Kinner Talks Investment of State Funds Legislation

Two mirror bills have passed second reading in their second house which means they are very close to the finish line of becoming law. If passed, either House Bill 249 or Senate File 138 would open up the door for the state to potentially purchase millions of acres of land that comes with mineral rights. Local Representative Mark Kinner is a co-sponsor on the House version of the measure and he explained that he believes the situation needs to be vetted thoroughly.

One thing that Representative Kinner is concerned about is how the state would find the funds necessary to complete the purchase.

If passed, the measure does not guarantee that the land purchase will be made or even attempted. It would simply authorize the state to pursue the possibility and have a choice on whether or not to put in a bid based upon the information gathered. Local Senators Bo Biteman and Dave Kinskey voted in favor of the legislation. On the House side, the local delegation was split with Representatives Kinner and Cyrus Western in favor and Mark Jennings and Richard Tass opposed. To view the legislation, follow the links below.

House Bill 249: https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2020/HB0249

Senate File 138: https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2020/SF0138