Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
State Rep. John Winter (R-Thermopolis) excitedly announced the passing of House Bill 188 during the recent 67th Legislature General Session.
In an interview March 9, Winter spoke about his experience at the General Session. He said “It was interesting; frustrating at times. I think we got some good things done, and there were some other things we should have gotten done but we weren’t able to get it accomplished.”
House Bill 188 was one of five bills and one joint resolution sponsored by Winter during the session that ended March3, but it was the only one to be passed. House Bill 188 is something Winter has worked on since becoming a legislator in 2019.
This bill was signed into law on Feb. 27 by Governor Mark Gordon, and creates a fund that will provide reimbursement to the owners of livestock that are harmed by wolves. It will go into effect on July 1.
Winter said, “Last session we worked on it; didn’t get it passed, but we did get some funding for it, and got it started anyway.” This bill secures $300,000 from the general fund for use between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2028.
Initially, Winter had asked for $220,000, but during consideration in committee it was decided to increase the fund. Winter said “There’s some opportunity there to do some good things for these livestock operators. I was pleased with that.”
Next, Winter spoke about House Joint Resolution 3, which did not pass during the General Session but did spark debate. This joint resolution requested that the United States Congress enact legislation to allow federal land management agencies to implement the population management practice of slaughter for wild horses and burros.
As it stands, these animals are protected by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, which recognizes them as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West.” Concern for the population management of these animals has grown in recent years, as they continue to expand due to their lack of any natural predators. They graze on the same vegetation as other native species and livestock, and their growing numbers mean more pressure on food sources for other animals that share their diet and even themselves.
Winter said, “Right now there’s really no solution. The Adopt a Horse program is pretty much filled up. They get rid of a few, but there aren’t too many that go for adoption anymore. These feed lots and these pastures that they put these captured horses in costs the American taxpayers $77 million a year. That’s not acceptable.” He continued, “As far as I can determine, there are no slaughterhouses in the country. There was one in Canada that is now closed, and the ones in Mexico are full. It’s a problem; what do you do with these horses?”
Winter advocated for the creation of an equine slaughter and processing facility in the United States, saying that he wishes for the US to be in charge of regulating such a process, and ensuring that it is carried out as humanely as possible.
Although it is not the prettiest, Winter believes that this is the most realistic solution to the issue of wild horse and burro overpopulation. He said “I’ve made my living with horses and mules my whole life. I love them as much as anybody. But they are a resource and we have to manage them.”
House Joint Resolution 3 died in Senate committee during the General Session on Feb. 24. Winter said “It was probably for the better. We’re approaching it differently now; we have to get the attention of the Feds, and have them take this seriously, because they are the ones that are going to have to make this decision.”
Winter hopes to once again introduce this topic during interim meeting sessions of the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee later this year. He said “We just gotta get the right plan put forward, and hopefully make some headway.”
Other legislation Winter sponsored that did not pass:
House Bill 166, which would provide an exemption from lodging taxes for wildlife guides and outfitters.
House Bill 189, which would limit homeowner’s associations’ ability to regulate political campaign signs.
House Bill 218, which would designate the Jackson Hole Fairgrounds as a state historic site.
House Bill 258, which would amend licensing statutes for other dental professions to include denturists.