current maximum of $5,000), or both.

The House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed HB 19, and the bill has been placed on general file in the House.

HB 31: Charter School Amendments
LSO Bill Info

HB 31 would amend Wyoming’s charter school law to restrict the frequency with which charter school applications could be filed. If a charter school application was denied, a new application for the same charter could not be considered within the next 12 months. HB 31 would increase the time the applicant had to appeal a denial from 30 days to 45 days, and would not otherwise change the appeal process.

The House Education Committee passed HB 31 on Wednesday.

HB 52: Game and Fish – License Revenue Recoupment
LSO Bill Info

HB 52 would create a license revenue recoupment program, under which the Wyoming Game and Fish Department would be reimbursed from the general fund for license revenue lost as a result of statutorily designated free and reduced priced hunting and fishing licenses.

The House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee unanimously approved HB 52 on Wednesday, and the bill was re-referred to the House Appropriations Committee to consider funding the $1.4 million needed to pay for the recoupment.

HB 98: Curriculum Choice
LSO Bill Info

Wyoming high school students who wish to be eligible for Hathaway scholarships must complete the success curriculum as defined by state statute. HB 98 would establish the success curriculum as the default course of study for high school students. Students and their parents would have the option to choose a less rigorous curriculum, but would have to be fully informed about the consequences of that choice and would have to sign a written waiver acknowledging the consequences on eligibility for Hathaway and other scholarship opportunities.

The House Education Committee voted down HB 98 on Wednesday. Please see tomorrow’s report for the committee vote.

SF 12: Sex Offenses by Corrections Personnel
LSO Bill Info

SF 12 would establish a crime for sex offenses committed by corrections staff against persons under supervision by the corrections facility. It would also provide that consent of the victim is not a defense against such crimes. Wyoming currently has no law against sex offenses by corrections staff against residents or inmates of the correctional system.

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed SF 12 Wednesday morning, and the bill has been placed on general file in the Senate.