(The Billings Gazette posted the following Associated Press article on its website on February 7.)
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming House approved 21 bills Thursday, including legislation that would allow railroads to appoint police officers, raise fees to transport radioactive materials and restrict youth driving.
Two reconsideration votes failed, both on bills that had been narrowly defeated the day before.
The House voted 39-20 against taking another look at a measure increasing the penalty for animal cruelty. It had been defeated 31-28 Wednesday. A similar bill, however, remains alive in the Senate.
Representatives voted 46-13 against reconsidering a 1-cent increase in the fuel tax to help pay for city street improvements. That measure failed by one vote the previous day.
House Bill 174, which would authorize railroads to appoint peace officers, drew opposition from Rep. Wayne Reese, D-Cheyenne, a locomotive engineer.
“There are a few services that I believe only a government should provide,” he said. “They should not be turned over to an industry.”
Firefighting, operating jails and police protection are roles that should not be turned over to the private sector, he said.
“Why would we want to give an industry access to information and databases that were designed strictly for law enforcement agencies?” Reese said.
Rep. Pete Illoway, R-Cheyenne, the sponsor, said Wyoming and Minnesota are the only states that do not have such a law.
Rail police officers would be given very limited status, he said, “and only when a crime has been committed on railroad property and only to protect employees, passenger and property. These limitations mirror those in federal statute and surrounding states.”
The measure was passed 34-25 and sent to the Senate.
HB183, passed 42-17, would raise the fee from $200 to $1,500 that is imposed on shipments of radioactive materials through the state. The money goes into a fund used to prepare for emergencies.
HB221, passed 48-10, would tighten regulation of auto dealers by requiring those seeking car-selling licenses to provide fingerprints and other information so the Wyoming Department of Transportation can conduct background checks.
The measure would allow a 90-day temporary license to allow the department time to investigate. If the applicant passes review, a permanent license would be issued.