CHEYENNE - The third week of the 65^th General Session of the Wyoming State Legislature concluded today with 441 bills having been filed, 172 in the Senate and 269 in the House of Representatives. Thursday, January 24, 2019, at 12:00 PM was the deadline for Senate Files to be introduced, while the House has until Tuesday, January 29, 2019.

 
Senator Steinmetz was thankful for the passage of her file, Senate File 41, County fair endowment, which authorizes each county to establish a county fair endowment fund. SF 41 passed the full Senate this week and was received by the House for introduction.
 
“I am pleased the Senate recognized the importance of our local county fairs and fairgrounds to our communities across Wyoming,” said Senator Steinmetz. “I look forward to seeing this piece of legislation as it works its way through the House. As the bill moves through the process, I will make sure my House colleagues understand the importance of keeping our local county fairs and fairgrounds economically stable.”
 
Senate File 40, Operation of motorboats, was passed unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday morning and is on Committee of the Whole Friday, January 25, 2019. This legislation would amend the alcohol concentration level that constitutes operation of a motorboat by an intoxicated person which is currently 0.10, making the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level the same as for motor vehicles which is 0.08.
 
“SF 40 is a common-sense piece of legislation that ensures the well-being of Wyoming residents whether they are on our roads or waterways,” said Senator Steinmetz.  “I want to thank the Judiciary Committee for its unanimous endorsement of this important issue.”
 
Senator Steinmetz’s other bills, including Senate File 94, Secretary of state-nomination qualifications, and Senate File 99, Voting systems and ballots will both be heard in Senate Corporations on Tuesday.

 
Senator Steinmetz continues to fight for the integrity of elections in Wyoming. After the defeat of SF 32 in the Senate Judiciary, Senator Steinmetz signed on to cosponsor SF 160 – Change in political party affiliation-2.
 
“The voters of Wyoming must have confidence in their elections. Ensuring that members of the major political parties have the ability to select their respective candidates through true party primaries provides the best chance for candidates to accurately champion the desires of their own parties,” stated Senator Steinmetz, “SF 160 allows political parties to advance candidates of their choice by providing a time limit on the ability to switch parties for affiliated voters.”
 
Additional issues of importance to Senator Steinmetz and SD 03 having seen legislative action this week include:

• SF0054 - Wyoming cowboy challenge academy endowment.
• SJ0003 - Wyoming's Women Suffrage Day.
• SF0093 – Grizzly bear hunts.
• SF0068 - Meat from harvested livestock or poultry.

All four of these bills were supported by Senator Steinmetz and have passed the Senate.
 
Senator Steinmetz was pleased to welcome members of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association and Wyoming County Clerks Association this week to discuss issues of importance to their counties and as local elected officials.
 
“Elected county officers play such an important role in the lives of Wyoming residents because they are dealing with government issues that are the closest to the people,” said Senator Steinmetz. “I look forward to hearing from commissioners, clerks and other locally elected officials every year during the session because they have the best pulse of our communities. I respect their opinions on legislative matters.”
 
About Senator Steinmetz: Senator Cheri Steinmetz (R-Lingle) was sworn in to serve Senate District 03 in January of 2019. Previously, she served in the Wyoming House, representing House District 05 from 2015 to 2019. She currently serves on the Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee and the Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee.
 
Citizens interested in following the work of the Wyoming State Legislature can listen online, track bills and contact their legislators at www.wyoleg.gov.