The Government Advocacy Committee of AIA Wyoming continues to meet periodically via conference call as required to address topics as they arise. We have also been observing selected legislative committee meetings remotely over the internet.

A workgroup primarily made up of various State agencies was formed in April. This group was similar to the one formed last year that helped develop bills HB-50, HB-51 and HB-52. Those bills amended several State statutes about different aspects of construction administration. The current workgroup was formed by the State Construction Department to assist in the development of a set of standardized procurement rules, regulations, and procedures for the construction administration of state-owned buildings and school facilities. AIA Wyoming was invited to participate in a series of “Zoom” meetings of this group, and the GAC participated in all seven sessions through June and July. The draft rules developed during those sessions will be submitted to the governor’s office for emergency rulemaking following review by the attorney general’s office. The same rule packet will also be submitted for regular rulemaking, and the regular rules are expected to be open for public comment in the fall of 2020.

A couple of draft bills were discussed by the Joint Appropriations Committee that could modify architectural licensing requirements in the state. While in the draft stage, these bills drew interest from several different members of AIA Wyoming. To keep AIA Wyoming apprised of developments, the GAC followed these bills during interim committee meetings.

The topic of sales tax on professional services was again raised during interim committee meetings but failed in the Joint Revenue Committee on August 25. Following a preference of AIA Wyoming as identified during an informal vote at the fall conference in Casper, the Government Advocacy Committee worked to develop a position statement about taxes to share with, and hopefully be useful to, legislators as they struggle with budget shortfalls.

We continue to communicate with the American Council of Engineering Companies of Wyoming. The Government Advocacy Committee welcomes any requests for additional information or questions regarding these or other legislative topics of interest to our profession. This committee needs additional members and asks that any interested individuals please contact the president or executive director of AIA Wyoming.

The committee is always looking for new members, and this year Mark is stepping down as the committee chair, so we are looking for a replacement.