LSO presented bill draft 25LSO0255 to add public, nonvoting ex officio members representing veterans and veteran services to the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees and the Wyoming Community College Commission. Talise Hanson described the conforming amendments and immediate effective date.

The military department and the Wyoming Veterans Commission testified in support, and Ben Moritz, executive director of the Community College Commission, said the change would improve communication and advocacy for veteran students across UW and community colleges.

Committee action: The draft was moved and seconded and passed by roll call 10-4. Representative Pendergraft spoke in opposition saying an ex officio member could influence votes despite lacking a formal vote; proponents noted the position is nonvoting and intended to improve services for veteran students.

Next steps: The bill will proceed as a committee-sponsored draft; sponsors said implementation details for recommended appointments will be coordinated with the Veterans Commission and the affected boards.