Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Federal Land Net Gain Restrictions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Amendment to block private‑land language in federal land net‑gain bill fails after floor debate
Summary
Lawmakers debated and rejected an amendment that would have removed private landowners from a bill limiting net land gains by the federal government; roll‑call on the amendment recorded 25 ayes, 34 nays, 3 excused. Debate included constitutional arguments citing U.S. admission clauses and private property rights.
Representative Provenza moved a floor amendment to House Bill 118 that would remove private property owners from the bill and make the measure apply only to state land exchanges. Provenza argued the amendment would protect private landowners from additional transaction burdens and preserve their ability to accept compensation for land sales.
Proponents of the underlying bill, including Representative Banks, said the measure sought to restore what they described as the state’s equal‑footing rights under the U.S. Constitution (they referenced Article IV, Section 3) and Wyoming’s active admission language; Banks framed the bill as correcting a long‑standing deviation from constitutional principles.
Opponents, including Representatives Larson Lloyd, Pendergraft, Lawley and others, described the amendment as necessary to protect private property rights and prevent state interference with private sales. Speakers raised a range of concerns, including the fiscal effect of federal ownership (loss of property tax receipts offset in part by PILT — payment in lieu of taxes), the constitutionality of restrictions on sales, potential unintended consequences (environmental cleanup, Superfund sites), and administrative alternatives (State Lands Board buybacks or right of first refusal).
After extended debate, Representative Provenza asked for the ayes and nays under House rule to force a recorded roll call. The clerk recorded 25 ayes, 34 nays, and three excused; the amendment failed. The House then ordered the bill for third reading; the transcript does not show final passage of the bill within the provided excerpt.
Authorities referenced on the floor included the U.S. Constitution (Article IV, Section 3) and the Wyoming Constitution; members also invoked principles of just compensation and takings doctrines. Speakers debated whether the bill would limit private transactions or the federal government’s ability to purchase land.
Action: motion to adopt amendment 1 to House Bill 118 (remove private property from bill) — mover Representative Provenza; amendment defeated by roll call 25‑34 (3 excused). The underlying bill was ordered for third reading in the same session.
