[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6336906,"mediaKeyId","2278134-0700c1b31fc33eba1f1b422bccc01fe6","parentId",2278134,"title","House adopts amendment to omnibus water construction bill; debate centers on recreation, ownership and state liability","audioSeconds",1916,"startMs",3397000,"endMs",5313000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2278134-0700c1b31fc33eba1f1b422bccc01fe6&start=3397&end=5313","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2278134-0700c1b31fc33eba1f1b422bccc01fe6/thumbnail_3397000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6336906/Wyoming/House-adopts-amendment-to-omnibus-water-construction-bill-debate-centers-on-recreation-ownership-and-state-liability","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336906-965b9775ef8f88aa061eee2866c59319/orig.mp4?Expires=1770908110&Signature=BGoJjqcX~zQlLDHcYNap1WisAkZbTzDNR3IkWMiR1DP721kUcy1wpOJU9VS0~WUb68CNAXZEWgQXG7ks4hebfGx4N~FIVgPsjp-Qbz~~BPVsF0NBncNprwxrj-thBoA4i6IG1tMQXtb8WVoi18H4sXJjuUxpz2Nwzx6yroXVZL~AtqwsUan1knPL66qEuFmvLkoeIndNelIDsRM~M2c-aGllBzOuMI~UoJU3L5Jaft0ZJbnteNPzBbPTmxWoF~ftRdoNa1sPkY9YgfbyRhWbRcVT8wBipUz2-~63hl0zdwX5Rrtl9yhsZoTia8ic2s-szrq-e7RrlEVP8PjG-mHV-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wyoming Legislature","date","2025-02-12T00:00:00Z","article","The Wyoming House on Thursday approved House Bill 117, an omnibus water construction measure that includes a large appropriation for a dam reconstruction project. During third‑reading debate members adopted an amendment to require planning‑stage evaluations of options such as hydropower, easement acquisition and potential recreational uses; a separate amendment to require state ownership of the reconstructed dam was defeated.

Representative Harshman moved an amendment that directed agencies during planning to study possibilities including hydroelectric generation, easement acquisition where needed, and whether permanent storage could be increased to support fisheries and recreation. Supporters said the study provision would not delay construction but would allow consideration of options while project funding and design proceed. Representative Harshman said the amendment returns a “softer” version of language discussed on second reading; proponents argued the planning review would maximize the public benefit from a substantial public investment.

Opponents focused on landowner concerns, the primary purpose of irrigation and the risk of adding conditions that could complicate or delay a time‑sensitive reconstruction. Representative Harrelson said much of the land at issue is privately owned and that the irrigation district’s primary function is irrigation; he warned against jeopardizing funding for irrigators.

The House also debated whether the state should assume ownership and long‑term liability if public funds are used. Representative Harshman’s separate amendment to make the state owner (and thus assume liability) prompted questions about the size and composition of funding — members noted a substantial share of federal dollars in the overall package — and whether a loan structure with favorable terms would be appropriate if the district retained ownership. That ownership amendment was not adopted.

