9-2-413. Reproduction of public records of political subdivisions.
(a) Subject to this section and with the approval of the governing body of the political subdivision, any department, agency, board or individual of any political subdivision may record or copy by any permanent reproductive process approved by the director as required in subsection (c) of this section any public record which the department, agency, board or individual of the political subdivision records, keeps, retains, or is by law, rule or regulation required to record, keep or retain for a period of years or permanently. The permanent reproduction is deemed the original or official copy of the public record so reproduced for all purposes. If any department, agency, board or individual of any political subdivision is required to record any writing or document in books or on other forms, recording done directly onto a permanent storage medium in lieu of the other required form of recordation constitutes compliance with the requirement. One (1) copy shall be made and sent to the director whenever any process is used to reproduce public records with the intent of disposing of the original or copies of the original. One (1) copy of all permanent reproductions shall be retained by the governmental entity or officer having custody of the writings or papers thus recorded or copied as the official copy.
(b) If any document is presented for recording or notation in public records the document shall, after recording, be returned to the party from whom it was received. If the party cannot be located or refuses to accept it, the document shall be disposed of in accordance with W.S. 9-2-411.
(c) Prior to adopting any reproductive process, the governing body of a political subdivision shall consult with the director. If any of the public records which are reproduced pursuant to this section are permanent records or, under the laws, rules or regulations in effect at the time of reproduction, are required to be transferred at a later date to any agency or department of the state, the reproductive process shall be approved by the director as one which clearly and accurately makes copies that will last the time they are to be kept, or can be subsequently reproduced without distortions that substantially affect their legibility.
(d) If the original documents are disposed of as allowed by law, the permanent reproduction retained by the local governmental entity or official shall be stored in a safe place and protected from destruction. Reproductions shall be available to the public for inspection in the same manner as the original documents would have been, and sufficient access shall be available to the public to permit inspection.
(e) The clerk of district court shall not reproduce, for official record purposes, the files of any action or proceeding kept in his office until two (2) years have lapsed since the initial filing in the action or proceeding. The clerk of district court may make certified or other copies of documents in his office for individuals or officials.
(f) In recording, reproducing or copying any public records as authorized by this section and in disposing of the originals or copies, no restrictions or provisions of law regarding recording, reproducing or copying, or the disposition of originals or copies inconsistent with this section apply to the governmental entity or its officers, agents and employees.
9-2-414. Department of commerce; powers and duties relative to museums, historical sites and parks.
(a) The director may:
(i) Assemble and collect archaeological and ethnological collections, relics of the history of the state and material illustrative of the natural history of the state, and works of art;
(ii) Preserve, repair and display in an orderly and educational manner the materials in the possession of the department;
(iii) Store and maintain these materials in the Wyoming state museum, the Wyoming state art gallery and other facilities.
(b) The department shall:
(i) Supervise, maintain, restore, interpret and control museums or historical sites;
(ii) Prepare and arrange all items, objects, furnishings and information in the museums and historical sites;
(iii) Furnish and supervise employees in the museums and historical sites;
(iv) Approve and perform or supervise restorations, improvements, changes and alterations of museums, historic sites and parks under the control of the department;
(v) Interpret historic sites, museums and parks by arranging and preparing all items, objects, furnishings and information relating to historic sites, museums and parks;
(vi) Assume and exercise responsibilities as the state historic preservation officer (SHPO), including supervising and assisting the Wyoming consulting committee on nominations to the national register of historic places and to implement the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665; 80 Stat. 915; 16 U.S.C. § 470 et seq.), as amended;
(vii) Research and prepare legends for all historic monuments and markers;
(viii) Consult with the parks and cultural resources commission on archives, museums and historical related activities.
(c) As used in this section, "museums" and "historical sites" includes Trails End, Fort Fetterman, Historic Governor's Mansion, Fort Phil Kearney (including the Wagon Box Fight Site and Fetterman Massacre Site), Wyoming State Museum and Fort Bridger.
9-2-415. Director; duties relative to promotion of history of state and region.
(a) The director shall:
(i) Collect books, maps, charts, documents, manuscripts, other papers and any obtainable documentary material illustrative of the history and development of the state and region;
(ii) Collect, compile and publish data of the events which mark the progress of Wyoming from its earliest day to the present time, through the medium of a state historical periodical, to be published as and when the board directs;
(iii) Procure facts and statements relative to the history and ethnology of the Indian tribes and other inhabitants within the state;
(iv) File and carefully preserve all the historical data collected or obtained and arrange and classify it so it is readily accessible for disseminating historical or biographical information requested by the public;
(v) Accept and receive gifts;
(vi) Promote the founding and development of a state historical society and of county historical societies; and
(vii) Create and maintain local and statewide interest in the history of the state and region.
