Bill > SF0143

This bill modifies existing law to allow counties, individually or jointly, to investigate and litigate against the federal government concerning federal natural resource policies that may negatively impact Wyoming, such as those affecting the state's tax base, wildlife, private property, or water rights. Specifically, it amends the "federal natural resource policy account," which is a fund managed by the governor for state and local governments to respond to federal actions, to explicitly include counties in retaining attorneys and participating in legal actions. The bill also authorizes counties to investigate potential lawsuits and file amicus curiae briefs or intervene in existing cases related to federal actions like order number 3310 of the secretary of the interior, or other unlegislated federal actions concerning the multiple use of federal lands, with the goal of seeking damages, relief, or reimbursement for costs incurred by state or local programs mandated by the federal government without adequate funding. Furthermore, any county taking such action must report its activities to specific legislative committees by June 30, 2012, and the bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund to the federal natural resource policy account for these purposes, with the funds to be used only as outlined and reverting if unexpended by June 30, 2012.