Legislative Update #6

Legislative Update #6

22 February 2011

Just a short update this time. We really don't have that many things still in the system. Here we go:

HB0088 - Guides and outfitters - This bill passed the Senate today, with a third reading amendment. It will go to conference committee to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions. We are working with WYOGA in support of this bill. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2011/Introduced/HB0088.pdf

SF0062 - Large projects - Passed second reading in the House today. We strongly support this bill. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2011/Introduced/SF0062.pdf

SF0071 - Education - hunter safety courses - The Senate failed to concur on House amendments on Friday. This bill is now dead. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2011/Introduced/SF0071.pdf

SF0085 - Game and fish violations - penalties - This is our second highest legislative priority this session. It has passed Committee of the Whole in the House today and will be up for second reading tomorrow. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2011/Introduced/SF0085.pdf

SF0091 - Wildlife/livestock disease research disease partnership-funding - This bill has passed the Senate and is on General File in the House. We have no position on it. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2011/Introduced/SF0091.pdf

SJ0001 - Right to hunt, fish and trap - This bill is currently on General File in the House. We'll be continuing to support it. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2011/Introduced/SJ0001.pdf

The Joint Travel Committee met today to discuss interim topics. Some of interest include;
-The aquatic invasive species program - making sure the size, scope and future of the program are consistent with legislative intent;
-Statutes within Title 23 that may be repealed or replaced by Commission regulation, including the use of baiting in some situations, changes in the definition of legal weapons, etc.;
-Grizzly DNA study to estimate bear numbers.

Late this afternoon, Governor Mead has announced his appointments to the Game and Fish Commission. They are:

Mickey Asbell
P.O. Box 911
Riverton, WY 82501 Phone Number: (307) 856-7918
Affiliation: Republican Succeeds: Ronald Galles
Term: 3/1/2011-3/1/2017 Represents: District 7

Carrie Little
P.O. Box 166
Leiter, WY 82837
Affiliation: Republican Succeeds: Clifford Kirk
Term: 3/1/2011-3/1/2017 Represents: District 4

Charles Price
P.O. Box 375
Daniel, WY 83115 Phone Number: (307) 367-2342
Affiliation: Republican Succeeds: Clark Allen
Term: 3/1/2011-3/1/2017 Represents: District 3

Walt Gasson, Executive Director
Wyoming Wildlife Federation