On March 10, 2015 the International Association of Machinists Local 1061 and two other unions filed a complaint against the State of Wisconsin alleging the “Right to Work” bill passed by the legislature (2015 Act 1) constitutes an unconstitutional taking of the plaintiffs’ property which violates Wisconsin Constitution Art. I, § 13. The plaintiffs argue […]
New Review of Water Quality Standards Legislation Signed by Governor
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:36pm By Hamilton
2015 Wisconsin Act 205 modifies the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) multi-discharger variance program to meet the new federal requirements. Act 205 creates a new procedure for when variances must be reviewed. This includes a three-year review standard and a highest attainable review. Under the new law, every three years, DNR must review the water […]
Interest Rates on Judgments Legislation Gets Hearing
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:09pm By Hamilton
A public hearing was held in the Senate committee on Judiciary and Public safety this week on Assembly Bill 95, authored by Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac) and Sen. Stephen Nass (R-Whitewater). The bill seeks to change the interest rate for pre- and post- judgment interest for verdicts in small claims court. AB 95 […]
PSC Reform Bill Passes Assembly
Date Fri, Feb. 19, 2016 - 10:40am By Hamilton
Legislation to reform many of the regulatory processes at the Public Service Commission (PSC) passed the Assembly, and is available for scheduling in the Senate. The legislation, Assembly Bill 804 and Senate Bill 654, was introduced by Rep. Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin) and Sen. Roger Roth (R-Appleton), but was developed by the Public Service Commission […]
Assembly Passes WIAA Bill
Date Thu, Feb. 18, 2016 - 8:43pm By Hamilton
Introduced by Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette) and Sen. Roger Roth (R-Appleton) Assembly Bill 873 and Senate Bill 704 would prohibit a school district from being a member of an interscholastic athletic association unless the association elects to be governed by Wisconsin’s public records and open meetings laws. In other words, the bill attempts to subject […]
Vehicle Data Recorders Legislation Moves out of Committee
Date Thu, Feb. 18, 2016 - 8:31pm By Hamilton
Rep. Kremer (R-Kewaskum), Rep. Quinn (R-Rice Lake) and Sen. Stroebel (R-Saukville) have introduced legislation (Assembly Bill 838/Senate Bill 697) that would prohibit accessing, collecting, or transferring certain types of information about a motor vehicle without written consent of the motor vehicle owner. The companion bills were fast-tracked, with introduction and hearing occurring within the first […]
WEDC Fraud Bill Passes Assembly, Status of the Bill Unclear in the Senate
Date Thu, Feb. 18, 2016 - 8:19pm By Hamilton
Assembly Bill 669/Senate Bill authored by Rep. Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem) and Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) has passed the Assembly, however it is uncertain whether the Senate will take up the bill. The legislation would establish criminal penalties for committing fraud against the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The bill would make it a crime […]
Tobacco License Bill Heads to Governor
Date Thu, Feb. 18, 2016 - 8:16pm By Hamilton
Assembly Bill 628/Senate Bill 528, authored Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee) and Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) makes changes to the circumstances and procedures under which a local municipality can suspend retail tobacco licenses. The legislation passed the Senate and the Assembly via voice votes and now heads to Governor Walker for a signature. Under the […]
Legislature Passes Some TIF Bills
Date Thu, Feb. 18, 2016 - 8:14pm By Hamilton
UPDATE: Governor Walker signed these bills into law as 2015 Wisconsin Acts 254, 255, 256, and 257 on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. This week, the Assembly passed the following legislation part of the tax increment financing (TIF) bill package. The bills are a product of the 2014 Legislative Council study committee on TIF. The Senate passed […]
Legislation to Eliminate Twelve-Hour Hold for Strip Searches Passes
Date Thu, Feb. 18, 2016 - 8:07pm By Hamilton
UPDATE: Governor Scott Walker signed this bill into law as 2015 Wisconsin Act 206 on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. On February 18, the Assembly concurred on legislation to remove the twelve-hour hold provision for strip searches. The legislation, Senate Bill 248, would remove the requirement that jail administrators hold detainees for 12 hours before being […]