In this week’s edition of Political Tidbits we cover the furry-sided legislation that’s making its way through the Wisconsin Legislature: pets included on protective orders, dogs and felons, and a proposal for the State Lizard. Pets on Protective Orders A bipartisan bill introduced by Representative Andrè Jacque (R-De Pere) and Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) would […]
Amending Wisconsin’s Non-Compete Agreement Statute
Date Fri, Apr. 3, 2015 - 8:46am By Hamilton
Current Law A bill that would amend Wisconsin’s current statute governing non-compete agreements has been introduced to the legislature and if passed would preemptively override the State Supreme Court decision on Runzheimer Int’l v. Friedlen (2013AP1392). Wis. Stat. § 103.465 is Wisconsin’s current statute governing non-compete agreements. The current law allows employers to restrict the […]
John Doe Overhaul Bill Passes Senate Committee
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 9:19am By Hamilton
Recent Investigations Encourage Legislators to Reform Proceedings A Senate bill to change John Doe proceedings in the state of Wisconsin was recommended for passage by the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety on a party-line vote and is now available for consideration by the full state Senate. The bill, Senate Bill 43, would significantly […]
Walmart Capitol Day 2015
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 9:02am By Hamilton
R.J. Pirlot of Hamilton Consulting and Lisa Nelson of Walmart educate attendees on what to expect in the Capitol. Walmart held its annual Capitol Day this week with over 40 store managers, regional managers, market managers and assistants. The all-day event began with a welcome from Representative Robb Kahl (D-Monona). Following the representative’s welcome, attendees […]
Bills of Note: Repealing Rules, At-Will Employment, Charter Schools, and the Speed Limit
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 8:53am By Hamilton
Assembly Passes Bill to Create Procedures to Repeal Invalid Rules By a partisan 63-36 vote, the Assembly passed AB 80 (Ballweg-R) which would establish “expedited” procedures for an agency to repeal a rule that the agency no longer has the authority to promulgate. Such rules can be rendered invalid because of the repeal or amendment of […]
TIF Bills Get Hearing
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 8:48am By Hamilton
In last week’s edition of Bills of Note, we alerted you to the introduction of the tax increment financing (TIF) bill package that was introduced by Joint Legislative Council. Three of these bills, Senate Bills 50, 54 and 57 will have a public hearing before the Senate committee on Economic Development and Commerce next week […]
Bills of Note: TIF and Screenings for Newborns
Date Thu, Mar. 5, 2015 - 7:22pm By Hamilton
In this week’s edition of Bills of Note, we update you on the tax increment financing (TIF) bill package and a bill that requires newborns be screened for lysosomal storage disorders. TIF Bill Package The tax increment financing bill package is a product of the 2014 Legislative Council study committee on TIF – also referred […]
Legislature in Midst of Extraordinary Session on “Right to Work”
Date Fri, Feb. 27, 2015 - 9:43am By Hamilton
Last week, legislative leaders announced an extraordinary session of the Wisconsin legislature to pass Right to Work legislation. Soon after the announcement, Governor Scott Walker said he would sign Right to Work into law if the bill reaches his desk. Right to Work laws are designed to protect employees from being forced to pay dues […]
TIF Bill Package to be Introduced
Date Thu, Feb. 12, 2015 - 5:51pm By Hamilton
The Joint Legislative Council recommended that the eight Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) bills submitted by the Legislative Council Study Committee on TIF be introduced to the full legislature with a 19-0 vote, with three members not present. The approval allows the eight TIF bills to advance into the normal legislative process. The recommendations are outlined […]
Get to Know a Freshman: Week 7
Date Thu, Feb. 12, 2015 - 5:34pm By Hamilton
Our last in the “Get to Know a Freshman” series, we bring you information on five incoming legislators. With one of the largest freshman classes ever in the Wisconsin Legislature, it may be harder to get to know the newly elected senators and representatives. This week, Political Tidbits highlights the following new legislators: State Representatives […]