Wisconsin Supreme Court Declares Safer at Home Order Unenforceable
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has issued a 4-3 decision in Legislature v. Palm, declaring the Department of Health Services's (DHS) "Safer at Home" order unenforceable and immediately striking down the order. The court held that the Safer at Home order is a "rule" that was required to go through statutory rulemaking processes and that the order exceeds DHS's authority under Wisconsin's pandemic statutes.
Though the statewide order has been struck down, Dane County has already announced it will continue to enforce shelter-in-place guidelines. This trend might continue with other cities or counties if they have their own health departments.
The latest Marquette University (MU) Law School poll showed voter opinions on Wisconsin's coronavirus response shifting, though a majority of voters still support Safer at Home measures. The May poll also marks the first head to head question evaluating President Donald Trump versus Vice President Joe Biden since Biden became the presumptive Democratic nominee in April.
Wisconsin state Sen. Tom Tiffany (R-Minocqua) won the May 12 special election in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District. Tiffany beat Democrat Tricia Zunker, president of the Wausau School Board, 57.2 to 42.8 percent.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has released reopening guidelines for Wisconsin businesses. The guidelines provide industry-specific documents to guide businesses on how to reopen safely as COVID-19 restrictions loosen.
Wisconsin Budget Update: DOA Spending Cuts, General Fund Update, UI Projections
Like most Wisconsin businesses and citizens, Wisconsin government is facing significant negative economic consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic. As the state heads into the second fiscal year of the 2019-21 biennium, agencies and legislators are analyzing the numbers and looking at how to adapt the state budget for 2020-21 and beyond.
U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform Poll: Bipartisan Majority of Americans Support COVID-19 Liability Protections
A bipartisan majority of Americans support protecting businesses from lawsuits related to coronavirus, according to a U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) poll released earlier this month.
AG Kaul Withdraws Act 21 Opinion on High Capacity Wells
On May 1, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul sent a letter to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stating he has withdrawn an opinion from his predecessor interpreting 2011 Act 21's effects on DNR permitting.
Hamilton Consulting has created this website to direct clients and colleagues to the latest information on how Gov. Tony Evers, Wisconsin state agencies, and the Legislature are responding to COVID-19. Please keep in mind that the situation is quickly evolving, and the Hamilton Consulting team will try to keep this page as updated as possible. If you have any additional questions,
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