9-2-419. Marking, defacing, removing or tampering with certain materials; penalty.
Any person marking, defacing, removing or tampering in any manner whatsoever with any property acquired under W.S. 9-2-404 through 9-2-415, by the director or, acquired under W.S. 9-2-3210 through 9-2-3212 by the state librarian or state library board is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00).
9-2-603. Wyoming council for women's issues; creation; areas of attention.
(a) The Wyoming council for women's issues is created within the department of workforce services. The council for women's issues shall focus attention on the status of women in Wyoming with emphasis on the following areas:
(i) Employment practices;
(ii) Educational opportunities;
(iii) Home and community;
(iv) Legal rights and responsibilities.
(b) As used in this article, unless otherwise specified, "council" means the Wyoming council for women's issues.
removal; officers; acceptance of gifts and donations; expenses.
(a) The council shall be composed of fourteen (14) members, each of whom shall serve for a term of six (6) years. The governor shall make the appointments and fill any vacancies for unexpired terms. The governor may remove any member as provided in W.S. 9-1-202. The council shall be composed of one (1) woman from each of the judicial districts in the state, four (4) persons chosen at large and the director of the department of workforce services or the director's designee who shall be an ex officio member. Not more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the members shall be from the same political party. Of the initial members appointed from each of the judicial districts, three (3) members shall be appointed for terms of two (2) years, three (3) members shall be appointed for terms of four (4) years and three (3) members shall be appointed for terms of six (6) years.
(b) The council shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from its members. The department of workforce services may employ a secretary on a part-time basis to assist the council. The council may accept gifts and donations.
(c) Members of the council shall receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed under W.S. 9-3-102 and 9-3-103 for per diem and travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
(a) The governor may appoint three (3) commissioners to the national conference of commissioners on uniform state laws. Commissioners shall serve three (3) year terms. Each commissioner shall reside in a different judicial district. The governor may remove any commissioner as provided in W.S. 9-1-202. Vacancies shall be filled by the governor for the unexpired term.
(b) Each commissioner may be reimbursed under W.S. 9-3-102 and 9-3-103 for per diem and travel expenses incurred in attending any annual conference. Each commissioner shall report annually to the governor on the transactions and recommendations of the conference.
9-2-702. Contribution for expenses of national conference.
Each year, an amount determined by the legislature shall be paid to the national conference of commissioners on uniform state laws as the state's contribution to the expenses of the conference.
(a) As used in W.S. 9-2-801 through 9-2-810:
(i) "Geology" means as defined by W.S. 33-41-102(a)(vi);
(ii) "Geologist" means as defined by W.S. 33-41-102(a)(iv).
(iii) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 170, § 2.
9-2-803. State geologist; appointment; term; removal;
pecuniary interest in mineral property in state prohibited; duties; powers.
(a) The state geologist shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate. He shall hold his office for six (6) years or until his successor is appointed and qualified. No person shall be appointed to this position unless he is a professional geologist as defined by W.S. 9-2-801(a)(ii) with the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience and skill for the position. The governor may remove the state geologist as provided in W.S. 9-1-202.
(b) Neither the state geologist nor the geological program manager shall hold a pecuniary interest in a producing or prospective mineral property of any kind, including oil and gas, in this state.
(c) The state geologist shall:
(i) Examine and report on any state or school lands when requested by the board of land commissioners and make written reports concerning the geology of any lands in which Wyoming is interested and on other matters about which the respective state boards desire information;
(ii) Perform all other acts provided by the laws of Wyoming relating to mineral deposits;
(iii) Make valuation surveys, investigations, appraisements and reports on the mineral resources of the state;
(iv) Keep in his office full and complete records of all work done by him or under his supervision, all of which shall be the property of the state;
(v) Publish all reports, maps and data he considers advisable and of public interest, and distribute the reports, maps and data to the public upon request either free or at a reasonable price;
(vi) Regarding roadside bedrock geological formations shall:
(A) Receive, investigate and attempt to resolve any complaints under W.S. 24-1-118(b)(iii);
(B) Report grievances under W.S. 24-1-118(b)(iii) to the joint minerals, business and economic development interim committee;
(C) Consult with the department of transportation as provided in W.S. 24-1-118(b)(iv) on the appropriateness of any signage identifying roadside bedrock geological formations.
