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House amends budget bill in marathon floor session; several amendments pass and others fail
Summary
Lawmakers debated numerous third‑reading amendments to the biennial budget (House Bill 1). Key outcomes: Amendment 3 (defunding $400,000 for Wyoming Pacific Trade Corporation) failed; Amendment 4 (Riverton building utilities) narrowly passed; Amendments 5 and 6 failed; Amendment 7 (cost-allocation relief) passed after division.
The Wyoming House devoted a substantial portion of Feb. 20 floor time to third-reading amendments on the biennial budget bill, House Bill 1. Members debated multiple targeted amendments, voted on each by roll call or division, and adopted some measures while rejecting others.
Representative Connolly offered third-reading Amendment #1 to reclassify an Office of Homeland Security position, noting the "cost, $28,793" and that the funding would be "50% from, EMPG funds." Opponents characterized the motion as dilatory; the House rejected the amendment on a roll call (26 Aye, 35 No, 1 Excused).
Representative Lucas moved Amendment #3 to remove a $400,000 appropriation for the Wyoming Pacific Trade Corporation, arguing state dollars should not subsidize private companies' international promotion. Supporters of the office, including Representative Brown and Representative Campbell, said the office supports exports and industry connections. The amendment failed in a recorded vote (6 Aye, 55 No, 1 Excused).
Representative Larson Lloyd's Amendment #4 sought funding for utilities and maintenance for a recently purchased Riverton State Office building. After debate, the amendment passed narrowly on roll call (31 Aye, 30 No, 1 Excused).
Representative Wiley's Amendment #5 (OSHA 10 safety training) and Representative Williams's Amendment #6 (approximately $100,000 for agriculture leadership programs) were discussed but defeated on recorded votes (Amendment #5: 27 Aye, 34 No, 1 Excused; Amendment #6: 20 Aye, 40 No, 2 Excused).
Amendment #7, addressing cost allocation for several small boards and commissions, was adopted after a voice vote and a member demand for division; the clerk announced the division result as 30 Aye, 29 No. Proponents described the change as relieving an administrative cost burden for small entities; opponents warned it would reduce transparency in bookkeeping.
Floor leaders paused the session for a noon recess following the votes and committee announcements.
