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Conservation districts ask lawmakers to modernize statutes, lift borrowing ban and clarify election rules
Summary
Representatives and the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts urged the interim committee to update conservation district laws from the 1940s, including repealing a prohibition (WY statute 1116123b) against district borrowing and clarifying residency rules so board members who move within a district may finish their terms.
Representative Davis and Holly Kennedy of the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts told the committee that many conservation district statutes date from the 1940s and would benefit from modernization. Kennedy said two bills this session (Senate File 43 and House Bill 131) sought updates: one would repeal a prohibition that prevents districts from borrowing to purchase buildings or other capital needs (she cited Wyoming statute 1116123b) and another would clarify election/seat residency so a director who moves within district boundaries may complete a term.
"Our districts are currently prohibited from being able to borrow," Kennedy said, describing practical situations—such as buying an office—that are difficult under current law. She also described cases where board members who moved within a district were forced to vacate seats mid‑term and suggested a statutory fix that recognizes the locality at initial election but allows completion of a term if the member remains in the district.
Committee members asked about jurisdictional overlaps and whether the topic should also be routed through other committees; speakers said the issue arose in the districts' policy process and convention and that targeted interim review would be useful. The committee agreed to include the topic on the list for prioritization and possible interim briefings.
