The end of the legislative session always signals the start of campaign season, however, this year the races have already started and the fights are projected to be intense. Adding to an already tumultuous election cycle, legislators are running in newly redistricted seats, some of which have not been finalized because they are being challenged […]
Significant Legislation Passed This Session
Date Tue, Mar. 20, 2012 - 3:06pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Legislature passed over 200 bills and a number of resolutions during the 2011-12 legislative session. As of March 20, 123 of those bills had been signed into law. Some of the most important bills impacting Hamilton clients include: Regulatory Reforms Prohibits DNR from requiring air pollution control permits for indirect sources. – SB […]
High Court Rules that Owners of Property Destroyed by a Forest Fire Are Entitled to Double Damages
Date Tue, Mar. 20, 2012 - 1:15pm By Hamilton
In a 6-1 decision authored by Justice Annette Ziegler, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held that if an owner’s property is destroyed by a forest fire that is caused by negligence of another person, then the property owner automatically is entitled to double damages. Chief Justice Abrahamson, along with Justices Crooks, Prosser, Roggensack, and Gableman joined […]
Legislature Passes Ski Hill Liability Protection Legislation, Sent to Governor’s Desk
Date Tue, Mar. 20, 2012 - 1:12pm By Hamilton
This week, the Wisconsin Assembly passed Senate Bill 388, which expands the “assumption of risk” doctrine to protect ski operators who follow certain safety protocols from lawsuits. The bill will now be sent to the Governor for his signature. The assumption of risk doctrine provides that when an individual engages in a potentially dangerous activity, […]
Judge Sets Recall Election Dates
Date Wed, Mar. 14, 2012 - 10:41am By Hamilton
On the morning of March 14th, Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess approved the Government Accountability Board’s plan to hold the upcoming recall elections on May 8, and if that becomes a primary election, June 5. Attorneys for all six targeted officials, for the committees to recall them, and for the GAB agreed to the […]
GAB Calls for Four Senate Recall Elections
Date Tue, Mar. 13, 2012 - 5:02pm By Hamilton
The Government Accountability Board met on Monday, March 12th and ordered recall elections against four senators. The GAB also decided it would ask a judge to allow for recall elections to be held on May 8 and June 5, a week later than is currently required by law. The GAB ordered recall elections for state […]
Second Dane County Judge Enjoins Voter ID Law
Date Tue, Mar. 13, 2012 - 4:48pm By Hamilton
For the second time in a week a Dane County judge has placed an injunction on the state’s new voter ID law. Judge Richard Niess permanently enjoined implementation of the bill based on his reading of the state constitution. 2011 Wisconsin Act 23, passed in May 2011, requires that a person wishing to vote present […]
Acts and Enrolled Bills
Date Thu, Mar. 8, 2012 - 5:42pm By Hamilton
As the end of the 2011-12 legislative session draws near, the Legislature has kicked it into high gear. As of March 8, 120 acts have been signed into law during the 2011-12 legislative session, and several other bills are awaiting the Governor’s signature. Hamilton Consulting encourages our clients look at their individual tracking reports to […]
Bills Address Recall Process
Date Thu, Mar. 8, 2012 - 5:39pm By Hamilton
The frequency of recall elections over the past year has inspired the legislature to suggest changes to the current process. AJR 63 would limit the availability of recalls, while AB 472 would make it a crime to entice recall signatures. Under current law, no justification is needed for petitioners to seek a recall. AJR 63 […]
Senate Passes Ski Hill Liability Protection Legislation
Date Thu, Mar. 8, 2012 - 5:36pm By Hamilton
This week, the Wisconsin Senate passed Senate Bill 388 on a voice vote, expanding the “assumption of risk” doctrine to protect ski operators who follow certain safety protocols from lawsuits. The bill will now be sent to the Assembly for a vote. The assumption of risk doctrine provides that when an individual engages in a […]