Selected legislation Wisconsin Family Council is tracking

     ~ Updated 3/1/2008~

Each bill/resolution number below is linked to the official history of the legislation, as produced by the State Legislature and posted on its web site.  The history includes all action taken on the bill/resolution, sponsors, dates of action, amendments, and roll-call votes.

At the top left of the bill/resolution history is a link to the actual language of the legislation, which also includes an analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau.  Some pieces of legislation may have an "LC memo" noted at the top right.  This is analysis provided by the state's Legislative Council.

Other helpful links:

Wisconsin Legislation: Infobases (note that from the page you are linking to, you can research proposed legislation by author—a very helpful resource.)

"Who Represents Me?" (quick online way to find out who your state and federal level legislators are)

Assembly Proposed Legislation

AB 9 - would change requirements for maintenance (formerly alimony) in an annulment, divorce or legal separation. Under current law, the court is required to terminate maintenance, upon application by the payer, if the payee remarries. The bill adds that the court must also terminate maintenance, upon application by the payer, if the payee cohabits with another adult person of the opposite sex. Introduced on 1/12/2007 and referred to committee on Children and Family Law. Public hearing held 3/8/2007.

AB 51 - would prohibit certain computer messages or posting that invite harassment or obscene, lewd or profane communication with a third party and provide a penalty for such postings. Introduced on 1/30/2007 and referred to committee on Criminal Justice. Public hearing held on 4/11/2007. Reported out of committee on 5/7/2007. Awaiting floor action. Tabled. Amendment 1 offered 10/11/2007. Amended bill passed Assembly 1/15/2008. In Senate committee on Judiciary, Corrections and Housing. Public hearing held 2/27/2008.

AB 102 - would prohibit use of social security numbers on state civil service examinations, requests by merchants for customers' social security numbers, and access to certain public records and employer records containing the social security numbers of individuals. Introduced on 2/22/2007 and referred to committee on Consumer Protection and Personal Privacy.

AB 124 (companion bill SB 57) - would generally prohibit the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) from making certain future investments, and require SWIB to divest itself of prior investments, related to Sudan. Introduced on 3/1/2007 and referred to committee on Financial Institutions.

AB 165 - provides that a school board that does not operate a four-year-old kindergarten program does not have to transport four-year-old kindergarten pupils who attend private schools. Introduced on 3/12/07. Amended bill passed committee on Education Reform on 1/11/08. Awaiting floor action in Assembly. Tabled on 2/28/2008.

AB 185 - would change current law requiring pediatric specialty clinics or physicians to report certain birth defects of infants or children treated by them to allow parents to refuse consent to the release of their child's identifying information. Introduced on 3/19/07 and referred to committee on Public Health. Public hearing held on 3/28/07. Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 (ASA 1) offered 4/19/2007. ASA 1 amended 4/26/2007. Committee recommended adoption 4/30/2007. Awaiting floor action. Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 (ASA 2) offered 9/6/2007. ASA 3 offered 2/25/2008. Passed Assembly on voice vote 2/28/2008. Referred to committee on Public Health, Senior Issues, Long Term Care and Privacy on 3/3/2008. Public hearing held 3/5/2008. Passed committee on 3/6/2008. Awaiting floor action in Senate.

AB 205 - would require legislative approval for new gaming establishments on tribal lands before governor's approval. Introduced on 3/22/07 and referred to committee on Urban and Local Affairs. Public hearing held 4/3/2007. Reported out of committee on a 5-4 vote. Passed Assembly 4/24/2007. Referred to Senate Committtee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations on 4/26/2007.

AB 286 - provides a different timeline for open enrollment in virtual charter schools. Amended bill passed committee on Education Reform on 1/11/08. Awaiting floor action in the Assembly.

AB 289 - provides that the official language of the state of Wisconsin is English. The bill also encourages cultural diversity, use of English for governmental written expression, acquiring language proficiency, and use of languages for nongovernmental purposes. Introduced 4/30/2007 and referred to on Jobs and The Economy. Public hearing held on 2/20/2008. Passed 3/4/3008. On 3/11/2008 Assembly calendar.

