Wyoming 2022 Regular Session

Wyoming Senate Bill SF0098

Introduced

2/16/22

Report Pass

2/17/22

Engrossed

2/21/22

Refer

2/23/22

Report Pass

2/25/22

Enrolled

3/7/22

Vetoed

3/11/22

Caption

Federal emergency COVID-19 relief funding-limitations.

Impact

This legislation is significant as it modifies existing laws on emergency funding, giving the governor increased authority to allocate federal funds specifically for public health emergency responses. The bill stipulates that any emergency programs created under its provisions will expire unless continued by legislative action, ensuring a temporary framework for managing federal funds related to COVID-19 while also maintaining legislative oversight. Furthermore, the bill sets a limit on payments to ensure that state funds are not obligated beyond what has already been appropriated by the legislature.

Summary

Senate File 0098 (SF0098) was enacted during the 2022 Budget Session of the Wyoming Legislature, focusing on the expenditure and limitations of federal COVID-19 relief funds. The bill allows the governor to implement emergency programs funded by federal provisions, specifically directing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and other federal acts for COVID-19 related expenses. The bill outlines a timeline for fund appropriations and mandates that unspent federal funds be deposited back into the general fund unless specified by federal law.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around SF0098 appears to be supportive among legislators who see it as necessary for responding effectively to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The bill received a unanimous vote with no dissenting opinions during its voting history, reflecting broad bipartisan agreement on the need to adapt to federal funding requirements while still allowing the state to address emergency situations. However, some concerns may exist regarding the extent of power granted to the governor in executing these federal funds without requiring additional legislative approvals.

Contention

Notable points of contention or concerns revolve around the balance of power between state legislative bodies and the governor's executive authority. Critics of similar legislation often stress the risks associated with giving too much discretion to the executive branch, particularly concerning financial management and emergency spending. The specified end date of appropriations and the conditions under which federal funds are to be reallocated could lead to debates on accountability and proper oversight of fund utilization.

Latest WY SF0098 Activity

View All Events: WY 2022 Regular Session SF0098

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WY AB624

Office of Emergency Services: federal grant funding; Community Relief Act.

WY SB706

School funding; removing limitations on school district general fund carryover and penalties for exceeding limitations. Effective date. Emergency.

WY SB706

School funding; removing limitations on school district general fund carryover and penalties for exceeding limitations. Effective date. Emergency.

WY SB1193

School funding; removing limitations on school district general fund carryover and penalties for exceeding limitations. Effective date. Emergency.

WY A422

Requires Department of Education to annually report use of federal COVID-19 relief funds.

WY HB58

Provides relative to limitations of liability due to the COVID-19 public health emergency (Item #40)

WY SB2966

Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act of 2025

WY HB0118

Limitations on net land gains for the federal government.

WY HB5674

Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act of 2025

WY HB19

To prohibit any entity that receives Federal funds from the COVID relief packages from mandating employees receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.