In Varsity Tutors LLC v. LIRC (2018AP1951), the Court of Appeals District I held that a worker was an independent contractor, not an employee, of an online business connecting tutors and students. Varsity Tutors hosts online profiles of contracted tutors and allows students to browse and select tutors. Once students have selected and been accepted […]
PFAS Update: DNR Board Votes on Scope Statements, Agency Water Recommendations
Date Fri, Oct. 25, 2019 - 11:08am By Hamilton
Proposed regulations of PFAS compounds are continuing to move through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Meanwhile, other agencies have made recommendations to the governor on these PFAS chemicals and other clean water issues. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are manufactured chemicals found in many everyday products, including nonstick pans, cleaning products, paints, and […]
Legislators Reintroduce Family Medical Leave Bill
Date Fri, Oct. 25, 2019 - 10:56am By Hamilton
Sen. Janis Ringhand (D-Evansville) and Rep. Sondy Pope (D-Mt. Horeb) are reintroducing a bill that would expand Wisconsin’s Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The legislators circulated for cosponsorship the new FMLA proposal (LRB 0323) on Oct. 22. The bill would expand the application of the FMLA to small businesses with at least 25 permanent […]
MU Poll Asks Voters About Impeachment, 2020 Dem Primary
Date Fri, Oct. 25, 2019 - 10:30am By Hamilton
Marquette University (MU) Law School released its fourth poll of 2019 on Oct. 23. The poll again gauged Wisconsin voter opinions on the candidates in the 2020 Democratic primary for president. The October poll also included measures of voter support for presidential impeachment, opinions on state and national politicians, and overall views on the state […]
Gov. Evers Calls Special Session on Gun Reform
Date Fri, Oct. 25, 2019 - 10:26am By Hamilton
On Oct. 21, Gov. Tony Evers issued Executive Order #54, calling for a special session of the Legislature on Nov. 7 to address gun violence. The executive order directs the legislature to consider two bills: a “red-flag” law and universal background check requirements. LRB 4383/LRB 4700, authored by Rep. Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) and Sen. Lena […]
New Dates Set for 7th CD Special Election
Date Fri, Oct. 25, 2019 - 10:17am By Hamilton
On Oct. 18, Gov. Tony Evers announced revised dates for the special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Weston) in Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District. Duffy resigned on Sept. 23. The new special election will be held on May 12, 2020, with a primary on Feb. 18, 2020, the same day as the statewide […]
Assembly Rule Changes
Date Fri, Oct. 25, 2019 - 10:11am By Hamilton
In their Oct. 10 floor session, the Wisconsin Assembly voted largely along party lines to approve several Assembly rule changes in two Assembly Resolutions. Assembly Resolution 12, which passed 61-35, included provisions to allow members with permanent disabilities to participate in committee meetings remotely. Other changes included in AR 12 were: Establishes time limits for […]
Supreme Court Holds Oral Arguments in Second Extraordinary Session Challenge
Date Fri, Oct. 25, 2019 - 10:08am By Hamilton
On Oct. 21, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held oral arguments in the second challenge in state courts to the laws passed in the 2018 extraordinary session (2017 Acts 368, 369, and 370). The plaintiffs, Service Employees International Union, Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, American Federation of Teachers-Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Area Service and Hospitality […]
Gov. Evers Creates Climate Change Task Force
Date Fri, Oct. 25, 2019 - 10:04am By Hamilton
On Oct. 17, Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #52, creating a Task Force on Climate Change. The task force is charged with advising the governor in developing a strategy on climate change by: Evaluating the science surrounding the impacts of climate change on Wisconsin citizens and the environment. Reviewing actions on climate change already […]
Signed by Governor: Benefits for Families of Fallen Officers
Date Fri, Oct. 25, 2019 - 9:55am By Hamilton
On Oct. 16, Gov. Tony Evers signed into law a bill that will provide health insurance benefits to families of fallen officers. The bill (SB 266/AB 300) was enacted as 2019 Act 19. Act 19 would require any government entity and Marquette University to provide health insurance benefits to the widowed spouse and/or children after a […]