AB 298 (companion bill SB 151) - so-called "Death with Dignity Act" would permit an individual to request from his/her physician medication to kill himself/herself. A physician who refuses such a request on conscientious grounds and does not refer the patient to another physician who will fulfill his/her request may be charged with unprofessional conduct. Introduced 4/30/2007 and referred to committee on Judiciary and Ethics.

AB 305 - would allow most adults to voluntarily name a representative to carry out his/her specific wishes concerning funeral and burial arrangements. Introduced 5/2/2007 and referred to committee on State Affairs. Amended bill passed Assembly 96 to 0. Passed Senate on voice vote on 1/15/08. Signed by Governor on 3/5/2008 as Act 58.

AB 361 - gives to the juvenile court CHIPS jurisdiction over a child whose guardian is unable or needs assistance to care for or provide necessary special treatment or care for the child, but is unwilling or unable to sign the petition requesting that jurisdiction. (From Legislative Reference Bureau analysis.) Introduced on 5/29/07 and referred to committee on Children and Family Law. Passed committee on 10/18/07. Passed Assembly 97 to 0 on 12/11/07. Presently in Senate committee on Judiciary, Corrections and Housing.

AB 377 (companion bill SB 129) - would require a hospital to provide "emergency contraception" to a rape victim and impose a penalty for not doing so. Introduced on 5/31/2007 and referred to committee on Judiciary and Ethics. Public hearing held on 9/6/2007. Committee recommended adoption as amended on 9/25/2007. Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 (ASA 1) introduced 12/11/2007. ASA 1 passed; vote to suspend rules to read a third time for final passage failed. Third reading and vote on final passage scheduled for 1/23/08. Passed Assembly on 1/23/2008. Passed Senate on 2/28/2008. Governor signed bill on 3/13/2008 as Wisconsin Act 102.

AB 427 ( companion bill SB 218) - would require voluntary and informed consent for abortion and provide information on domestic abuse services. Introduced on 6/21/2007 and referred to the committee on Judiciary and Ethics. Public hearing held 9/13/2007. Bill amended in committee and passed on 9/25/2007. Passed Assembly on 10/30/2007. Referred to Senate committee Health, Human Services, Insurance, and Job Creation on 11/9/2007.

AB 467 (companion bill SB 232) - would redefine abortion to exclude any form of FDA-approved contraceptive and would require pharmacists to dispense contraceptives or be subject to disciplinary action and fines. Introduced on 7/26/2007 and referred to committee on Health and Healthcare Reform. Motion to withdraw from committee and refer to committee on Rules failed 2/26/2008.

AB 492 (companion bill SB 252 - would require the Department of Public Instruction in conjunction with the Department of Health and Family Services to provide information on the human papillomavirus and vaccine to school districts, private schools and charter schools and directs school districts and schools to make that information available to parents of 6th to 12th grade students at the beginning of every school year. Introduced on 8/28/2007 and referred to committee on Public Health. Public hearing held on 9/26/2007. Amendment 1 offered 8/30/2007.

AB 544 - defines human trafficking and trafficking of a child as specific offenses and establishes penalties for those who are convicted of either offense. Introduced on 10/16/07 and referred to committee on Criminal Justice. Public hearing held 12/0/2008. Passed committee on 2/21/2008 and referred to committee on Rules. Tabled in Assembly on 2/28/2008.

AB 569 - prohibits local ordinances, resolutions, and policies that prohibit immigration status inquiries and reports to the federal government about the presence of illegal aliens and authorizes a private right of action. Introduced 11/6/2007 and referred to committee on Judiciary and Ethics. Public hearing held 1/31/2008. Amended bill passed committee 2/22/2008. Bill with Amendment 1 passed Assembly on 2/28/2008 on voice vote. Messaged to Senate 3/5/2008.

AB 570 - makes changes in the anatomical gift law, including lowering age of person who may donate his/her body parts from 18 to 15 1/2 and expands the list of persons who may make an anatomical gift on behalf of a deceased person. Introduced on 11/6/2007 and referred to committee on Health and Healthcare Reform. Amendment 1 offered on 12/11/2007. Amended bill passed committee on 1/24/2008. Tabled in Assembly 2/28/2008.

