Electrocutions-investigations.

WORKING DRAFT
2007
STATE OF WYOMING
07LSO-0626.L2

HOUSE BILL
NO.

Electrocutions-investigations.

Sponsored by:
Representative(s)
Esquibel, F.

A BILL

for

AN ACT relating to public health and safety; authorizing the chief electrical inspector to investigate electrocutions; requiring cooperation between agencies with authority to investigate electrocutions; providing for a report to the electrical board; and providing for an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:

Section 1.

W.S. 35
‑
9
‑
131 is created to read:

35
‑
9
‑
131.

Investigation of electrocutions; notification to electrical board; powers of chief electrical inspector.

(a)

The chief electrical inspector, or his designee, may investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of each electrocution occurring in the state that was reported to the chief electrical inspector or was subject to emergency response. In cases where more than one (1) agency has investigative authority over the electrocution, all agencies shall work together to fully investigate.

(b)

The chief electrical inspector, or his designee, investigating an electrocution shall notify the electrical board within one (1) week of the electrocution and may, if an investigation was done, furnish the electrical board a written statement of all facts relating to its cause and origin, and other information required by forms provided by the electrical board.

(c)

In performing the duties imposed by this section, the chief electrical inspector, or his designee, may:

(i)

Enter and examine any property, building or premises where any electrocution occurred;

(ii)

Enter any property, building or premises adjacent to that in which an electrocution occurred;

(iii)

Take full control and custody of the buildings and premises until his examination and investigations are completed; and

(iv)

Take testimony under oath and cause the testimony to be reduced to writing. In taking testimony and performing an investigation, the chief electrical inspector or his designee may:

(A)

Subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance before him;

(B)

Cause to be produced papers he requires in the examination; and

(C)

Administer oaths and affirmations to persons appearing as witnesses before him.

(d)

When the examination discloses that an electrocution involved criminal activity, the chief electrical inspector shall transmit a copy of the testimony to the district attorney for the county where the electrocution occurred.

Section 2.

W.S. 35
‑
9
‑
119 by creating a new subsection (b) and 35
‑
9
‑
124(a)(i) are amended to read:

35
‑
9
‑
119.

Duties of chief electrical inspector.

(b)

The chief electrical inspector may investigate electrocutions that occur in the state pursuant to W.S. 35
‑
9
‑
131.

35
‑
9
‑
124.

Powers and duties of board; appeals.

(a)

The board shall:

(i)

Adopt rules and regulations to implement W.S. 35
‑
9
‑
122 through
35
‑
9
‑
130
35-9-131
;

Section 2.

This act is effective July 1, 2007.

(END)

1