(d) The state geologist may:
(i) Designate and supervise mining operations on state and school lands in the interest of economic development;
(ii) Cooperate with the United States government, departments of the state of Wyoming, University of Wyoming or private corporations in geological, topographic, soil and mineral surveys, and in industrial investigations and examinations that may bring about further economic development of the mineral resources of the state. The cooperative activities of his office may be accomplished on whatever basis he determines but in no case shall the cost to the state exceed fifty percent (50%) of the cost of the activity.
9-2-804. Geological survey; created; location of office and headquarters.
A geological survey of Wyoming is created. The office and headquarters of the geological survey shall be in Laramie, Albany County, Wyoming, and may be located at the University of Wyoming.
9-2-805. Geological survey; duties; disposition of materials and specimens collected.
(a) The geological survey shall:
(i) Study the geological formations and rocks of the state with special reference to its metallic and nonmetallic resources;
(ii) Examine the topography and physical features of the state focusing on the way people use the land;
(iii) Seek a comprehensive understanding of the geology of and fossils in the state;
(iv) Prepare and publish:
(A) Reports and maps of the geology and mineral resources of the state;
(B) Reports and maps of the topography and physical features of the state;
(C) Special reports, with necessary illustrations and maps, of the geology of and fossils in the state;
(D) Comprehensive summaries or digests, together with bibliographies and maps, of all literature and reports heretofore published on the geology and mineral resources of Wyoming.
(v) Distribute to the public on request publications and maps either free or at prices determined by the geological survey;
(vi) Furnish advice and consulting services to state departments, agencies and officers;
(vii) Contract with Wyoming state agencies, industry, federal and state geological surveys for services involving any of the foregoing purposes or areas.
(b) The geological survey shall deposit in the geological museum of the University of Wyoming all materials and specimens after the purposes of the geological survey have been served. Duplicates may be distributed to scientific and industrial institutions under regulations adopted by the state geologist and the geological survey board.
9-2-806. Geological survey; state geologist as chief administrative officer; duties; appointment of employees.
(a) The state geologist is the chief administrative officer of the geological survey. With the advice of the geological survey board, the state geologist shall:
(i) Supervise the functions of the geological survey;
(ii) Establish policy for the geological survey.
(b) With the consent of the board and within the appropriation allowed by law, the state geologist may appoint employees necessary to assist him and the board.
term; qualifications; removal; vacancies; election of officers; meetings; quorum; compensation; expenses; duties.
(a) The geological survey board is created. The board consists of eight (8) members, including the governor, the president of the University of Wyoming or his designee, the state oil and gas supervisor and five (5) members appointed for four (4) year terms by the governor with the consent of the senate. The five (5) members shall be qualified electors of the state who possess the knowledge, experience and skill to qualify them for the position. The governor may remove any appointed member as provided in W.S. 9-1-202. Vacancies shall be filled by the governor for the unexpired term. The state geologist is an ex officio member of the board.
(b) At each March meeting, the board shall elect from its members a president, a vice-president and a secretary.
(c) The board shall hold meetings in March, June, September and December. Special meetings may be called by the president or by a majority of the members of the board. A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum.
(d) The five (5) public members of the board shall receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed under W.S. 9-3-102 and 9-3-103 for per diem and travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
(e) The board shall:
(i) Assist the state geologist in formulating and directing policies and programs of the geological survey;
(ii) Adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the administration of W.S. 9-2-804 through 9-2-810.
9-2-808. Geological survey; authority to cooperate and exchange information; cost.
The geological survey may cooperate and exchange information with and contract with the United States geological survey, state geological surveys, departments of the state of Wyoming, the University of Wyoming, private industry, scientific institutions and foundations for projects or undertakings which will further the purposes of the geological survey. The cost to the state of Wyoming shall in no case exceed the amount approved therefor by the board.
9-2-809. Geological survey; use of University of Wyoming students for field expeditions; expenses.
The geological survey may organize field expeditions to perform work for the geological survey using University of Wyoming students who are sufficiently advanced in their study of geology to be able to perform the work. Field expedition expenses shall be paid from a general fund appropriation upon authorization by the board.
