275 P.3d 474
Wyo.2012Background
- Mullinax petitioned for establishment of a private road for the Zowadas; Mullinax I remanded for explicit findings on two routes.
- After remand, amendments to Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 24-9-101 were enacted (2008, 2009) governing private road petitions.
- The Commission on remand applied the amended 2009 statute rather than the 2005 statute that guided Mullinax I.
- Mullinax petitioned for writ of review arguing the 2005 statute should govern the proceedings on remand.
- This Court held the 2005 version governs; retroactive application of the amendments is not warranted.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Should § 24-9-101 be applied as in 2005 or with 2008-2009 amendments? | Mullinax argues the proceedings remain under the 2005 statute. | Zowada/Board contend amendments apply retroactively on remand. | Amendments do not apply retroactively; 2005 statute governs. |
Key Cases Cited
- Johnson v. Safeway Stores, Inc., 568 P.2d 908 (Wyo. 1977) (general rule against retroactive statute application)
- Dale v. S & S Builders, LLC, 188 P.3d 554 (Wyo. 2008) (agency conclusions of law reviewed de novo)
- Diamond B Servs., Inc. v. Rohde, 120 P.3d 1031 (Wyo. 2005) (savings statute and retroactivity considerations)
- Wyo. Ref. Co. v. Bottjen, 695 P.2d 647 (Wyo. 1985) (statutory amendments and pending actions—retroactivity framework)
- Aden v. State, 761 P.2d 88 (Wyo. 1988) (procedural amendments may be retroactive to avoid manifest injustice)