Committee hears broad testimony on bill to allow jury trials in administrative cases; agencies warn of cost and separation‑of‑powers issues

Representative Strzok introduced House Bill 120, a proposal to give individuals the option of a jury trial in contested administrative proceedings when an agency seeks a fine of $20 or more, suspends a license, or takes other actions affecting a significant liberty interest. The bill would let a person elect trial by jury in lieu of a traditional administrative hearing; the right could also be waived.

Proponents told the committee the change is meant to protect people who face serious agency sanctions. Jesse Rubino, speaking in a personal capacity, and several members of the public described licensing disputes they said were costly and unfair. Kelsey James, owner of an independent pharmacy in Cheyenne, said her business had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees during a licensing dispute and that the board’s handling of the case denied her due process; she urged the committee to consider a mechanism that would allow community review by a jury in particularly serious matters.

State officials and administrative‑p…