The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Legislative Council (JLC) recommends special committees to study major issues identified by the Legislature, typically during even-numbered years after adjournment. JLC circulated a paper ballot that was due on April 15 asking legislators to approve seven proposed committees. The committees are expected to gather information and make policy recommendations that could […]
Joint Legislative Council Establishes Seven Study Committees
Date Tue, Apr. 19, 2022 - 9:06am By Hamilton
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Gov. Evers’ State Legislative Maps
Date Thu, Mar. 31, 2022 - 8:21pm By Hamilton
The United States Supreme Court ordered the Wisconsin Supreme Court to reconsider its decision adopting state legislative maps proposed by Gov. Tony Evers. This is the latest decision in an ongoing series of lawsuits regarding redistricting in Wisconsin. The U.S. Supreme Court issued its order on March 23. The unsigned opinion was adopted on a […]
58 New Laws: Gov. Evers’ Signatures and Vetoes in March
Date Thu, Mar. 31, 2022 - 8:19pm By Hamilton
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) has signed 58 bills into law since our early March update on gubernatorial actions. Although the Wisconsin Legislature has adjourned for the remainder of the year, there are still dozens of bills that passed both houses but have yet to be formally presented to Gov. Evers. Once Senate or Assembly […]
Wisconsin Supreme Court Adopts Gov. Evers’ Redistricting Plan
Date Thu, Mar. 10, 2022 - 10:50pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has adopted a redistricting plan proposed by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D), a notable legal and political victory for Democrats. The court filed its decision on March 3. Justice Brian Hagedorn, a judicial conservative, wrote the opinion for a 4-3 majority including himself and the court’s three liberal justices. The majority […]
Legislature Adjourned After Final Senate Floor Session: March 8
Date Thu, Mar. 10, 2022 - 10:37pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Legislature stands adjourned following the Senate’s final planned floor day on March 8. The Assembly adjourned two weeks earlier after its final votes on February 23 and 24. Barring any unusual circumstances, the Legislature will not convene again until the next legislative session begins in January 2023. Also on March 8, Republican leaders […]
Gov. Evers Has Signed 20 Bills Since Mid-February
Date Thu, Mar. 10, 2022 - 10:28pm By Hamilton
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) has signed 20 bills into law since our last update on gubernatorial actions. On February 21, the governor announced the signing of 2021 Wisconsin Act 140, which created a penalty for refusing or obstructing the installation of a GPS tracker or similar device required for certain offenders. On March 4, […]
Assembly Adjourns After Final Floor Sessions: February 23 and 24
Date Wed, Mar. 2, 2022 - 4:29pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Assembly stands adjourned following a week of floor votes on February 22, 23, and 24. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) has stated publicly that, barring any unusual circumstances, the Assembly will not convene again until the next legislative session begins in January 2023. Assembly Floor Calendar, February 23 The Assembly created a lengthy […]
DNR Board Approves, Modifies, Rejects PFAS Rules
Date Wed, Mar. 2, 2022 - 2:43pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) recently voted on three proposed rules affecting PFAS. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed three proposals to regulate the allowable levels of certain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and other compounds in surface water (NR 105), groundwater (NR 140), and drinking water (NR 809). DNR presented the rules […]
Senate and Assembly Floor Sessions: February 22
Date Wed, Mar. 2, 2022 - 2:32pm By Hamilton
Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature met on February 22 for floor sessions to vote on bills and resolutions. Below, we review a few notable items that passed each house that day. Senate Floor Calendar, February 22 The Senate passed 64 bills and eight resolutions, including SB 520, which authorizes almost $42 million in general […]
Assembly Floor Session: February 17
Date Wed, Mar. 2, 2022 - 2:30pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Assembly met on February 17 for a floor session to vote on bills and resolutions. Assembly Floor Calendar, February 17 The Assembly passed 23 bills and 12 resolutions, including several bills affecting government benefit programs: The “Stronger Workforce” package, a group of seven bills authored by Republican legislators intended to get more Wisconsinites into […]