On final passage the House recorded 58 ayes, 2 nays and 2 excused. Earlier in the debate the chamber adopted the planning amendment (division called). Members later voted down the ownership amendment. The bill passed the House on third reading and will proceed under normal legislative steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Floor Session-Day 22, February 12, 2025-AM","oneSentenceSummary","The Wyoming House on Thursday approved House Bill 117, an omnibus water construction measure that includes a large appropriation for a dam reconstruction project.","taxTitle","House of Representative, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming","taxId",30484,"location","Wyoming","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6336910,"House passes bill to define anthrax outbreak surveillance and response",461,2892000,3353000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2278134-0700c1b31fc33eba1f1b422bccc01fe6&start=2892&end=3353","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2278134-0700c1b31fc33eba1f1b422bccc01fe6/thumbnail_2892000.jpg","/articles/6336910/Wyoming/House-passes-bill-to-define-anthrax-outbreak-surveillance-and-response","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336910-be4a90344e38e1d5cdd6630ca9904d7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770908110&Signature=jucZBCVCshx~MURGeNDZDwa3CUqZRB4SoOuuR6ZyGnGjvlij~x~I6BEFjO~bUN33RBmvHe8VuFYOe8~t3Kj6-bShHZqxnNRSFPcFeUCvGSu3OOGXN3E0RmW9cAeGOUaOmUte2OFhUhOYYdIJGGe8xPTguWMejwYugQ3hUezhpqPzhj7sMAX2I5nLsPauYWPZMhQGevuRqW0R3kVRmzisMWw01bQ0F8b30AfB0aOYrg69Au5gacu01nhOHnpLkYfjtskPWq0CpgJURqHmPtPhbu9hfeVlWk3pSSLeMcFSmpzwq58z1PwRNSi6I8vJ5855Qp4bbaiairyiKA8ls0PISA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House members approved House Bill 90, a measure titled “Anthrax outbreak control,” on third reading Thursday after a floor discussion about how the bill would define a surveillance area and who would decide when restrictions are lifted.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Davis, directs state authorities to establish a surveillance area around confirmed anthrax cases among livestock. Representative Brady offered an amendment to clarify how long animals could be held and to reduce the surveillance radius from a larger distance to 1.5 miles; Brady later withdrew the amendment. Representative Davis said the state veterinarian would determine when any restriction is lifted and that future incidents in the area would inform the decision.

Supporters and critics debated the practical effects. Representative Provenza said he would vote no, arguing that the state veterinarian and existing agencies already have processes in place and that the bill was unnecessary. Representative Eklund and others described the disease as fast‑acting and noted that infected animals typically die rapidly after contracting anthrax, meaning immediate movement to market is often not feasible.

On the floor, members emphasized that the bill establishes an area for observation adjacent to confirmed occurrences rather than prolonged seizure of animals. Representative Davis said the likelihood of restrictions lasting longer than 48 hours was “slim,” and that most cases show rapid onset and death within 24 hours.

The House approved House Bill 90, with the clerk announcing the vote as 43 ayes, 17 noes and 2 excused.","The Wyoming House passed House Bill 90 on third reading after discussion about the scope of surveillance zones and the role of the state veterinarian. An amendment to shrink the surveillance radius was offered and withdrawn; the bill passed 43–17 with 2 excused.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6336897,"House passes bill prohibiting ranked‑choice voting in local elections after brief floor debate",762,5965000,6727000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2278134-0700c1b31fc33eba1f1b422bccc01fe6&start=5965&end=6727","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2278134-0700c1b31fc33eba1f1b422bccc01fe6/thumbnail_5965000.jpg","/articles/6336897/Wyoming/House-passes-bill-prohibiting-rankedchoice-voting-in-local-elections-after-brief-floor-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336897-8e4340594c49799e10a6332950854e27/orig.mp4?Expires=1770908110&Signature=kTma1~qSo1-vskY6gLjdLYW5WH5~vnDtlxFEyFofmStXAJR6pp3B7oMlGKvtBlOpe9bAdXMwajfTkNIGvyikBwHayXNRjoLcvvTeR4VF5dlp4Kc2Blz3o6yxbGCRWCiqjLZCvX801hA7kglV8khIBpC2FyfS43zB3-eV946YR48LkLyeFZyBOz~js5kYWLYtTC-sA1kJvGAxIMg0TOYArv8hIxYSDmRgM~ZyZs2V~BVOsB~KpYwk0c4rYCeUI-mApg0aco-Tl3KMRw3zDHWXJ4Rvz67pUH19kKZe0T1nxYSQeCYk1nP2epMnf4ya0Qnxh9zqNKNCecEdH8y2oqQiyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lawmakers approved House Bill 165, a proposal that would prohibit ranked‑choice voting for specified local elections. The measure reached third reading after floor debate that included supporters urging a ban and opponents urging local control and experimentation with alternate voting systems.