9-2-810. Legislative declaration of cooperation with United States geological survey.
It is the policy of the state of Wyoming to cooperate in the topographic mapping of the state of Wyoming with the topographic division of the United States geological survey in a program to secure accurate topographic maps of the state and to speed up this mapping. Subarticle A. General Provisions
(a) The Wyoming arts council board is created as an advisory board within the department of state parks and cultural resources, consisting of ten (10) members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate who are removable by the governor as provided in W.S. 9-1-202. The members shall be residents of Wyoming who are known for their competence and experience in the arts.
(b) In making appointments, due consideration shall be given to the recommendations made by representative civic, educational and professional associations and groups, concerned with or engaged in the productions or presentation of the performing and fine arts generally.
(c) As used in this article:
(i) "Board" means the Wyoming arts council board created in subsection (a) of this section;
(ii) "Department" means the department of state parks and cultural resources.
9-2-902. Terms of members; vacancies; chairman and vice-chairman; expenses; personnel.
(a) The term of office of each member of the board is three (3) years. Vacancies shall be filled by the governor for the unexpired term. The board shall select from its membership a chairman and vice-chairman. The members of the board shall receive no compensation, but shall be reimbursed under W.S. 9-3-102 and 9-3-103 for travel and per diem expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
(b) Repealed by Laws 1989, ch. 140, § 3.
(a) The department, in consultation with the board, shall:
(i) Stimulate and encourage throughout the state the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and develop public interest and participation therein;
(ii) Make surveys of public and private institutions engaged within the state in:
(A) Artistic and cultural activities, including music, theater, dance, painting, sculpture, architecture; and
(B) Allied arts and crafts such as photography, literature, creative writing, poetry, films, television, radio, sound recording, costume and fashion design, industrial design, ceramic design and folk art.
(iii) Develop appropriate methods and programs to encourage participation in and appreciation of the arts to meet the legitimate needs and aspirations of persons in all parts of the state;
(iv) Encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of our state and expand the state's cultural resources;
(v) Encourage and assist freedom of artistic expression essential for the well-being of the arts;
(vi) Administer and acquire works of art for public buildings in accordance with W.S. 16-6-801 through 16-6-805.
(b) Repealed By Laws 2009, Ch. 101, § 2.
(c) The board may:
(i) Work with the department to encourage and facilitate public interest in the cultural heritage of the state and to expand the state's cultural resources;
(ii) Advise the department on program planning and policy formulation including fiscal policies;
(iii) Participate in the development and review of long and short range plans for the arts in Wyoming and advise the department in developing policies to implement those plans;
(iv) Make recommendations to the director of the department and administrator of the division of cultural resources within the department on the selection of the manager of the Wyoming arts council program;
(v) Appoint committees and task forces to carry out any duties deemed necessary by the board;
(vi) Chair grant review committees or panels and approve the membership of grant review panels, committees and artist rosters;
(vii) Consider recommendations of grant review committees and panels and approve grants to artists, arts organizations and other applicants;
(viii) Review and recommend to the department a budget for arts programs and advise the department on the allocation of state and federal funds;
(ix) Review and recommend arts programs, approve guidelines for programs and oversee the arts grant making functions of the department;
(x) Actively promote and advocate for the arts throughout the state and the region.
9-2-904. Powers; receipt of assistance and data; receipt of money and property.
(a) The board may:
(i) Hold public hearings;
(ii) Repealed By Laws 2009, Ch. 101, § 2.
(iii) Repealed By Laws 2009, Ch. 101, § 2.
(iv) Appoint advisory committees as it deems necessary to carry out its duties.
(b) The department of state parks and cultural resources may request and shall receive from any department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state assistance and data which will enable it properly to carry out its powers and duties hereunder.
(c) The department may receive any money or property of any kind or character, donated, granted or bequeathed to the board, the department or to the state of Wyoming for the purposes of furthering the objectives of the department's arts program. Money received and the proceeds of other property received under this subsection shall be deposited in a separate revenue account to be expended upon legislative appropriation for purposes of this article.
(d) The department may:
(i) Hold public hearings;
(ii) Enter into contracts for services and award grants furthering the objectives of the department's arts program; and
(iii) Enter into contracts with local and regional associations for cooperative endeavors furthering the objectives of the department's arts program.
(e) The department is designated as the official state agency for purposes of receiving and disbursing any federal funds made available for purposes of this article. Subarticle B. Endowments