Despite last minute efforts to exempt manufacturers, the Assembly on Thursday, March 20, passed SB 498. The bill addresses so-called “patent trolls,” which are individuals or companies that attempt to enforce patent rights against accused infringers in order to collect licensing fees, but does not manufacture products or supply services based upon the patents in question. The […]
Patent Troll Legislation Passes Assembly; Not All Businesses Support the Legislation
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 4:57pm By Hamilton
Training for Law Enforcement Changes in Domestic Abuse Cases
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 3:53pm By Hamilton
A new bill changing the training standards for law enforcement officers regarding domestic abuse incidents and complaints was passed the final hurdle of passage, and now goes to Governor Walker’s desk for signature. The original bill required: A law enforcement officer to prepare a report if that officer does not make an arrest because that […]
Inattentive Driving Bill Passed
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 3:28pm By Hamilton
A bill which amends the current Inattentive Driving statutes was passed by the Senate this week. The new bill specifies no person while driving a motor vehicle, other than an authorized emergency vehicle, a commercial motor vehicle, or a tow truck, may operate or be in a position to directly observe any electronic device located […]
Increased Funding for Highway Rehabilitation
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 3:23pm By Hamilton
On February 11th, the State Assembly passed AB 704 on a unanimous 99-0 vote and sent the bill to the Senate. The bill, and companion Senate Bill 539, was introduced by Legislative leadership at the request of Governor Scott Walker. The legislation would increase funding for the state highway rehabilitation program by $43,025,700 this year […]
Assembly Passes Asbestos Trust Fund Transparency
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 12:00am By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Senate on Wednesday, March 12 passed asbestos trust fund transparency legislation (AB 19). The bill passed on a party-line vote (17-16). The bill was amended and was passed by the Assembly late this week. This is a significant victory for Wisconsin businesses. This legislation forces plaintiff attorneys filing asbestos lawsuits in Wisconsin courts to […]
Senate Passes AB 19 Providing Transparency in Trust Fund Legislation
Date Wed, Mar. 12, 2014 - 12:03pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Senate on Wednesday, March 12, passed asbestos trust fund transparency legislation (AB 19). The bill passed on a party-line vote (17-16). The bill was amended and therefore needs to go back to the Assembly for final concurrence. Below is a summary of the legislation: Requires asbestos plaintiffs to disclose any and all claims […]
Legislative Update: Roundabouts, Tax Credits, and Leadership Shifts
Date Tue, Mar. 11, 2014 - 3:02pm By Hamilton
Wisconsin Rewable Energy Act Introduced Despite its sweeping policies, the Wisconsin Renewable Energy Act was recently introduced with muted fanfare and debate that reflects its likely demise. Fair to say: too late, too much, and wrong party. Introduced by Sen. Mark Miller (D-Monona), Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point), and Rep. Cory Mason (D-Racine), the legislation […]
Walmart Visits State Capitol
Date Mon, Mar. 10, 2014 - 12:02pm By Hamilton
Nearly 100 members of management teams and suppliers at Walmart visited the Wisconsin State Capitol this week to speak about growth in jobs in the US. Members meet with for breakfast and seminars with Walmart suppliers to discuss the current business climate and priorities for job creation. Members meet with Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam). […]
Oral Argument for Voter ID Cases in Wisconsin
Date Fri, Mar. 7, 2014 - 11:36am By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Supreme court held oral argument for the Voter ID cases last week. The two cases, League of Women Voters v. Scott Walker and Milwaukee Branch of the NAACP v. Scott Walker challenge the constitutionality of the laws in Wisconsin requireing that one present a photo identification at the ballot. Tidbits covered the background […]
Nonmetallic Mining Property Rights Protection Bill
Date Fri, Mar. 7, 2014 - 11:08am By Hamilton
Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) and Representative Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) introduced legislation on February 26th that would secure legal nonconforming use rights for existing nonmetallic mining operations. The Senate bill was passed by the Senate Committee (3-2), and is now available for a vote on the Senate floor. Under current law, a zoning ordinance may not […]