Hamilton Political Tidbits – March 11, 2022

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has adopted a redistricting plan proposed by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a notable legal and political victory for Democrats. The court filed its decision on March 3. Justice Brian Hagedorn, a judicial conservative, wrote the opinion for a 4-3 majority including himself and the court’s three liberal justices.

The Wisconsin Legislature stands adjourned following the Senate’s final planned floor day on March 8. The Assembly adjourned two weeks earlier after its final votes on February 23 and 24. Barring any unusual circumstances, the Legislature will not convene again until the next legislative session begins in January 2023. Also on March 8, Republican leaders in the Senate and Assembly gaveled in and then immediately adjourned a special session called by Gov. Tony Evers.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signed 20 bills into law since our last update on gubernatorial actions. Among the new laws is Act 158, colloquially called the “Heroes for Healthcare” bill, which allows military medical personnel to temporarily practice as a physician, physician assistant, podiatrist, or nurse while they seek to obtain a regular license from a Department of Safety and Professional Services-affiliated credentialing board.

Hamilton Consulting has created a new page with information about the 2022 elections in Wisconsin, including which state legislators are planning to retire or seek other offices. This page will be updated regularly, and more content is coming soon.

In the March 3 edition of Hamilton Political Tidbits, we covered key stories from Wisconsin politics including the Assembly's final floor votes of the 2021-22 session and actions by the Natural Resources Board on several proposed PFAS regulations.