CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming lawmakers are calling for continued funding for a task force dedicated to addressing mental health and vulnerable adults. On Thursday, a bill was introduced in the state Legislature that would allow the team to continue.
HB0169 received widespread support at the Wyoming State Capitol on Thursday, with 43 members voting in favor and 18 voting against it. This bill would extend the term of the Mental Health and Vulnerable Adults Task Force, which was established in 2023, and if passed, would allow the task force to function until December 31, 2024. It will be recognized.
The purpose of this task force is to examine ways to address mental health issues and develop programs that meet the needs of at-risk adults and individuals with behavioral health problems. The team reports directly to Governor Mark Gordon and recommends legislation.
The bill now heads to the Appropriations Committee, chaired by Sen. Tara Nethercott and Rep. Bob Nichols, who both voted to continue in the task force.
The 11-person task force is comprised of legislators and leaders from a variety of state agencies. He has three senators on his team from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The members are:
- Fred Baldwin, 14th District Senator
- Eric Barlow, 23rd District Senator
- Tara Nethercott, District 4 Senator
- Lloyd Larsen, District 54 Representative
- Albert Somers, District 20 Representative
- Dan Zwonitzer, District 43 Representative
- Stefan Johansson, Wyoming Department of Health Director or designee
- Colin Schmidt, Wyoming Department of Family Services Director or designee
- Dan Shannon, Wyoming Department of Corrections Commissioner or designee;
- Megan Degenfelder, Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction or designee
- a nonvoting member of the judiciary appointed by the Supreme Court
Over the past year, Wyoming officials have expressed a determination to step up mental health efforts. In January, Governor Mark Gordon and representatives of the Mental Health Task Force held a public town hall inside the Wyoming State Capitol. The governor said he aims to increase support for health care workers, reduce the state’s suicide rate, improve access to care and foster meaningful discussion on mental health topics.
