Wyoming Legislative Report - February 21 - KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, Sports

Wyoming Legislative Report - February 21

Final Senate vote on the lottery Friday after the bill passed its second vote Thursday. House Bill 77, provides for a state lottery and allows Wyoming to join the Powerball if approved by the lottery corporation the bill sets up. As it stands Thursday, money from lottery sales would go to cities and counties. But that could change by amendment on 3rd reading. Senators already tried to divert the money to the school land trust fund but that failed.

One study shows net revenues of 8 to 10 million dollars a year. Another study shows 20 to 40 million a year. But a more realistic return would be closer to North Dakota's $6 million in revenues a year. That's based on 22 to 25 million in gross sales. Out of that comes winning payouts, vendor commissions and administrative costs, leaving 6 to 8 million in net revenues. One objection to the bill is state liability.

Those two high-powered gun bills must be debated for a first time in the Senate Friday or they die. House Bills 104 and 103 are on the general file list. 104 would make it a crime in Wyoming to enforce stricter federal gun regulations.

103 would bar cities and counties from enacting their own gun laws.

103 sponsor Allen Jaggi says gun regulations should be consistent around Wyoming. Senate File 147 could be the first step to providing quality cardiac and stroke care for Wyoming residents. It passed the house on a second vote. Participating hospitals would be designated as receiving or referring providers for cardiac patients and designated primary or comprehensive for stroke victims.

Some smaller hospitals may not be equipped for critical cardiac care but may be excellent first responders. Final House vote on the heart and stroke bill Friday.