Introduced by Representative Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva) and Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) in December, Assembly Bill 554/Senate Bill 432 would have created a new process for out-of-state utility companies to purchase or lease water or sewer utilities in Wisconsin. The Assembly passed AB 554 on a voice vote in January. The Senate Committee on […]
Legislation to Allow Out-of-State Companies to Purchase Water & Sewer Utilities Dies in Senate
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:26am By Hamilton
Interest Rates on Judgments Legislation Dies
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:23am By Hamilton
Authored by Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac) and Sen. Stephen Nass (R-Whitewater), Assembly Bill 95/Senate Bill 76 sought to change the interest rate for pre- and post- judgment interest for verdicts in small claims court. As passed by the Assembly, the legislation would have revised the formula created in 2011 Act 69 (Act 69) to […]
Legislation to Allow Mounting Vehicle Monitoring Device Signed by Governor
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:57pm By Hamilton
2015 Wisconsin Act 160 was signed by Governor Walker on Monday, February 29. The legislation, authored by Rep. Spiros (R – Marshfield) and Sen. Wanggaard (R – Racine) allows one to mount a monitoring and feedback device to the front windshield of a vehicle around the rearview mirror area. The legislation changes the previously existing […]
Court Hears Arguments in Right to Work Lawsuit
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:48pm By Hamilton
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 […]