Governor Walker signed Senate Bill 449 earlier this week, which allows for the transfer of economic development tax credits between eligible Wisconsin taxpayers. Representative Loudenbeck and Senator Gudex authored this bipartisan bill. “Tax credits are one of the primary tools in the State of Wisconsin’s economic development toolbox,” said Patrick Schloss, President of Wisconsin Economic […]
State Senate Passes Two Civil Liability Reform Bills – Governor Expected to Sign
Date Thu, Apr. 3, 2014 - 3:33pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Senate passed two civil liability reform bills on the last day of session. Most notable was AB 120, the health care provider “Apology” bill. This is legislation that the health care community has worked on for many years. AB 120/SB 129 – (Inadmissibility of a statement of apology or condolence by a health […]
Governor Walker Signs Trust Fund Transparency Bill
Date Wed, Apr. 2, 2014 - 10:19am By Hamilton
Gov. Walker signed AB 19, asbestos trust fund transparency, into law as Act 154 on March 27. The new law allows greater transparency by: Requiring asbestos plaintiffs to disclose any and all claims that they have filed or will file with asbestos trust funds, along with all of the documents and information that support the […]
Governor Walker Signs 29 Bills into Law
Date Wed, Apr. 2, 2014 - 10:12am By Hamilton
With the Assembly and Senate finishing off their two year session and March drawing to a close, Governor Walker signed a slew of bills into law, with one partial veto and one full veto. The following is a partial list of those bills signed: Assembly Bill 770 – creates an emergency heating assistance loan guarantee […]
Oral Chemotherapy Bill Passes Assembly with Amendment
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 6:31pm By Hamilton
After passing the Senate earlier this week, discussion on a bill (SB 300) took place in the Assembly that would require an insurance plan that covers both intravenous and oral chemotherapy to treat the cost-sharing (copayment, deductible or coinsurance amounts) for oral chemotherapy the same as cost sharing for intravenous treatments. Referred to as “parity” the […]
Senate Passes Limit on Liability for Parents of Minor Drivers
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 6:28pm By Hamilton
On Wednesday, March 12, the Wisconsin Senate passed SB 592 (Sen. Grothman/Rep. Jim Ott) that would place a $300,000 limit on liability for parents of minor drivers. Wisconsin is currently one of roughly 12 states that imposes unlimited liability on parents of drivers ages 16 to 18. Unexpectedly, Rep. Jim Ott, the Assembly Judiciary Chairperson […]
Patent Troll Legislation Passes Assembly; Not All Businesses Support the Legislation
Date Thu, Mar. 20, 2014 - 4:57pm By Hamilton
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 […]
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 […]