AB 571 - equalizes physical placement (custody) of child to the highest degree. Introduced on 11/6/2007 and referred to committee on Children and Family Law. Public hearing held on 1/24/2008. Amendment 1 offered on 3/5/2008.

AB 630 - restores the right to vote to a person barred from voting as a result of a felony conviction. Introduced on 12/19/2007 and referred to committee on Elections and Constitutional Law.

AB 631 - would require certain insurers to provide maternity coverage for surrogate mothers. Introduced on 12/19/2007 and referred to committee on Health and Healthcare Reform.

AB 637 - would allow certain private schools located outside the city of Milwaukee to participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program. Introduced on 12/21/2007 and referred to committee on Education Reform. Public hearing held on 1/8/2008.

AB 651 - would remove statute of limitations for bringing an action for sexual abuse of a child. Introduced on 1/3/2008 and referred to committee on Children and Family Law. Public hearing held on 1/24/2008.

AB 670 - relates to terms of teacher employment contracts. Introduced on 1/7/2008 and referred to committee on Education Reform. Public hearing held 1/8/2008. Passed committee 2/13/2008 and referred to committee on Rules for scheduling.

AB 685 - regarding parenting plans in actions affecting the family. Introduced on 1/11/2008 and referred to committee on Children and Family Law. Public hearing held on 2/21/2008. Amended bill passed committee on 3/5/2008 and referred to committee on Rules. Scheduled for floor action on 3/11/2008.

AB 691 - would determine eligibility of certain persons for Medical Assistance without consideration of a spouse's income or assets. Introduced on 1/11/2008 and referred to committee on Health and Healthcare Reform.

AB 697 - would change requirements for virtual charter schools and their location. Introduced on 1/14/2008 and referred to committee on Education. Public hearing held on 1/16/2008.

AB 702 - would prohibit local subdivisions from regulating the placement of sex offenders. Introduced on 1/17/2008 and referred to committee on Judiciary and Ethics. Public hearing held 1/31/2008. Withdrawn from committee and referred to committee on Rules on 3/5/2008.

AB 707 (companion bill SB 359) - would permit persons to take or receive a gift for a religious or charitable organization from a candidate and would permit a candidate to make such a gift. Introduced on 1/18/2008 and referred to committee on Elections and Constitutional Law.

AB 710 (companion bill SB 416) - would conform Wisconsin's partial-birth abortion ban to the federal law found constitutional by the US Supreme Court. Introduced on 1/18/2008 and referred to committee on Judiciary and Ethics. Public hearing held 1/31/2008. Passed committee on 2/22/2008. Passed Assembly on 2/28/2008. Referred to Senate committee on Health, Human Services, Insurance, and Job Creation on 3/3/2008. Report of joint committee on Criminal Penalties requested on 3/4/2008.

AB 747 companion bill SB 400) - would require school districts to provide parents or guardians notice of abstinence-only education. Introduced on 2/4/2008 and referred to committee on Education Reform.

AB 749 (companion bill SB 398) - would repeal Wisconsin's existing criminal abortion statute. Introduced on 2/4/2008 and referred to committee on Judiciary and Ethics.

AB 750 (companion bill SB 405) - regarding human growth and development instruction, including comprehensive sex education. Introduced on 2/4/2008 and referred to committee on Education Reform.

AB 806 - would provide that the official state language of Wisconsin is English, the use of English for governmental written expression, and requiring state agencies and local governmental units to provide separate line items for costs of documents and other materials that are not in English. Introduced on 2/13/2008 and referred to committee on Jobs and The Economy. Passed committee on 3/4/2008. Passed Assembly on 3/12/2008.

AJR 1 (companion joint resolution SJR 5) - would amend section 10 (1) (c) of article V of the constitution to prohibit partial vetoes from creating new sentences (second consideration). Introduced on 1/12/2007 and referred to committee on Elections and Constitutional Law. Public hearing held 1/18/2007. Passed Assembly 2/1/2007. Referred to senate committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations on 2/2/2007. Public hearing held 6/18/2007.