Representative Chestyck, who introduced remarks on the topic, urged members not to enshrine a statewide ban on a voting method she described as unnecessary to prevent local experimentation. She said ranked‑choice voting could produce a consensus candidate, while other members argued it adds complexity and slows tabulation because ballots may require multiple counting rounds.

Questions on the floor addressed potential delays in reporting results; Representative Chestyck acknowledged ranked‑choice tabulation can be slower in some states because ballot counts may require multiple rounds. Opponents of ranked‑choice voting argued the system confuses voters and does not reflect voter intent. Supporters of the bill said the state should prohibit ranked‑choice systems for the covered elections.

Representative Chestyck withdrew an amendment during debate; the House ultimately passed House Bill 165 on third reading. The clerk announced the final tally as 47 ayes, 13 noes and 2 excused.","House Bill 165, which prevents the use of ranked‑choice voting for certain local elections, passed after members debated the pros and cons of ranked‑choice systems. A pro‑RCV amendment was withdrawn; the bill passed 47–13 with 2 excused.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6336901,"House approves changes to let volunteer first responders opt into state health plan; sponsors say move aids recruitment",329,3224000,3553000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2278134-0700c1b31fc33eba1f1b422bccc01fe6&start=3224&end=3553","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2278134-0700c1b31fc33eba1f1b422bccc01fe6/thumbnail_3224000.jpg","/articles/6336901/Wyoming/House-approves-changes-to-let-volunteer-first-responders-opt-into-state-health-plan-sponsors-say-move-aids-recruitment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6336901-bf783957fd2a94379ad53817e6d8ec45/orig.mp4?Expires=1770908110&Signature=mBjI9gzch~09sGf0GXLAiGlhM-ZWDq4fahwMKMK5K6o~n1DSHd92SsQiT2XqzJS2mE8hsry6dLvBGL6fFKN~vzoFPsgjAK2OILNV3ATgxHbe5V36xV7AzDum-4NVmKt8Wggv8BMdSlSBN3pOwj4tWOLauefOS-ed5Apl2P9w9QAzeGfgTO4DxxMUiN9QRT8kBt~1Beh7AIxcz6AG0yd0V7UXIW0RgSf1qlLDNtW-wERo56XpyFfA7a78iaItN~7xcmSTqRYKlJ0s-5zQ8yaM5U7tpj2NkTkUt7Mj0gQkwIXdqc1psrgdmMyCOPNgGiIZEu1hPbnxBA01d1VdVt7c0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wyoming House approved House Bill 136, a measure to permit volunteer first responders (including volunteer firefighters, EMS and search and rescue where applicable) to participate in the state employee health insurance plan and to allow local entities to help contribute to premiums.

Sponsor Representative Byron said an implementation interpretation last year had treated volunteers who qualify for Affordable Care Act coverage as ineligible for the state program. The bill clarifies that volunteers may opt into the state plan regardless of ACA eligibility. The change is voluntary; volunteers must opt in and still pay applicable premiums, though the bill allows municipalities or other sponsoring entities to assist with premium contributions.

Representative Brady offered an amendment but withdrew it after floor discussion clarified the bill’s intent and scope. Supporters argued the bill will help recruitment and retention; Representative Connolly and others spoke in favor, saying volunteer departments deserve support. Opponents were not prominent on the floor; multiple members expressed support. The final roll call recorded 60 ayes and 2 excused.","House Bill 136 passed after a sponsor clarified the change removes an obstacle that had prevented volunteers who qualify for the ACA from joining the state insurance plan. An amendment to the third reading was withdrawn; final vote was 60 ayes, 0 nays, 2 excused.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House adopts amendment to omnibus water construction bill; debate centers on recreation, ownership and state liability

House passes bill to define anthrax outbreak surveillance and response

House passes bill prohibiting ranked‑choice voting in local elections after brief floor debate

House approves changes to let volunteer first responders opt into state health plan; sponsors say move aids recruitment