Legislature looks at vulnerable populations its third week

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - On Tuesday legislature talked about bills that protect our vulnerable populations.

To stave off the growing problem of Fentanyl, House Bill 111 protects children from exposure by expanding on a current statute to protect their rights.

This bill will allow for a 5-year felony charge if a child is exposed to the drug.

“For anybody again, it’s a really big deal for law enforcement. So it’s important we start getting a handle on this fentanyl crisis, really.” Rep. Ember Oakley H.D. 55

Next, House Bill 81 could expand funding for psychiatric facilities by working with Medicaid and the state to reimburse supplemental payments to provide more services.

This would impact adolescents with mental health issues. When state facilities are at capacity, kids get sent out of state or to a hospital where they may not be evaluated or sent to a county jail.

”So anything we can do to bolster the psychiatric services, its important for the citizens of the a state,” said Llyod Larsen H.D. 54.

The House Revenue Committee discussed a bill allowing taxes from senior service districts to upgrade senior facilities.

”These arent the big headline stuff that you see on facebook or washington dc stuff but most of the work we do here are the little things where we are trying to correct an issue ina certain town or county,” said Steve Harshman, Chairman House Revenue, H.D. 37.

Finally, according to lawmakers, House Bill 70 will allow homeschoolers to network with other homeschoolers to expand learning opportunities.

”For the kids to be able to have more resources at their disposal. And help parents to provide a little flexibility and a little more latitude to and maybe a broader base for education for home schoolers,” said Chip Neiman, H.D.01.

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