Lawmakers Reject Abandoned Building Penalties

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — State lawmakers have rejected a proposal that would have allowed development authorities to fine owners of abandoned buildings.

A legislative committee voted 9-4 in opposition of the bill Wednesday.

The bill brought by Democratic Representative James Byrd of Cheyenne also failed to pass out of a committee earlier this year.

Byrd says unoccupied or unsafe buildings can impact revitalization efforts and bring down nearby property values. Fining the owners up to thousands of dollars could encourage them to fix the property or sell it to someone who will, he says.

The committee members who voted against the proposal argue that it violates personal property rights.