DNR Holds Public Hearing on PFAS Scope Statements
Date Wed, Nov. 13, 2019 - 2:37pm By Hamilton
On Nov. 12, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) held a preliminary public hearing on three scope statements seeking to regulate PFAS chemicals in Wisconsin. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals that are found in many everyday products, including nonstick pans, cleaning products, paints, and firefighting foam. The most extensively studied PFAS compounds […]
Floor Report: November Senate & Assembly Floor Periods
Date Wed, Nov. 13, 2019 - 2:27pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Senate and Assembly met this month for what is expected to be the last floor sessions of 2019. The Senate met on Nov. 5, and the Assembly met on Nov. 7 and 12. Both chambers also met very briefly in accordance with Gov. Tony Evers’s call for a special session on gun reform […]
Wis. Congressional Candidates: Who’s In and Who’s Out
Date Tue, Nov. 12, 2019 - 4:13pm By Hamilton
UPDATED 11/12/19 5th Congressional District While the race for the 5th CD, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner’s (R-Menomonee Falls) seat, won’t occur until fall of 2020, candidates in this part of the state have also begun announcing. Who’s in: State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) officially announced 17. Other potential candidates: Matt Neuman, son of former U.S. […]
Hands-Free Driving Bill Introduced
Date Tue, Nov. 12, 2019 - 3:45pm By Hamilton
Wisconsin legislators have introduced a bill (SB 522/AB 582) that would ban use of wireless communication devices while driving, except for hands-free use. The bill would put Wisconsin in line with nearly 20 states that ban handheld cell phone use while driving, including neighboring state Minnesota, which recently passed a similar law. The bill provides […]
New Opioid Legislation Circulating
Date Tue, Nov. 12, 2019 - 3:14pm By Hamilton
Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette) and various co-authors have circulated a new package of bills to address substance use disorder. Nygren has led the legislative effort to combat Wisconsin’s opioid epidemic with his Heroin, Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) agenda starting in the 2013-14 session and continuing through 2018. Read more about Wisconsin’s work in fighting […]
New CMS Rule Changes How PAs May Work with Physicians
Date Tue, Nov. 12, 2019 - 3:05pm By Hamilton
The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently finalized its 2020 Physician Fee Schedule Rule, which changed Medicare supervision requirements for physician assistants (PAs) by largely deferring to state law on how PAs practice with physicians. Recently, 11 states have replaced the outdated term “supervision” with other terms, such as collaboration, to better […]
Bills on Notice of Claim, Pleading Procedures Pass Legislature
Date Thu, Nov. 7, 2019 - 11:11am By Hamilton
Two bills that would make changes to Wisconsin procedures for service of certain documents are moving in the Wisconsin Legislature. The bills, authored by Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) and Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison), passed the Senate this week after passing the Assembly in June. Now, the bills go to the governor’s desk for signature before […]
Chief Justice Highlights Business Court in 2019 State of the Judiciary
Date Thu, Nov. 7, 2019 - 10:55am By Hamilton
On Nov. 6, Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack delivered the 2019 State of the Judiciary address. The Chief Justice’s remarks highlighted several initiatives in the 2019-21 state budget and the success of Wisconsin’s Commercial Docket (a.k.a. Business Court) Pilot project that began in July 2017. The Chief Justice gave examples of the success […]
Multi-State Actions by AG Kaul
Date Thu, Nov. 7, 2019 - 10:52am By Hamilton
Since taking office at the beginning of 2019, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has announced the state’s participation in several multistate actions covering various issues. The actions include comments challenging federal administration proposals, investigations into corporations, and multistate lawsuits and amicus briefs. Below is an update on notable multistate actions in which Wisconsin is participating: […]
Supreme Court Oral Arguments – November 2019
Date Thu, Nov. 7, 2019 - 10:49am By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Supreme Court held oral arguments on Monday, Nov. 4 and will also hold oral arguments on Monday, Nov. 25. Cases of note include: Mueller v. TL90108, LLC (Wrongful Taking and Detention) – Nov. 4 In this case, the Supreme Court will determine what constitutes the “cause of action” in a wrongful taking […]