Marketplace Providers Tax Bill Advances in Committees
Date Thu, Jun. 13, 2019 - 3:06pm By Hamilton
Legislation from Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) and Sen. Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) is advancing in the Wisconsin Legislature that would make clarifications related to the collection of online sales taxes from out-of-state retailers. The bill comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2018 in South Dakota v. Wayfair that states may collect online sales tax […]
Water Quality Task Force Meets in Mauston & La Crosse
Date Thu, Jun. 13, 2019 - 3:01pm By Hamilton
The Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality convened for two more meetings this week in Mauston and La Crosse. In La Crosse on June 13, the task force first heard from the Wisconsin Rural Water Association (WRWA). Overall, WRWA emphasized that the task force should recognize that water issues and regulations affect small rural systems […]
Floor Report: Senate Approves Step Therapy, E-Scooters
Date Thu, Jun. 13, 2019 - 2:43pm By Hamilton
The Senate met for floor votes on June 5, taking up a number of issues including drug step therapy protocols, electric scooters, and abortion-related bills. The Assembly plans to meet next on June 18 and June 20. Budget votes in the Senate or Assembly will also likely take place later this month, as the 2019-21 […]
Wisconsin Supreme Court Reinstates Extraordinary Session Laws in SEIU Case
Date Thu, Jun. 13, 2019 - 2:27pm By Hamilton
On June 11, the Wisconsin Supreme Court granted a stay on the temporary injunction in the extraordinary session challenge SEIU v. Vos, reinstating provisions of the legislation that had been blocked by a Dane County Circuit Court. Additionally, the Supreme Court stayed proceedings on the case in the lower court, cancelling the trial on guidance document […]
Assembly Committee Holds Hearing on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:51am By Hamilton
This week the Assembly Committee on Energy & Utilities held a public hearing on legislation (SB 236/AB 233) that would incentivize the installation of electric vehicle charging stations across Wisconsin. Authored by Rep. Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) and Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) as part of the Assembly Republicans’ environment and energy proposals, the bill would […]
Legislators Circulating Transportation Reform Bills
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:47am By Hamilton
Last week, legislators circulated a package of proposed reforms for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT). The bills aim to improve efficiency and accountability at DOT. Co-sponsorship for the bills is due this Friday, May 31. Joint Finance Committee member Sen. Tom Tiffany is listed as an author on several of the proposals. Other authors […]
Legislators Circulate Bills Addressing PFAS
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:29am By Hamilton
Last week, legislators on both sides of the aisle circulated differing proposals to address PFAS in Wisconsin. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are manufactured chemicals that are found in many everyday products, including nonstick pans, cleaning products, paints, and firefighting foam. Competing studies debate whether or not PFAS have negative health effects, and, if they do, […]
Water Quality Task Force Meets in Janesville
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:18am By Hamilton
The Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality met in Janesville on May 29 for another public hearing. The task force heard from conservationists, farmers, septic utilities, and energy experts before taking public testimony. First, the committee heard from Rock County’s conservationist and environmental health director. The county officials gave a presentation outlining concerns about nitrate […]
Water Quality Task Force Meets in Lancaster
Date Fri, May. 17, 2019 - 10:57am By Hamilton
The Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality met for its first public hearing on May 8 in Lancaster. The task force heard from several research and farm groups before taking public testimony. The Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater and Geology Study (SWIGG) started off the meeting with a discussion of their preliminary results released earlier this year. […]
Floor Report: Legislature Approves Marsy’s Law, Other Bills Taken Up by Senate & Assembly
Date Thu, May. 16, 2019 - 3:52pm By Hamilton
The Senate and Assembly both met for floor sessions on May 15. The relatively limited calendars included votes on crime victims’ rights, a water pollution trading program, record expungement, and a package of legislation on abortion. Both the Senate and Assembly approved Senate Joint Resolution 2, known as Marsy’s Law, which would elevate victims’ rights […]