Appropriations Committee approves review of Wyoming Business Council, shifts work to joint legislative committee

Representative Geringer introduced House Bill 150 as a measured response to concerns about programs and spending at the Wyoming Business Council and asked the committee to authorize a structured review rather than immediate dissolution.

"Are the expenditures a proper use of taxpayer dollars?" Geringer asked, framing the bill as a way to evaluate grants, loans, contracts and return on investment while avoiding a damaging program collapse.

Geringer said the bill would add two legislators ex officio to the council’s board, pause expansion of programs for one year, and require expedited reporting from the council. He said the sponsor anticipated three meetings tied to deadlines in the measure: the council’s analysis due April 30 and a final report due Oct. 1.

Josh Jarrell, CEO of the Wyoming Business Council, told the committee he welcomed scrutiny and supported a hard look at the agency’s role and operations. "I love that there are questions about it," Jarrell said, adding that a focused review could help clarify what the council should do and how it should measure success.

Local leaders and economic‑development practitioners gave examples of WBC support they said is critical to communities. Ashley Harpreet of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities and the state economic development association said local partners must be central to any redesign: "Structure will only succeed if it's built with local partners and not around them." Devin Brubaker, airport director in Rock Springs, told the committee Wyoming airports support roughly $3.5 billion in statewide economic activity and that WBC grants and technical services helped his airport secure projects and leverage other funding.

Representative Sherwood offered an amendment to delete the bill’s task‑force language and instead assign the work to a joint appropriations/joint minerals interim committee, remove the proposed task‑force appropriation pages, and add a clause protecting existing WBC contracts. Committee discussion focused on balancing stakeholder representation, committee workload, and the need for sufficient time to vet complex statute references.

The Sherwood amendment passed by voice vote. The committee then approved House Bill 150 as amended on a roll‑call vote: Representatives Aleman, Angelos, Bair, Pendergraft, Sherwood and Vice Chair Harrelson voted aye; Representative Smith voted aye via absentee. The committee noted Representative Geringer will carry the bill to the floor for further action.

The bill’s fiscal note listed approximately $135,000 in potential costs, including about $75,000 to secure expert or consulting services; the sponsor said consultant selection and the number of meetings would be coordinated with leadership and LSO. The committee and witnesses repeatedly emphasized the importance of clear metrics, predictable policy, and timing that avoids disruption to ongoing projects.

Next steps: House Bill 150 will proceed to the floor with the committee amendment; committee members said they will monitor the bill’s interaction with the budget process and any follow‑on legislation.

Ending: The committee closed public testimony after multiple community and industry witnesses and moved immediately to amendment and final action; the meeting recessed after scheduling follow‑up business.