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House adopts liability representation amendment but rejects appropriation for drone-protection equipment in Senate File 132
Summary
On second reading of Senate File 132 (protecting critical infrastructure and systems from drones), the House adopted an amendment to direct the attorney general to represent certain peace officers and Guard members but rejected an amendment that would have appropriated funds for equipment to counter drones.
The Wyoming House acted on amendments to Senate File 132, a bill concerning measures to protect critical infrastructure from drones. Lawmakers debated liability and equipment funding before voting on two second-reading amendments.
Representative J.T. Larson moved second-reading amendment 1 to provide for representation by the attorney general for peace officers and National Guard members who comply with certain enforcement subsections. Larson said the amendment addresses liability concerns for officers. The amendment was adopted (voice vote) on the floor.
Larson then offered second-reading amendment 2 to authorize an appropriation for equipment the Guard might need to disable or capture drones. Members asked whether the Guard had specified equipment needs and costs; Larson said detailed procurement information would need further research and that possible responses range from inexpensive netting to higher-cost disruption or kinetic solutions. Representative Provenza spotted that amendment 2 contained an appropriation and correctly requested a roll-call vote.
On roll call, amendment 2 failed, 6 aye, 53 no, 3 excused. The chief clerk subsequently confirmed the House declined to adopt the appropriation amendment. The bill was ordered to be read a third time.
Why it matters: The adopted representation language addresses officer liability concerns related to enforcing the bill; the rejected appropriation indicates the House declined to commit new funds on the floor without clearer cost and procurement information.
Votes and next steps: Amendment 1 was adopted; amendment 2 failed by roll call (6-53-3). The clerk announced that Senate File 132 would proceed to third-reading consideration.