AJR 2 - would amend section 2 of article IV, section 4 of article IV, section 5 of article IV and section 26 (2) (b) of article IV; and would create section 17 of article XIV of the constitution to provide staggered four−year terms for assembly representatives staggered six-year terms for state senators. The changes to the length of terms first apply to the terms for which the election in November 2010 is held (first consideration). (Currently assembly representatives are elected to two-year terms and senators are elected to staggered four-year terms. The proposed amendment would set the number of assembly representatives at 99 and the number of state senators at 33. (The constitution currently sets a range of the number of seats, not a specific number.) Introduced on 1/12/2007 and referred to committee on Elections and Constitutional Law.

AJR 5 - would rename the "State Holiday Tree" to the "Wisconsin State Christmas Tree." Introduced on 1/12/2007 and referred to committee on State Affairs. Public hearing held on 11/28/2007. Reported favorably out of committee on 12/6/2007. Passed 12/11/2007. Referred to Senate Ethics Reform and Government Operations committee on 12/13/2007.

AJR 13 - would amend section 6 of article IV and section 1 of article X; amend section 2 of article V and section 1 of article VI; and create section 6 (2) of article IV, section 2 (2) of article V, section 1 (2) of article VI and section 1 (2) (b) of article X of the constitutionto limits the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, and members of the legislature to not more than 12 consecutive years of service in the same office after January 1, 2011. Time served in a different office is not counted as part of the 12−year limit (first consideration). Introduced 1/30/2007 and referred to committee on Elections and Constitutional Law.

AJR 17 - would amend section 1m of article III of the constitution to require photographic identification issued by the state or federal government (second consideration). Introduced on 2/15/2007 and referred to committee on Elections and Constitutional Law. Public hearing held 2/22/2007. Passed committee on 2/27/2007. Placed on Assembly calendar 3/1/2007. Passed Assembly on 4/17/2007. Referred to Senate committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs on 4/19/2007.

AJR 23 - would amend section 1 of article VIII of the constitution to limit the annual percentage increase in property tax assessments and prohibit property tax rate increases without prior voter approval (first consideration). Introduced on 3/1/2007 and referred to committee on Elections and Constitutional Law. Public hearing held 4/19/2007.

AJR 60 - requests appropriate action by Congress, upon the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, to call a constitutional convention to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution to authorize Congress and the states to regulate campaign finance. Introduced on 7/19/2007 and referred to committee on Elections and Constitutional Law.

Senate Proposed Legislation

SB 2 - would abolish the State Elections Board and the State Ethics Board and replace them with a Government Accountability Board of seven members, four of whom must have experience as prosecutors. The bill contains provisions for enforcement and investigation and prosecution for violations of elections, ethics, and lobbyinig regulation laws. Introduced on 1/8/2007 and referred to committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations.

SB 4 - would increase the amount of the individual income tax personal exemption for certain older taxpayers. Introduced on 1/8/2007 and referred to joint survey committee on Tax Exemptions.

SB 6 - would allow a 17-year-old to vote in a primary election if that person will be 18 years old by the date of the election that follows the primary. Currently only persons 18 years and older are entitled to vote under the Wisconsin Constitution. If SB 6 passes the legislature, it will be placed on the ballot as a referendum in the November 2008 general election. Introduced on 1/16/2007 and referred to committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs. Public hearing held on 2/13/1007; passed committee 2/13/2007. Placed on Senate calendar 2/19/2007. Referred to committee on Labor, Elections and State Affairs 2/20/2007.

SB 40 - the executive budget act of the 2007 legislature. Introduced 2/14/2007 and referred to joint committee on Finance. Conference substitute amendment 1 offered by Committee of Conference on Senate Bill 40 on 10/23/2007. Passed Assembly and Senate on 10/23/2007. Approved by Governor Doyle. with partial veto on 10/26/2007 and enrolled as 2007 Wisconsin Act 20.

SB 42 - directs the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to define, prohibit and penalize bullying by students and directs school boards to adopt a policy prohibiting bullying by students and distribute the policy to all school district students once a year. Introduced on 2/15/2007 and referred to committee on Education. Public hearing held on 8/23/2007. Amendment 1 offered 10/9/2007. Passed by committee as amended 10/25/2007. Passed as amended on 11/8/2007 on a voice vote. Referred to Assembly committe on Education on 11/29/2007. Passed committee on 3/13/2008.

