Opinion ID: 1161761
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: governmental claims act immunity

Text: The Wyoming Governmental Claims Act provides that a governmental entity and its public employees while acting within the scope of their duties are immune from liability for any tort except as provided in the act. W.S. 1-39-104. The act lists specific governmental activities to which immunity does not apply. W.S. 1-39-105 through 1-39-112. Although the governmental activities challenged in this case do not fall within any of these exceptions, the act further provides: If a governmental entity has insurance coverage either exceeding the limits of liability as stated in this section or covering liability which is not authorized by this act, the governmental entity's liability is extended to the coverage. W.S. 1-39-118(b)(i). Relying on this provision, appellants contend that the Board waived its immunity by purchasing insurance which covers its liability in the present case. Four insurance policies appear in the record. The district court apparently concluded that none of the policies provided coverage for appellants' claims. While this conclusion might be correct, the record, in its present state, is insufficient to support summary judgment on this basis. In our view, the insurance coverage question was not adequately addressed in the district court. In addition, the Board neither briefed nor argued the issue on appeal. Instead, it urged us to affirm the district court solely on the ground of quasi-legislative immunity. We remand the case to the district court for a reasoned resolution of the insurance coverage issue and any other proceedings which may be necessary. REVERSED AND REMANDED. THOMAS, J., filed a specially concurring opinion. O'BRIEN, District Judge, filed an opinion concurring in part and dissenting in part.