Wisconsin Legislative Spotlight

The Week of November 14, 2011

The most recent regular session legislative floorperiod ended November 3, but the September 2011 Special Session continues. Governor Walker called the legislature into special session beginning on September 29 to consider legislation on a variety of topics, including economic development issues such as entrepreneurial and investment tax credits, tax incremental financing districts, and small business loan guarantees. The next scheduled regular session floorperiod begins January 17, 2012.

Stay Updated

The Legislature has RSS feeds for both recently introduced legislation and recent session activity. Our Facebook page also has links to recently introduced bills.

You can view a complete list of enrolled proposals awaiting action by the governor on the Wisconsin Legislature Web site.

September 2011 Special Session

The following September 2011 Special Session bills were passed by the Senate and concurred in by the Assembly, and will go to the governor:

• Se11 Senate Bill 2 relating to small business loan guarantees by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.
• Se11 Senate Bill 3 relating to film production services tax credit application fee.
• Se11 Senate Bill 12 relating to factors for determining the reasonableness of attorney fees.
• Se11 Senate Bill 14 relating to interest rates on judgments in certain civil actions.
• Se11 Senate Bill 20 relating to changes to agricultural production loan guarantees administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.
• Se11 Senate Bill 22 relating to the duty of care owed to trespassers.
• Se11 Senate Bill 23 relating to various duties of the Department of Revenue.

Special Election

On September 2, Governor Walker issued Executive Order 41, ordering a special election for the 95th Assembly District seat, formerly held by now-Senator Jennifer Shilling. La Crosse County Supervisor Jill Billings won a four-way Democratic primary on October 11. She defeated Republican candidate David Drewes in the general election on November 8 to be elected to the Assembly.

Recently Signed Into Law

As of November 11, 51 acts have been signed into law. You can find them here.

Committee Activity

Legislative committee activity is available on the Schedule of Committee Activities.

2011-2012 Blue Book

The 2011-2012 Wisconsin Blue Book is now available online. It may be ordered from the Department of Administration, Document Sales Unit (search Document Sales Catalog for "Wisconsin Blue Book"), (608) 266-3358. The price is $10.30 with shipping and $7.30 without. State Legislators are provided with complimentary copies to give to their constituents. You may contact your state senator or representative to ask about receiving one.

Recent Publications

• The Legislative Audit Bureau issued a letter report on Aid for Medical Education.
• The Legislative Council published an informational memorandum on the Regulation of Dog Sellers and Dog Facility Operators.
• The Legislative Fiscal Bureau released a report on the 2010-11 Estimated State Support for School Districts.
• The Legislative Reference Bureau released a Tap the Power on Job Creation in Wisconsin.
• The Legislative Reference Bureau issued two study guides for the 2011-2012 Wisconsin Blue Book. Study Guide to the 2011-2012 Blue Book is geared toward high school students. Inside the 2011-2012 Wisconsin Blue Book is geared toward elementary school students.

For more information about Legislative Service Agency publications, see the left panel of the Spotlight index page.

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Send comments to LRB.Reference@legis.wisconsin.gov

Last revised: November 19, 2012