HB0179 State park peace officers-definition and scope of authority…

Plain English Breakdown

The bill did not pass and therefore has no effective date or further details on implementation.

State Park Peace Officers: Definition and Authority

The bill changes the definition of peace officers to include full-time park rangers, superintendents, and assistant superintendents working in Wyoming's state parks, recreation areas, archaeological sites, or historic sites, giving them more authority.

What This Bill Does

Changes the definition of 'peace officer' to include full-time park rangers, superintendents, and assistant superintendents working in Wyoming's state parks, recreation areas, archaeological sites, or historic sites.

Allows these officers to act within their jurisdiction when responding to requests from other peace officers.

Who It Names or Affects

Park rangers, superintendents, and assistant superintendents working in Wyoming's state parks, recreation areas, archaeological sites, or historic sites.

Other peace officers who may request assistance from these park officials.

Terms To Know

Peace Officer

A person with the authority to enforce laws or maintain order, including full-time park rangers, superintendents, and assistant superintendents under this bill.

Jurisdiction

The area where a peace officer has legal power and responsibility.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill did not pass in the session it was introduced.

It would have taken effect on July 1, 2024, if passed.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

24LSO-0565
2024
STATE OF WYOMING
24LSO-0565
Numbered
2.0

HOUSE BILL NO. HB0179

State park peace officers-definition and scope of authority.

Sponsored by: Representative(s) Niemiec, Brown, Crago, Larson, JT, Oakley, Sommers, Stith and Washut and Senator(s) Barlow, Jones, Kolb and Nethercott

A BILL

for

AN ACT relating to criminal procedure; amending the definition of peace officer to clarify and expand the scope of authority for park rangers, superintendents and assistant superintendents; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

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

Section 1
.

W.S. 6
‑
1
‑
104(a)(vi)(P), 7
‑
2
‑
101(a)(iv)(G) and 7
‑
2
‑
106(e)(ii) are amended to read:

6
‑
1
‑
104.

Definitions.

(a)

As used in this act, unless otherwise defined:

(vi)

"Peace officer" includes the following officers assigned to duty in the state of Wyoming:

(P)

Any superintendent, assistant superintendent or
full
‑
time
park ranger of any state park, state recreation area, state archeological site or state historic site who has qualified pursuant to W.S. 9
‑
1
‑
701 through 9
‑
1
‑
707
;
, when acting within the boundaries of the state park, state recreation area, state archeological site or state historic site or when responding to a request to assist other peace officers acting within the scope of their official duties in their own jurisdiction;

7
‑
2
‑
101.

Definitions.

(a)

As used in W.S. 7
‑
2
‑
101 through 7
‑
2
‑
107:

(iv)

"Peace officer" means:

(G)

Any superintendent, assistant superintendent or
full
‑
time
park ranger of any state park, state recreation area, state archeological site or state historic site who has qualified pursuant to W.S. 9
‑
1
‑
701 through 9
‑
1
‑
707
;
, when acting within the boundaries of the state park, state recreation area, state archeological site or state historic site, or when responding to a request to assist other peace officers performing their official duties;

7
‑
2
‑
106.

Extraterritorial authority of peace officers; requests for assignment of peace officers; liability; compensation.

(e)

Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a peace officer:

(ii)

As defined in W.S. 7
‑
2
‑
101(a)(iv)(E)
or (G)
to act pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) or (iii) or subsection (b) of this section; or

Section 2
.

This act is effective July 1, 2024
.

(END)

1
HB0179