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Capitol Office: 108 South; (608)266-2253 or (800)334-1468 ~ P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 ~ Sen.Cullen@legis.wi.gov

May 1, 2012

 

Citizen Members Sought for Legislative Study Committees
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The Legislature is seeking citizens to serve on committees that will recommend changes in law relating to academic achievement, children in foster care, people with dementia, 911 communications, and other issues.

“These study committees provide a unique opportunity for the public to become directly involved in the formulation of public policy,” said Sen. Tim Cullen.

Study committees are appointed every even-numbered year to address public services and government functions that need improvement.  Legislators chair the study committees.  Members include a mix of legislators and citizens with expertise or interest in the area.  The committees will begin meeting this summer and draft legislation for the next legislative session, which begins in January.

The Joint Legislative Council selects a number of subjects for study from suggestions submitted by legislators.  The study committees are:
  • The Special Committee on 911 Communications, which will develop legislation to improve 911 communications statewide, including coordination between 911 systems, and establishing minimum 911 service standards.
  • The Special Committee on Permanency Plans for Children, which will look at ways to reduce the length of time in foster care for children 8 years and younger.
  • The Special Committee on Improving Educational Opportunities in High School, which will recommend ways to enhance opportunities for both lower and higher achieving students.
  • The Special Committee on Legal Interventions for Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.  This committee will recommend ways to clarify the statutes relating to guardianship, protective placement, and other interventions.
  • The Special Committee on Supervised Release and Discharge of Sexually Violent Persons.  This committee will review, among other things, the criteria for determining whether a person is fit for supervised release or discharge from the civil commitment.
    Special Committee on Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect, which will recommend, among other things, changes to current law regarding who is required to report suspected abuse or neglect.

Study committees generally hold three to six all-day meetings during the summer and fall, usually in Madison.  Committee members are entitled to receive reimbursement for mileage, parking and meals.  For more information on the scope of each committee, please go to

To apply for a position on a study committee, please send your resume and cover letter by Friday, May 18, to Sen.Cullen@legis.wi.gov or Sen. Tim Cullen, P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882.