Wildland Fire Suppression Modules for State Forestry
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Bill Summary - 26LSO-0310 Bill No.: HB0036 Effective: 4/1/2026 LSO No.: 26LSO-0310 Enrolled Act No.: HEA No. 0025 Chapter No.: 84 Prime Sponsor: Joint Appropriations Committee Catch Title: Forestry division wildland fire modules. Has Report: No Subject: Fire suppression employees and funding. Summary/Major Elements: This act authorizes twenty-four (24) employee positions within the State Forestry Division for wildland fire suppression, including full-time and temporary full-time positions. This act appropriates five million one hundred forty‑four thousand dollars ($5,144,000.00) from the General Fund for the establishment of two (2) wildland fire suppression modules, covering personnel, equipment, training and related costs. The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent. While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.
Public statements
Last checked Aug 7, 1:58 PM
R · S10
Why they voted this way
The speaker explains that they agreed to a request regarding a public information officer for each module because there were valid reasons to support it.
R · S01
Why they voted this way
The speaker explains that the committee agreed to a request regarding a public information officer for each module because they felt there were good reasons to do so.
R · H04
Why they voted this way
The speaker explains they removed an additional public information officer position from the bill because state forestry officials confirmed it was not a current need.
D · H16
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports concurring with the Senate amendments because a public information officer is essential to inform residents about fire risks during what could be one of the worst fire years in state history.
R · H40
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker recommends concurring because the lack of a public information officer creates problems with informing the public about evacuations and road closures during active fires.
R · H22
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker asks for an I vote because communities need someone dedicated to bringing information about large-scale incidents while other staff are working the fire line.
R · H31
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker recommends a no vote to send the bill to conference because local governments already have public information officers who know ground conditions better than a new state position would.
R · H21
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill citing a recent fire in Star Valley where non-Wyoming crews made questionable decisions. They believe having local Wyoming modules would prevent such detrimental outcomes and better protect district resources.
R · H02
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because having local crews allows for a faster response, which is critical in determining how long a fire lasts. They believe being proactive saves money by getting ahead of fires before they escalate.
R · H22
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment because local volunteer resources are already stretched thin during multiple simultaneous fires. They argue that trained personnel can be built now to save communities.
R · H12
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports having two modules, one for each end of the state, citing a recent fire evacuation order and current dry conditions with high winds.
R · H54
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment because professionals have made calculated recommendations on resource placement. They argue against delaying funding to see benefits when expertise is already in place.
R · H47
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment by arguing that Wyoming is too large to rely on a single module given travel times, and that there is already an existing blueprint for implementation.
R · H59
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the amendment due to concerns about the time required to organize new teams and the difficulty of recruiting enough firefighters, predicting staffing needs would double.
D · H33
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment based on experience with unprecedented fire behavior since 1988 and notes that a current fire warning is in effect.
R · H38
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the amendment to ensure the first team is properly implemented and its foundation established before expanding.
R · H11
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes adding more funding because the budget committee has already provided everything requested by the fire department.
R · H32
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports starting with two modules as a compromise between committee recommendations and governor suggestions, noting it is not new technology.
R · H25
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker reiterates their position to build one strong team first before expanding, emphasizing caution in the process.
R · H40
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment based on personal experience watching local crews struggle to assemble teams quickly while waiting for distant resources, arguing two modules would solve this.
R · H22
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker argues that waiting for a single module to prove itself before adding more would be too slow given the current severity of fires. He states that having two modules, one on each side of the state, is necessary to respond faster and avoid pulling local resources from multiple counties.
R · H31
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the amendment to add a second module immediately, arguing it is better to hire one set of personnel first to assess management and recruitment capabilities. He warns that hiring two modules at once could lower quality and compete with other agencies for staff.
R · H02
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment because having two modules could save money by reducing the need for expensive outside teams during fires. He also notes that these crews can perform mitigation work when there are no active fires.
If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.
Wyoming roll calls
10 roll calls
Official activity
Changes
5 stored
Failed 2nd reading by Representative Connolly
Adopted 3rd reading by Representative Connolly
H Adopted, S Adopted Conference Committee
Adopted Standing Committee by House Appropriations Committee
Adopted Committee of the Whole by Senator Gierau