What Is To Come This Week In The House

The Wyoming House is set for another week full of issues that need to be agreed upon. Here's a look at some of the bills and topics that will be covered this week in the House.

Up for discussion this week are a lot of important issues when it comes to Wyoming and the rights of its citizens. Some of the topics that will be discussed in the House this week are eminent domain, abortion, Coroner Records, and the use of seat belts. These are all very important issues in regards to Wyoming and the health and safety of its residents.

A proposal to raise fines for drivers who are caught not wearing their seat belts has advanced to the Wyoming House. Yesterday on third reading, the Senate approved the measure. Under Senate File 51 drivers will now have to pay a $75 fine, which is up from $25. Under the proposal, not wearing a seat belt would still remain as a secondary offense. Also, drivers may only be cited if pulled over for another offense. During that time, if a driver is not using a seat belt then he or she will be fined.

Another bill in which the House gave final approval to on Monday was that of House Bill 42. The bill deals with restrictions on Coroner records and rights of the public. Under the measure, only immediate family members would be able to view reports from the coroner such as toxicology reports, photographs or recordings. A judge's permission would be required to access records if you are not an immediate family member.

Abortion is another tough topic when it comes to the health, safety and well being of Wyoming residents. This week the House is set to consider a bill that would require doctors to inform patients that they could view an ultrasound image of their fetus beforehand. Opponents have voiced concern that the bill would interfere with the doctor-patient relationship, and would also interfere with a woman's legal right to abortion. Some say it may also place a heavier burden on women of low income. The first hearing on the bill is set for today, Tuesday January 25th.

The House Minerals Committee has indefinitely postponed legislation that would have extended a moratorium on non-utility companies and their ability to use eminent domain for building collector lines to wind farms. It is likely that this summer Wyoming's ban on giving wind developers eminent domain powers will expire. Several legislators said they hope the bill will be looked at again during the interim session.