SB 57 (companion bill AB 124) - would generally prohibit the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) from making certain future investments, and require SWIB to divest itself of prior investments, related to Sudan. Introduced on 2/21/2007 and referred to committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, Biotechnology and Financial Institutions. Public hearing held 3/28/2007.

SB 77 - would modify campaign finance law by imposing additional registration and reporting requirements on individuals and organizations that make any communication about a candidate for election within 60 days of the election. Introduced 2/28/2007 and referred to committee on Campaign Finance Reform, Rural Issues and Information Technology. Public hearing held 5/1/2007. Passed Senate 5/9/2007. Referred to Assembly committee on Elections and Constitutional Law on 5/23/2007.

SB 129 - would require a hospital to provide "emergency contraception" to a rape victim and impose a penalty for not doing so. Introduced on 4/3/2007 and referred to committee on Health and Human Services. Public hearing held 4/25/2007. Reported out of committee 5/8/2007. Passed Senate 5/15/2007. Referred to Assembly committee on Judiciary and Ethics. Public hearing held 9/6/2007. Committee recommended adoption as amended on 9/25/2007. Awaiting floor action.

SB 151 (companion bill AB 298) - so-called "Death with Dignity Act" would permit an individual to request from his/her physician medication to kill himself/herself. A physician who refuses such a request on conscientious grounds and does not refer the patient to another physician who will fulfill his/her request may be charged with unprofessional conduct. Introduced 4/19/2007 and referred to committee on Public Health, Senior Issues, Long Term Care and Privacy. Public hearing scheduled for 1/23/08 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 411 South, State Capitol.

SB 218 - would require voluntary and informed consent for abortion and provide information on domestic abuse services. Introduced on 6/19/2007 and referred to committee on Health and Human Services.

SB 232 - would redefine abortion to exclude any form of FDA-approved contraceptive and would require pharmacists to dispense contraceptives or be subject to disciplinary action and fines. Introduced on 7/12/2007 and referred to committee on Health and Human Services. Passed committee 3/11/2008. Senate Substitute Amendment passed on 3/13/2008.

SB 252 - would require the Department of Public Instruction in conjunction with the Department of Health and Family Services to provide information on the human papillomavirus and vaccine to school districts, private schools and charter schools and directs school districts and schools to make that information available to parents of 6th to 12th grade students at the beginning of every school year. Introduced on 8/16/2007 and referred to committee on Health and Human Services. Public hearing held 10/17/2007.

SB 359 (companion bill AB 707) - would permit persons to take or receive a gift for a religious or charitable organization from a candidate and would permit a candidate to make such a gift. Introduced on 12/17/2007 and referred to committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations.

SB 398 (companion bill AB 749) - would repeal Wisconsin's existing criminal abortion statute. Introduced on 1/17/2008 and referred to committee on committee on Health, Human Services, Insurance, and Job Creation. Public hearing held 2/27/2008.

SB 400 (companion bill AB 747) - would require school districts to provide parents or guardians notice of abstinence-only education. Introduced on 1/17/2008 and referred to committee on Education.

SB 405 (companion bill AB 750) - regarding human growth and development instruction, including comprehensive sex education. Introduced on 1/22/2008 and referred to committee on Education.

SB 416 - would conform Wisconsin's partial-birth abortion ban to the federal law found constitutional by the US Supreme Court. Introduced on 1/25/2008 and referred to committee on Health, Human Services, Insurance, and Job Creation. Report of joint review committee on Criminal Penalties requested on 2/15/2008.

SJR 2 - would amend section (1) of article I of the Wisconsin Constitution to guarantee equal protection of the laws to all persons and provide that no law shall discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, age, or ancestry and requires the government to protect and secure these equal rights of the governed (first consideration). Introduced on 1/9/2007 and referred to committee on Judiciary and Corrections.

SJR 5 (companion resolution AJR 1) - would amend section 10 (1) (c) of article V of the constitution to prohibit partial vetoes from creating new sentences (second consideration). Introduced on 1/16/2007 and referred to committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations. Public hearing held 6/18/2007. Passed committee on 11/30/2007. Passed Senate unanimously on 12/11/2007. Awaiting floor action in Assembly; referred to committee on Rules on 12/14/2007.